Yellow rust (YR) epidemics have affected wheat productivity worldwide. YR resistance (Yr) is eminent in wheat; however, it is continuously invaded by evolving YR pathogen Puccinia striiformis (Pst.). Understanding the Yr genes’ diversity among the available germplasm is paramount to developing YR-resistant cultivars. In this study, 14 wheat genotypes were screened for their relative resistance index (RRI) and Yr genes/QTL via linked microsatellite markers. RRI screening categorized the studied genotypes into susceptible (7; 8.45 ± 0.25) bulks (p Pst. races that triggered Yr26, Yr5, and Yr15 busts in recent past. This study further implies that pyramiding all stage resistance genes (Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, and Yr26) with adult plant resistance genes (Yr18 and Yr62) should provide sustained YR resistance. The associated alleles at Yr genes-linked markers provide a basis for marker-assisted YR resistance breeding in wheat.
