Molecular Markers Associated with Heat Tolerance in Wheat

Abstract

High temperatures have emerged as a major significant barrier for wheat production, which is generally adapted to the high temperature and sub-tropical environment. The sensitivity of wheat to high temperature a very high mainly during the grain filling stages due to the vulnerability of abiotic stresses. In the tropical and sub-tropical regions, each increase in ambient temperature can lower grain yield by 3-20%. Tolerance to high temperature is a complicated phenomenon and a quantitative trait that influences a variety of physiological and agronomic traits. No single trait thoroughly explains why certain wheat varieties can produce higher yield even when exposed to heat stress. Genes and molecular markers associated with stress tolerance mechanisms are crucial for improving crop productivity under high temperature environment. Different genotypes respond differently to heat stress, and this is mediated by genes or quantitative trait loci (QTL). Genotypes that are either high temperature stress resistant or mature early without yield loss, allowing them to avoid stress are needed to be produced. Plant breeders should concentrate on current yield patterns and environmental stress, as well as traits related to yield stability and sustainability. To increase the possibility of success of new methods like DNA marker technology will be needed despite the persistent yield enhancement from conventional breeding