[Genetics] Discovery of the Stem Rust Resistance Gene Sr68

Stem rust, including the highly virulent Ug99 race group, remains a major threat to global wheat production. In collaboration with researchers from the USDA-ARS Cereal Disease Laboratory, Kansas State University, and international wheat genetics teams, we identified a novel resistance gene, Sr68, derived from the wild relative Thinopyrum junceum. Using cytogenetic and molecular approaches, the gene was introgressed into wheat chromosome arm 1BS. The resulting lines provide new genetic resources for breeding wheat resistant to emerging stem rust races while also reducing gluten immunogenic proteins. These germplasm resources strengthen efforts to protect global wheat production from evolving pathogens.