Characterization and mapping of Lr65 in spelt wheat 'Altgold Rotkorn'

A leaf rust resistance gene (temporarily designated LrARK0;) was identified in the Swiss spelt wheat Altgold Rotkorn and mapped to chromosome 2A. The gene was located 2 cM distal to marker Xgwm614 (co-segregating with markers Xbarc124, Xbarc212, XE34M48-103 and XE38M53-334) on chromosome 2AS. This map location is similar to that of LrAlt identified in the same germplasm in a previous study. Based on gene location, allelism tests and pathogen specificity, this leaf rust resistance gene was designated Lr65. A single gene stock (AUS 91455) in a Triticum aestivum background was developed and registered for utilization and research purposes. The gene was widely effective against Australian and German isolates of Puccinia triticina.