In this study, DNA markers derived from portions of the
major blast resistance gene, Pi-ta, were used to determine the
presence or absence of Pi-ta among 141 accessions. DNA
marker results were verified by classical pathogenicity assays.
A total of 20 accessions containing Pi-ta were from China,
Colombia, Japan, Vietnam, Philippine, Iran and the United
States. These Pi-ta-containing accessions can be immediately
used as donor lines for this broad-spectrum R gene. Additionally,
these Pi-ta markers can be used in subsequent selection of
the Pi-ta gene for its incorporation into advanced germplasm.