Chromosomal localization of genes for carotenoid pigments using addition lines of Hordeum chilense in wheat

x Tritordeum sp. (Ascherson et Graebner) is the amphiploid obtained after chromosome doubling of hybrids between Hordeum chilense (Roem. et Schult.) and diploid, tetraploid or hexaploid wheats. Tritordeums have consistently higher carotenoid pigment contents than durum or bread wheat. Two distinct H. chilense accessions (used for the synthesis of tritordeum) were analysed for this trait. The chromosomal localization of the genes coding the ability of H. chilense to increase the carotene content of wheat were carried out using two sets of wheat-H. chilense addition lines. The a arm of chromosome 7H(ch) is proposed to be responsible for the high carotene content in tritordeum. The implication of this finding in wheat breeding is discussed.