Molecular identification of the D-genome chromosomes of wheat

A highly repeated DNA sequence isolated from Aegllops squarrosa was used to Identify specific chromosomes in hexaploid wheat. The DNA sequence found In clone pAS1 appears D-genome specific and, therefore, allows for the unambiguous identification of the D-genome chromosomes. In situ hybridization using blotin labeled DNA probes was found to be a rapid and reliable technique to identify sites of hybridization on D-genome chromosomes. Multiple sites of hybridization of the sequence allowed the Identification of all seven pairs of the D-genome chromosomes.