A biochemical marker was utilized to facilitate detection of chromosome 1B, 1BL/1RS translocation heterozygote plants in segregating backcross progenies during the development of 1BL/1RS homozygous lines in several Triticum turgidum L. cultivars (2n = 4x = 28; AABB). Isoelectric focussing of glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) on either pH 3.5-9.5 or 5.5-8.5 polyacrylamide gels facilitated the detection of 1B, 1BL/1RS translocation heterozygotes from the homozygous 1B or 1BL/1RS derivatives during each backcross of the heterozygote to the respective recurrent parent. The biochemical diagnostic procedure complements the more time consuming and cumbersome chromosome banding technique. This GPI diagnostic in durum 1BL/1RS development is also swifter than a similar stocks development in T. aestivum where both GPI and acid PAGE are essential.