Identification and characterization of some ITS variants from hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

We report the presence of intra-individual ITS variants among Indian bread wheat varieties by PCR-RFLP analysis. The analysis using HaeIII enzyme detected four polymorphic fragments among genotypes. A detailed analysis showed that the 300 bp HaeIII polymorphic fragment has arisen due to a point mutation in the ITS region leading to the loss of a HaeIII site. Genetic analysis showed that 300 bp HaeIII ITS variant in var. Kalyansona was located on the chromosome 1B. Of the remaining three polymorphic fragments, two were found to have originated from a NOR locus on the 1R chromosome of rye. Based on the combinations of the ITS variants present among the wheat varieties analyzed, the ITS variant that gave rise to the fourth polymorphic fragment (250 bp) was predicted to be located on a chromosome other than 1B.