Abstract
Sunn pest (Eurygaster integriceps Put.) represents one of the most destructive insect pests affecting durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) production across Central Anatolia and the broader West Asia and North Africa region. Breeding resistant cultivars offers a sustainable alternative to chemical controls, yet commercial durum germplasm lacks sufficient genetic diversity for Sunn pest resistance. In this study, we evaluated 120 accessions of wild wheat relatives (Aegilops spp. and wild Triticum species) collected across Central Anatolian provinces for phenotypic resistance under controlled infestation and natural field pressure. Phenotypic screening revealed significantly lower nymph survival rates (18–25%) and lower grain damage indices (<5%) in specific Aegilops triuncialis and Aegilops speltoides accessions compared to sensitive durum controls (>75% damage). Molecular characterization using high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping identified three major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes 2B, 5A, and 7A associated with reduced feeding preference and diminished salivary protease activity. Candidate gene analysis highlighted serine protease inhibitors and lectin-like proteins within these genomic regions. These findings demonstrate that wild wheat relatives from Central Anatolia harbor valuable genetic resources for Sunn pest resistance, offering novel targets for marker-assisted introgressions into modern durum wheat breeding programs.
