Identifying and validating SSR markers linked with rust resistance in lentil (Lens culinaris)

Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from a cross between rust resistant (FLIP-2004-7L) and susceptible (L-9-12) genotypes were phenotyped against lentil rust at two hot-spot locations for two consecutive years (2017-2018 and 2018-2019) and analysed genetically for molecular map construction. Based on the mean score of both the locations, the RILs were classified into resistant and susceptible classes. The frequency distribution of disease severity in the RILs did not show a continuous variation, which strongly indicate the role of a major gene controlling the rust resistance. Resistant and susceptible bulks were constituted based on phenotypic data of RILs. Of 389 SSR markers, eight were found polymorphic between bulks. Genotyping of RILs with these eight markers revealed two markers, namely LcSSR440 and LcSSR606, showing co-segregation with rust resistance, which flanked the gene at 8.3 and 8.1cM, respectively. The applicability of these markers for marker-assisted breeding was further evaluated on a set of rust resistant and susceptible genotypes of lentil.