EXPLORING THE GENETIC BASIS OF DROUGHT RESISTANCE IN WHEAT: NOVEL GENE IDENTIFICATION AND MARKER DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study explores the genetic basis of drought resistance in wheat by identifying novel genes and developing molecular markers for use in marker-assisted breeding. A diverse set of wheat genotypes, including both drought-tolerant and susceptible varieties, was analyzed under controlled drought stress conditions. Physiological traits such as relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, and leaf water potential were measured, showing significant variation in drought tolerance. The results indicated that certain genotypes exhibited superior drought resistance, characterized by higher RWC, chlorophyll content, and grain yield under stress. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with drought tolerance, with markers such as SNP001 (chromosome 1A) showing significant associations with root depth and water transport. Differential gene expression analysis further revealed genes involved in osmotic regulation, root development, and antioxidant defense that were upregulated under drought stress, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of drought resistance. The identified SNP markers and genes were validated in a diverse set of wheat genotypes, confirming their potential for use in breeding programs. The study also established correlations between drought tolerance traits and yield components, further supporting the effectiveness of physiological markers in selecting drought-resistant genotypes. These findings provide a comprehensive approach to improving drought resistance in wheat, laying the foundation for future research focused on developing climate-resilient wheat varieties through genomic and physiological interventions.