Molecular markers for various traits in wheat and methods of use

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/671,423, filed Jul. 13, 2012, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

The official copy of the sequence listing is submitted concurrently with the specification as a text file via EFS-Web, in compliance with the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII), with a file name of 434334seqlist.txt, a creation date of Jul. 9, 2013 and a size of 156 Kb. The sequence listing filed via EFS-Web is part of the specification and is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods useful in identifying and/or selecting wheat plants or germplasm for heading date, flowering date, anther-extrusion, and/or fusarium head blight resistance.

Wheat is one of the most important crops worldwide. World demand for wheat requires that improvements continue to be made in both wheat yield and quality. While conventional wheat breeding has resulted in improved wheat yields in the past, the last decade has seen little to no improvement. This is largely due to lack of knowledge about the genetic architecture of most complex traits and our inability to select for traits in a cost effective manner as part of a conventional breeding program (Gupta et al. 2010 . Mol Breeding 26:145-161).

Breeding for desirable traits in wheat has been performed largely by phenotyping in the field and/or greenhouse. However, to effectively and accurately phenotype traits, such as e.g. heading, anther-extrusion, flowering and fusarium head blight resistance, wheat lines often have to be selfed several times to obtain homozygous material. In addition, since these traits are influenced by environmental conditions, the wheat lines need to be phenotyped in several locations and across several years, thereby requiring significant time, monetary, and land resources.

The identification of genetic markers linked to a favorable phenotype (i.e. trait) of interest, such as e.g. heading, anther-extrusion, flowering and fusarium head blight resistance, permits wheat lines to be genotyped at relatively little expense and during earlier stages of development, thereby allowing for the retention of only the lines with favorable genotypic information. This process is known as marker assisted selection. Methods of marker assisted selection allow breeders to avoid several generations of selling, eliminating a large part of the phenotyping efforts, and ultimately leads to more rapid improvements in wheat at a lower cost and with significantly less field resources.

As such, there is a continual need for wheat plants with improved phenotypic traits. Thus, it is desirable to provide compositions and methods for identifying and selecting such plants.

Methods and compositions for identifying and/or selecting wheat plants or germplasm for flowering date, heading date, anther-extrusion, and/or fusarium head blight resistance are provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises detecting at least one marker locus, marker profile or marker haplotype that is associated with flowering date, heading date, anther-extrusion, and/or fusarium head blight resistance. In further embodiments, the method further comprises crossing a selected wheat plant with a second wheat plant.

The identification and selection of wheat plants or germplasm with improved properties through the use of marker assisted selection can greatly enhance a breeding program and the improvement of wheat varieties. The present invention provides marker loci that demonstrate statistically significant cosegregation with a trait of interest. Detection of these loci or additional linked loci can be used to produce wheat plants with desirable characteristics, such as for example, with respect to flowering date, heading date, anther-extrusion, and/or fusarium head blight resistance.

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, terms in the singular and the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the”, for example, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “plant”, “the plant” or “a plant” also includes a plurality of plants; also, depending on the context, use of the term “plant” can also include genetically similar or identical progeny of that plant; use of the term “a nucleic acid” optionally includes, as a practical matter, many copies of that nucleic acid molecule; similarly, the term “probe” optionally (and typically) encompasses many similar or identical probe molecules.

Unless otherwise indicated, nucleic acids are written left to right in 5′ to 3′ orientation. Numeric ranges recited within the specification are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer or any non-integer fraction within the defined range. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice for testing of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

Additionally, as used herein, “comprising” is to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, for example, a kit comprising one pair of oligonucleotide primers may have two or more pairs of oligonucleotide primers. Additionally, the term “comprising” is intended to include examples encompassed by the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of:” Similarly, the term “consisting essentially of” is intended to include examples encompassed by the term “consisting of:”

Certain definitions used in the specification and claims are provided below. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, including the scope to be given such terms, the following definitions are provided:

“Agronomics,” “agronomic traits,” and “agronomic performance” refer to the traits (and underlying genetic elements) of a given plant variety that contribute to yield over the course of a growing season. Individual agronomic traits include emergence vigor, vegetative vigor, stress tolerance, disease resistance or tolerance, insect resistance or tolerance, herbicide resistance, branching, flowering, seed set, seed size, seed density, standability, threshability, and the like.

“Allele” means any of one or more alternative forms of a genetic sequence. In a diploid cell or organism, for example, the two alleles of a given sequence typically occupy corresponding loci on a pair of homologous chromosomes. With regard to a SNP marker, allele refers to the specific nucleotide base present at that SNP locus in that individual plant.

An allele is “associated with” a trait when it is part of or linked to a DNA sequence or allele that affects the expression of the trait. The presence of the allele is an indicator of how the trait will be expressed.

The term “amplifying” in the context of nucleic acid amplification is any process whereby additional copies of a selected nucleic acid (or a transcribed form thereof) are produced. Typical amplification methods include various polymerase based replication methods, including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), ligase mediated methods, such as the ligase chain reaction (LCR), and RNA polymerase based amplification (e.g., by transcription) methods. An “amplicon” is an amplified nucleic acid, e.g., a nucleic acid that is produced by amplifying a template nucleic acid by any available amplification method (e.g., PCR, LCR, transcription, or the like).

An “ancestral line” is a parent line used as a source of genes, e.g., for the development of elite lines.

An “ancestral population” is a group of ancestors that have contributed the bulk of the genetic variation that was used to develop elite lines.

“Backcrossing” is a process in which a breeder crosses a progeny variety back to one of the parental genotypes one or more times.

The term “chromosome segment” designates a contiguous linear span of genomic DNA that resides in planta on a single chromosome.

The term “complement” refers to a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a given nucleotide sequence, i.e. the sequences are related by the Watson-Crick base-pairing rules.

“Cultivar” and “variety” are used synonymously and mean a group of plants within a species (e.g., Triticum aestivum ) that share certain genetic traits that separate them from other possible varieties within that species. Wheat cultivars are inbred lines produced after several generations of self-pollinations. Individuals within a wheat cultivar are homogeneous, nearly genetically identical, with most loci in the homozygous state.

An “elite line” is an agronomically superior line that has resulted from many cycles of breeding and selection for superior agronomic performance. Numerous elite lines are available and known to those of skill in the art of wheat breeding.

An “elite population” is an assortment of elite individuals or lines that can be used to represent the state of the art in terms of agronomically superior genotypes of a given crop species, such as wheat.

An “exotic wheat strain” or an “exotic wheat germplasm” is a strain or germplasm derived from a wheat not belonging to an available elite wheat line or strain of germplasm. In the context of a cross between two wheat plants or strains of germplasm, an exotic germplasm is not closely related by descent to the elite germplasm with which it is crossed. Most commonly, the exotic germplasm is not derived from any known elite line of wheat, but rather is selected to introduce novel genetic elements (typically novel alleles) into a breeding program.

A “favorable allele” is the allele at a particular locus that confers, or contributes to, an agronomically desirable phenotype, e.g., improved resistance to Fusarium head blight, and that allows the identification of plants with that agronomically desirable phenotype. A favorable allele of a marker is a marker allele that segregates with the favorable phenotype.

A “genetic map” is a description of genetic linkage relationships among loci on one or more chromosomes (or linkage groups) within a given species, generally depicted in a diagrammatic or tabular form. For each genetic map, distances between loci are measured by how frequently their alleles appear together in a population (their recombination frequencies). Alleles can be detectedusing DNA or protein markers, or observable phenotypes. A genetic map is a product of the mapping population, types of markers used, and the polymorphic potential of each marker between different populations. Genetic distances between loci can differ from one genetic map to another. However, information can be correlated from one map to another using common markers. One of ordinary skill in the art can use common marker positions to identify positions of markers and other loci of interest on each individual genetic map. The order of loci should not change between maps, although frequently there are small changes in marker orders due to e.g. markers detecting alternate duplicate loci in different populations, differences in statistical approaches used to order the markers, novel mutation or laboratory error.

“Genetic recombination frequency” is the frequency of a crossing over event (recombination) between two genetic loci. Recombination frequency can be observed by following the segregation of markers and/or traits following meiosis.

“Genome” refers to the total DNA, or the entire set of genes, carried by a chromosome or chromosome set.

“Genotype” refers to the genetic constitution of a cell or organism.

“Germplasm” means the genetic material that comprises the physical foundation of the hereditary qualities of an organism. As used herein, germplasm includes seeds and living tissue from which new plants may be grown; or, another plant part, such as leaf, stem, pollen, or cells, that may be cultured into a whole plant. Germplasm resources provide sources of genetic traits used by plant breeders to improve commercial cultivars.

A “haplotype” is the genotype of an individual at a plurality of genetic loci, i.e. a combination of alleles. Typically, the genetic loci described by a haplotype are physically and genetically linked, i.e., on the same chromosome segment. The term “haplotype” can refer to alleles at a particular locus, or to alleles at multiple loci along a chromosomal segment.

An individual is “homozygous” if the individual has only one type of allele at a given locus (e.g., a diploid individual has a copy of the same allele at a locus for each of two homologous chromosomes). An individual is “heterozygous” if more than one allele type is present at a given locus (e.g., a diploid individual with one copy each of two different alleles). The term “homogeneity” indicates that members of a group have the same genotype at one or more specific loci. In contrast, the term “heterogeneity” is used to indicate that individuals within the group differ in genotype at one or more specific loci.

The term “indel” refers to an insertion or deletion, wherein one line may be referred to as having an inserted nucleotide or piece of DNA relative to a second line, or the second line may be referred to as having a deleted nucleotide or piece of DNA relative to the first line.

“Introgression” means the entry or introduction of a gene, QTL, marker locus, haplotype, marker profile, trait, or trait locus from the genome of one plant into the genome of another plant.

A “line” or “strain” is a group of individuals of identical parentage that are generally inbred to some degree and that are generally homozygous and homogeneous at most loci (isogenic or near isogenic). A “subline” refers to an inbred subset of descendents that are genetically distinct from other similarly inbred subsets descended from the same progenitor. Traditionally, a subline has been derived by inbreeding the seed from an individual wheat plant selected at the F3 to F5 generation until the residual segregating loci are “fixed” or homozygous across most or all loci. Commercial wheat varieties (or lines) are typically produced by aggregating (“bulking”) the self-pollinated progeny of a single F3 to F5 plant from a controlled cross between 2 genetically different parents. While the variety typically appears uniform, the self-pollinating variety derived from the selected plant eventually (e.g., F8) becomes a mixture of homozygous plants that can vary in genotype at any locus that was heterozygous in the originally selected F3 to F5 plant. Marker-based sublines that differ from each other based on qualitative polymorphism at the DNA level at one or more specific marker loci are derived by genotyping a sample of seed derived from individual self-pollinated progeny derived from a selected F3-F5 plant. The seed sample can be genotyped directly as seed, or as plant tissue grown from such a seed sample. Optionally, seed sharing a common genotype at the specified locus (or loci) are bulked providing a subline that is genetically homogenous at identified loci important for a trait of interest (e.g., anther-extrusion, flowering date, heading date and/or fusarium head blight resistance, etc.).

“Linkage” refers to a phenomenon wherein alleles on the same chromosome tend to segregate together more often than expected by chance if their transmission was independent. Genetic recombination occurs with an assumed random frequency over the entire genome. Genetic maps are constructed by measuring the frequency of recombination between pairs of traits or markers. The closer the traits or markers are to each other on the chromosome, the lower the frequency of recombination, and the greater the degree of linkage. Traits or markers are considered herein to be linked if they generally co-segregate. A 1/100 probability of recombination per generation is defined as a map distance of 1.0 centiMorgan (1.0 cM).

The genetic elements or genes located on a single chromosome segment are physically linked. Advantageously, the two loci are located in close proximity such that recombination between homologous chromosome pairs does not occur between the two loci during meiosis with high frequency, e.g., such that linked loci co-segregate at least about 90% of the time, e.g., 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.75%, or more of the time. The genetic elements located within a chromosome segment are also genetically linked, typically within a genetic recombination distance of less than or equal to 50 centimorgans (cM), e.g., about 49, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.75, 0.5, or 0.25 cM or less. That is, two genetic elements within a single chromosome segment undergo recombination during meiosis with each other at a frequency of less than or equal to about 50%, e.g., about 49%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.75%, 0.5%, or 0.25% or less.

The phrase “closely linked” with respect to loci, in the present application, means that recombination between two linked loci occurs with a frequency of equal to or less than about 10% (i.e., are separated on a genetic map by not more than 10 cM). Put another way, the closely linked loci co-segregate at least 90% of the time. Marker loci are especially useful in the present invention when they demonstrate a significant probability of co-segregation (linkage) with a desired trait (e.g., pathogenic resistance). Closely linked loci such as a marker locus and a second locus can display an inter-locus recombination frequency of 10% or less, preferably about 9% or less, still more preferably about 8% or less, yet more preferably about 7% or less, still more preferably about 6% or less, yet more preferably about 5% or less, still more preferably about 4% or less, yet more preferably about 3% or less, and still more preferably about 2% or less. In highly preferred embodiments, the relevant loci display a recombination a frequency of about 1% or less, e.g., about 0.75% or less, more preferably about 0.5% or less, or yet more preferably about 0.25% or less. Two loci that are localized to the same chromosome, and at such a distance that recombination between the two loci occurs at a frequency of less than 10% (e.g., about 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.75%, 0.5%, 0.25%, or less) are also said to be “proximal to” each other. In some cases, two different markers can have the same genetic map coordinates. In that case, the two markers are in such close proximity to each other that recombination occurs between them with such low frequency that it is undetectable.

When referring to the relationship between two genetic elements, such as a genetic element contributing to resistance and a proximal marker, “coupling” phase linkage indicates the state where the “favorable” allele at the locus is physically associated on the same chromosome strand as the “favorable” allele of the respective linked marker locus. In coupling phase, both favorable alleles are inherited together by progeny that inherit that chromosome strand. In “repulsion” phase linkage, the “favorable” allele at the locus of interest is physically linked with an “unfavorable” allele at the proximal marker locus, and the two “favorable” alleles are not inherited together (i.e., the two loci are “out of phase” with each other).

“Linkage disequilibrium” refers to a phenomenon wherein alleles tend to remain together in linkage groups when segregating from parents to offspring, with a greater frequency than expected from their individual frequencies. The state of being in linkage disequilibrium implies that the relevant loci are within sufficient physical proximity along a length of a chromosome so that they segregate together with greater than random (i.e., non-random) frequency. Markers that show linkage disequilibrium are considered linked. Linked loci co-segregate more than 50% of the time, e.g., from about 51% to about 100% of the time. In other words, two markers that co-segregate have a recombination frequency of less than 50% (and by definition, are separated by less than 50 cM on the same linkage group.) As used herein, linkage can be between two markers, or alternatively between a marker and a locus affecting a phenotype. A marker locus can be “associated with” (linked to) a trait. The degree of linkage of a marker locus and a locus affecting a phenotypic trait is measured, e.g., as a statistical probability of co-segregation of that molecular marker with the phenotype (e.g., an F statistic or LOD score).

“Linkage group” (LG) refers to traits or markers that generally co-segregate. A linkage group generally corresponds to a chromosomal region containing genetic material that encodes the traits or markers. As such, a linkage group can generally be assigned to a certain chromosome.

“Locus” is a defined segment of DNA. For example, it can refer to a position on a chromosome, where a nucleotide, gene, sequence, or marker is located.

A “map location” is an assigned location on a genetic map relative to linked genetic markers where a specified marker can be found within a given species.

“Mapping” is the process of defining the linkage relationships of loci through the use of genetic markers, populations segregating for the markers, and standard genetic principles of recombination frequency.

“Marker” or “molecular marker” or “marker locus” is a term used to denote a nucleic acid or amino acid sequence that is sufficiently unique to characterize a specific locus on the genome. Examples include Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs), Single Sequence Repeats (SSRs), Target Region Amplification Polymorphisms (TRAPs), Isozyme Electrophoresis, Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), Arbitrarily Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs), and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Additionally, other types of molecular markers are known in the art, and phenotypic traits may also be used as markers in the methods. All markers are used to define a specific locus on the wheat genome. Each marker is therefore an indicator of a specific segment of DNA, having a unique nucleotide sequence. The map positions provide a measure of the relative positions of particular markers with respect to one another. When a trait is stated to be linked to a given marker it will be understood that the actual DNA segment whose sequence affects the trait generally co-segregates with the marker. More precise and definite localization of a trait can be obtained if markers are identified on both sides of the trait. By measuring the appearance of the marker(s) in progeny of crosses, the existence of the trait can be detected by relatively simple molecular tests without actually evaluating the appearance of the trait itself, which can be difficult and time-consuming because the actual evaluation of the trait requires growing plants to a stage where the trait can be expressed.

“Marker assisted selection” refers to the process of selecting a desired trait or traits in a plant or plants by detecting one or more nucleic acids from the plant, where the nucleic acid is linked to the desired trait, and then selecting the plant or germplasm possessing those one or more nucleic acids.

In certain examples, multiple marker loci or haplotypes are used to define a “marker profile”. As used herein, “marker profile” means the combination of two or more marker locus or haplotypes within a particular plant's genome. For instance, in one example, a particular combination of marker locus or a particular combination of haplotypes define the marker profile of a particular plant.

The term “phenotype”, “phenotypic trait”, or “trait” can refer to the observable expression of a gene or series of genes. The phenotype can be observable to the naked eye, or by any other means of evaluation known in the art, e.g., weighing, counting, measuring (length, width, angles, etc.), microscopy, biochemical analysis, or an electromechanical assay. In some cases, a phenotype is directly controlled by a single gene or genetic locus, i.e., a “single gene traitor a “simply inherited trait”. In the absence of large levels of environmental variation, single gene traits can segregate in a population to give a “qualitative” or “discrete” distribution, i.e. the phenotype falls into discrete classes. In other cases, a phenotype is the result of several genes and can be considered a “multigenic trait” or a “complex trait”. Multigenic traits segregate in a population to give a “quantitative” or “continuous” distribution, i.e. the phenotype cannot be separated into discrete classes. Both single gene and multigenic traits can be affected by the environment in which they are being expressed, but multigenic traits tend to have a larger environmental component.

A “favorable trait” or “favorable phenotype”, such as for instance, improved resistance to fusarium head blight is an agronomically desirable phenotype. In some cases, such as e.g. with flowering date and heading date, the desirable phenotype is region dependent.

The term “plant” includes reference to an immature or mature whole plant, including a plant from which seed or grain or anthers have been removed. Seed or embryo that will produce the plant is also considered to be the plant.

“Plant parts” means any portion or piece of a plant, including leaves, stems, buds, roots, root tips, anthers, seed, grain, embryo, pollen, ovules, flowers, cotyledons, hypocotyls, pods, flowers, shoots, stalks, tissues, tissue cultures, cells and the like.

“Polymorphism” means a change or difference between two related nucleic acids. A “nucleotide polymorphism” refers to a nucleotide that is different in one sequence when compared to a related sequence when the two nucleic acids are aligned for maximal correspondence.

“Polynucleotide,” “polynucleotide sequence,” “nucleic acid sequence,” “nucleic acid fragment,” and “oligonucleotide” are used interchangeably herein. These terms encompass nucleotide sequences and the like. A polynucleotide may be a polymer of RNA or DNA that is single- or double-stranded, that optionally contains synthetic, non-natural, or altered nucleotide bases. A polynucleotide in the form of a polymer of DNA may be comprised of one or more strands of cDNA, genomic DNA, synthetic DNA, or mixtures thereof.

“Primer” refers to an oligonucleotide (synthetic or occurring naturally), which is capable of acting as a point of initiation of nucleic acid synthesis or replication along a complementary strand when placed under conditions in which synthesis of a complementary strand is catalyzed by a polymerase. Typically, primers are oligonucleotides from 10 to 30 nucleic acids in length, but longer or shorter sequences can be employed. Primers may be provided in double-stranded form, though the single-stranded form is preferred. A primer can further contain a detectable label, for example a 5′ end label.

“Probe” refers to an oligonucleotide (synthetic or occurring naturally) that is complementary (though not necessarily fully complementary) to a polynucleotide of interest and forms a duplexed structure by hybridization with at least one strand of the polynucleotide of interest. Typically, probes are oligonucleotides from 10 to 50 nucleic acids in length, but longer or shorter sequences can be employed. A probe can further contain a detectable label. The terms “label” and “detectable label” refer to a molecule capable of detection, including, but not limited to, radioactive isotopes, fluorescers, chemiluminescers, enzymes, enzyme substrates, enzyme cofactors, enzyme inhibitors, chromophores, dyes, metal ions, metal sols, semiconductor nanocrystals, ligands (e.g., biotin, avidin, streptavidin, or haptens), and the like. A detectable label can also include a combination of a reporter and a quencher, such as are employed in FRET probes or TaqMan™ probes. The term “reporter” refers to a substance or a portion thereof which is capable of exhibiting a detectable signal, which signal can be suppressed by a quencher. The detectable signal of the reporter is, e.g., fluorescence in the detectable range. The term “quencher” refers to a substance or portion thereof which is capable of suppressing, reducing, inhibiting, etc., the detectable signal produced by the reporter. As used herein, the terms “quenching” and “fluorescence energy transfer” refer to the process whereby, when a reporter and a quencher are in close proximity, and the reporter is excited by an energy source, a substantial portion of the energy of the excited state nonradiatively transfers to the quencher where it either dissipates nonradiatively or is emitted at a different emission wavelength than that of the reporter.

The term “quantitative trait locus” or “QTL” refers to a region of DNA that is associated with the differential expression of a quantitative phenotypic trait in at least one genetic background, e.g., in at least one breeding population. The region of the QTL encompasses or is closely linked to the gene or genes that affect the trait in question.

A “reference sequence” or a “consensus sequence” is a defined sequence used as a basis for sequence comparison. The reference sequence for a PHM marker is obtained by sequencing a number of lines at the locus, aligning the nucleotide sequences in a sequence alignment program (e.g. Sequencher), and then obtaining the most common nucleotide sequence of the alignment. Polymorphisms found among the individual sequences are annotated within the consensus sequence. A reference sequence is not usually an exact copy of any individual DNA sequence, but represents an amalgam of available sequences and is useful for designing primers and probes to polymorphisms within the sequence.

“Recombination frequency” is the frequency of a crossing over event (recombination) between two genetic loci. Recombination frequency can be observed by following the segregation of markers and/or traits during meiosis.

“Self crossing,” “self pollination,” or “selling” is a process through which a breeder crosses a plant with itself; for example, a second generation hybrid F2 with itself to yield progeny designated F2:3.

“SNP” or “single nucleotide polymorphism” means a sequence variation that occurs when a single nucleotide (A, T, C, or G) in the genome sequence is altered or variable. “SNP markers” exist when SNPs are mapped to sites on the wheat genome. Many techniques for detecting SNPs are known in the art, including allele specific hybridization, primer extension, direct sequencing, and real-time PCR, such as the TaqMan™ assay.

“Transgenic plant” refers to a plant that comprises within its cells an exogenous polynucleotide. Generally, the exogenous polynucleotide is stably integrated within the genome such that the polynucleotide is passed on to successive generations. The exogenous polynucleotide may be integrated into the genome alone or as part of a recombinant expression cassette. “Transgenic” is used herein to refer to any cell, cell line, callus, tissue, plant part, or plant, the genotype of which has been altered by the presence of exogenous nucleic acid including those transgenic organisms or cells initially so altered, as well as those created by crosses or asexual propagation from the initial transgenic organism or cell. The term “transgenic” as used herein does not encompass the alteration of the genome (chromosomal or extra-chromosomal) by conventional plant breeding methods (e.g., crosses) or by naturally occurring events such as random cross-fertilization, non-recombinant viral infection, non-recombinant bacterial transformation, non-recombinant transposition, or spontaneous mutation.

An “unfavorable allele” of a marker is a marker allele that segregates with the unfavorable plant phenotype, therefore providing the benefit of identifying plants that can be removed from a breeding program or planting.

The term “vector” is used in reference to polynucleotide or other molecules that transfer nucleic acid segment(s) into a cell. A vector optionally comprises parts which mediate vector maintenance and enable its intended use (e.g., sequences necessary for replication, genes imparting drug or antibiotic resistance, a multiple cloning site, operably linked promoter/enhancer elements which enable the expression of a cloned gene, etc.). Vectors are often derived from plasmids, bacteriophages, or plant or animal viruses.

The term “yield” refers to the productivity per unit area of a particular plant product of commercial value. For example, yield of wheat is commonly measured in bushels of seed per acre or metric tons of seed per hectare per season or head per acre or seed per head. Yield is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Yield is the final culmination of all agronomic traits.

Turning now to the embodiments:

Identification of Markers, Haplotypes and/or Marker Profiles Associated with Traits of Interest

A variety of methods well known in the art are available for detecting molecular markers or clusters of molecular markers that co-segregate with a trait of interest, such as heading date, flowering date, anther-extrusion, and/or fusarium head blight resistance. The basic idea underlying these methods is the detection of markers, for which alternative genotypes (or alleles) have significantly different average phenotypes. Thus, one makes a comparison among marker loci of the magnitude of difference among alternative genotypes (or alleles) or the level of significance of that difference. Trait genes are inferred to be located nearest the marker(s) that have the greatest associated genotypic difference.

Two such methods used to detect trait loci of interest are: 1) Population-based association analysis and 2) Traditional linkage analysis. In a population-based association analysis, lines are obtained from pre-existing populations with multiple founders, e.g. elite breeding lines. Population-based association analyses rely on the decay of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and the idea that in an unstructured population, only correlations between genes controlling a trait of interest and markers closely linked to those genes will remain after so many generations of random mating. In reality, most pre-existing populations have population substructure. Thus, the use of a structured association approach helps to control population structure by allocating individuals to populations using data obtained from markers randomly distributed across the genome, thereby minimizing disequilibrium due to population structure within the individual populations (also called subpopulations). The phenotypic values are compared to the genotypes (alleles) at each marker locus for each line in the subpopulation. A significant marker-trait association indicates the close proximity between the marker locus and one or more genetic loci that are involved in the expression of that trait.

The same principles underlie traditional linkage analysis; however, LD is generated by creating a population from a small number of founders. The founders are selected to maximize the level of polymorphism within the constructed population, and polymorphic sites are assessed for their level of cosegregation with a given phenotype. A number of statistical methods have been used to identify significant marker-trait associations. One such method is an interval mapping approach (Lander and Botstein, Genetics 121:185-199 (1989), in which each of many positions along a genetic map (say at 1 cM intervals) is tested for the likelihood that a gene controlling a trait of interest is located at that position. The genotype/phenotype data are used to calculate for each test position a LOD score (log of likelihood ratio). When the LOD score exceeds a threshold value, there is significant evidence for the location of a gene controlling the trait of interest at that position on the genetic map (which will fall between two particular marker loci).

The present disclosure provides marker loci that demonstrate statistically significant co-segregation with at least one of the following traits: heading date, flowering date, anther-extrusion, and/or fusarium head blight resistance, as determined by a population based association analysis. Detection of these loci or additional linked loci can be used in marker assisted wheat breeding programs to produce plants with favorable characteristics.

Markers, Haplotypes and/or Marker Profiles Associated with Flowering Date, Anther-Extrusion, Heading Date and/or Fusarium Head Blight Resistance.

Flowering Date

As used herein, flowering date is when the anthers actually shed pollen, usually a few days after heading. Pollination starts in the center of the head and moves out to the bottom and top. “Flowering date” is assigned when an estimated 50% of spikes have anthers exerted from approximately 50% of the flowers, as evidenced by visible anthers.

Alleles of markers associated with flowering date are provided herein and include: WSNP_KU_C16547_25454123; WSNP_EX_C2920_5385184; WSNP_EX_C10717_17456391; WSNP_JD_C1316_1891903; WSNP_BG263758B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C3501_6408181; WSNP_BE404354B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C10555_17237000; WSNP_KU_C6758_11757213; WSNP_JD_C6544_7697578; WSNP_EX_C36325_44308589; WSNP_EX_C2580_4800027; WSNP_EX_C10555_17235832; WSNP_EX_C22089_31270140; WSNP_EX_C6590_11419735; WSNP_CAP11_C210_199161; WSNP_KU_C1818_3557408; WSNP_EX_REP_C66606_64905694; and/or WSNP_EX_REP_C102795_87883062, as well as any marker linked to any of these markers.

In specific embodiments, the alleles of marker locus associated with the favorable flowering date comprise the alleles set forth in Table 6 and includes, for example: (a) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16547_25454123; (b) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10555_17235832; (c) a A allele at WSNP_EX_C2580_4800027; (d) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10717_17456391; (e) a G allele at WSNP_BG263758B_TA_2_1; (f) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2920_5385184; (g) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C1316_1891903; (h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C36325_44308589; and/or (i) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6590_11419735.

Further provided are various haplotypes or marker profiles associated with a favorable flowering date. Such haplotypes can comprise any combination of marker locus associated with the favorable flowering date as disclosed herein, including at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 or more markers. Non-limiting examples of haplotypes associated with a favorable flowering date are set forth in Table 6 and include for example: (a) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16547_25454123 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10555_17235832; (b) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C2580_4800027 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10717_17456391; (c) a G allele at WSNP_BG263758B_TA_2_1, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2920_5385184 and a T allele at WSNP_JD_C1316_1891903; and/or, (d) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C36325_44308589 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6590_11419735.

Heading Date

As used herein, “heading date” is when the wheat head (spike) emerges from the last leaf sheath. This is not synchronized in a plot or even between main stems and tillers, but they will generally all “head” within a couple days. As used herein, the “heading date” is assigned as the day when 50% of the heads have emerged 50% from the leaf sheath.

Alleles of markers associated with heading date are provided herein and include:

WSNP_CAP7_C3472_1623955; WSNP_EX_REP_C108057_91436561; WSNP_CAP8_C458_368155; WSNP_EX_C16720_25268525; WSNP_RA_C32271_41304469; WSNP_EX_C25082_34346512; WSNP_EX_C55096_57733894; WSNP_EX_C11229_18163892; WSNP_EX_C55096_57733841; WSNP_EX_C3096_5709369; WSNP_EX_REP_C67404_65986980; WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_2; WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C8208_13870372; WSNP_JD_C17082_16025440; WSNP_EX_C21499_30644485; WSNP_EX_C3096_5709257; WSNP_BE489326B_TA_22; WSNP_JD_C4413_5541190; WSNP_EX_C57007_58898157; WSNP_EX_C10347_16946522; WSNP_KU_C7180_12403155; WSNP_BF201102A_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C43578_49857984; WSNP_KU_C7890_13513783; WSNP_EX_C57209_59016692; WSNP_JD_C12221_12509932; WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833; WSNP_EX_C19467_28423946; WSNP_EX_C8643_14488961; WSNP_EX_C1143_2194680; WSNP_RA_C1417122234872; WSNP_EX_C53387_56639804; WSNP_KU_C28104_38042857; WSNP_CAP8_REP_C3844_1896355; WSNP_RA_C2325332762188; WSNP_EX_C9971_16412345; WSNP_EX_C11106_18003332; WSNP_EX_C35861_43928486; WSNP_EX_C5547_9774453; WSNP_KUC10377_17180909; WSNP_KU_C1853827857915; WSNP_RA_C11420_18529863; WSNP_EX_C41347_48189975; WSNP_EX_C53387_56641291; WSNP_EX_C23509_32746909; WSNP_BE497845D_TA_1_1; WSNP_BE445508B_TA_2_2; WSNP_EX_C44049_50205457; WSNP_BE591466B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C15084_23263641; WSNP_JD_C13903_13781269; WSNP_KU_C644_1332610; WSNP_EX_C35861_43926307; WSNP_EX_C5547_9772680; WSNP_KU_REP_C102220_89250165; WSNP_EX_C8802_14726148; WSNP_EX_C130_258776; WSNP_BE499016B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_REP_C69919_68881108; WSNP_EX_C361_708712; WSNP_KU_C1102_2211433; WSNP_RA_C323_681466; WSNP_EX_C916_1767286; WSNP_KUC16295_25149034; WSNP_JD_C12087_12411036; WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; WSNP_KU_C16812_25759885; WSNP_JD_C5795_6955627; WSNP_EX_REP_C69342_68276256; WSNP_EX_C2718_5038582; WSNP_KU_C17726_26872129; WSNP_JD_C15974_15272598; WSNP_EX_C5239_9272511; WSNP_RA_C37745_45806931; WSNP_EX_REP_C105541_89932598; WSNP_EX_REP_C69526_68472665; WSNP_EX_C123_244117; WSNP_EX_C1988_3742291; WSNP_EX_C19134_28056012; WSNP_JD_C7404_8500079; WSNP_EX_C8303_14001708; WSNP_EX_C9927_16346100; WSNP_JD_C4621_5757201; WSNP_BE591684B_TA_2_1; WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; WSNP_EX_REP_C101414_86780996; WSNP_EX_C29130_38196906; WSNP_RA_C17541_26430903; WSNP_JD_C12687_12877994; WSNP_EX_C10500_17163855; WSNP_EX_C2161_4059735; WSNP_EX_C5547_9774195; WSNP_EX_C4211_7606269; WSNP_EX_C6142_10746442; WSNP_EX_C12254_19575022; WSNP_RA_C2228_4310870; WSNP_RA_C12148_19539667; WSNP_KU_C8712_14751858; WSNP_EX_C34344_42677360; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG4236_4881643; WSNP_BE495786A_TA_2_1; WSNP_RA_REP_C71473_69552690; WSNP_BE490744B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_REP_C67660_66321934; WSNP_EX_C758_1488368; WSNP_EX_C12887_20427158; WSNP_EX_C33778_42210283; WSNP_RA_C10053_16636851; WSNP_EX_C31262_40077397; WSNP_KU_C854_1768062; WSNP_BE445431A_TD_2_2; WSNP_EX_REP_C101746_87053634; WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; WSNP_EX_REP_C104141_88935451; WSNP_EX_C44587_50598716; WSNP_EX_C741_1456698; WSNP_EX_REP_C103972_88799335; WSNP_EX_C3309_6096114; WSNP_RA_C7112_12318340; WSNP_RA_C2063_4012957; WSNP_EX_C42282_48900922; WSNP_EX_C53983_57032627; WSNP_EX_C34842_43092205; WSNP_EX_C5446_9616983; WSNP_EX_C97184_84339976; WSNP_JD_C9902_10674725; WSNP_BE445348B_TA_2_1; WSNP_BE500291A_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_REP_C115803_95396724; WSNP_KU_REP_C72821_72480395; WSNP_EX_C3906_7086162; WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; WSNP_EX_C4605_8240189; WSNP_BF428726A_TA_2_5; WSNP_KU_C66980_66202298; WSNP_BE405599B_TA_2_1; WSNP_JD_C35319_26397591; WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; WSNP_CAP11_C827_513472; WSNP_EX_C29648_38653339; WSNP_KUC854_1768346; WSNP_KU_C328_679106; WSNP_EX_C3096_5708642; WSNP_CAP7_C2282_1107112; WSNP_JD_C9902_10674626; WSNP_KU_C24239_34199356; WSNP_KU_C5071_9050628; WSNP_EX_C31830_40573624; WSNP_KU_REP_C101212_88410320; WSNP_KU_C39289_47757996; WSNP_EX_C19622_28607997; WSNP_EX_REP_C66733_65077608; WSNP_EX_C26818_36041748; WSNP_EX_C11684_18805687; WSNP_EX_C34344_42676379; WSNP_RA_C6788_11804894; WSNP_EX_C7756_13218814; WSNP_EX_C35861_43927741; WSNP_KU_C34643_43968242; WSNP_RA_REP_C75364_72953286; WSNP_EXC5192_9203682; WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; WSNP_EX_C4710_8412517; WSNP_EX_REP_C66628_64934660; WSNP_CAP11_C1182_686503; WSNP_JD_C2863_3822253; WSNP_EX_C4927_8772847; WSNP_EX_C44049_50205904; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG2729_2446041; WSNP_BE496983B_TA_2_1; WSNP_KU_C30743_40542247; and/or WSNP_KU_REP_C103274_90057407, as well as any other marker linked to any of these markers.

In specific embodiments, the allele of the marker locus associated with the favorable heading date comprises at least one of the alleles set forth in Table 6 and includes, for example: (a) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C105541_89932598; (b) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C17726_26872129; (c) an A allele atWSNP_EX_C4605_8240189; (d) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205904; (e) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3906_7086162; (f) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101746_87053634; (g) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101414_86780996; (h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205457; (i) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5192_9203682; (j) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C13903_13781269; (k) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C12148_19539667; (l) a G allele at WSNP_BE495786A_TA_2_1; (m) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C24239_34199356; (n) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C377454_5806931; (o) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42676379; (p) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42677360; (q) an G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66628_64934660; (r) an C allele at WSNP_EX_C42282_48900922; (s) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C108057_91436561; (t) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C16720_25268525; (u) a C allele at WSNP_CAP8_C458_368155; (v) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C741_1456698; (w) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C12687_12877994; (x) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733841; (y) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C104141_88935451; (z) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C25082_34346512; (aa) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C361_708712; (ab) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733894; (ac) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8802_14726148; (ad) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4927_8772847; (ae) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C17082_16025440; (af) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674626; (ag) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674725; (ah) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C21499_30644485; (ai) a G allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_2; (aj) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C18538_27857915; (ak) a G allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_2; (al) a T allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_1; (am) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117; (an) C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; (ao) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; (ap) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; (aq) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; (ar) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; (as) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; (at) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; (au) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774453; (av) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9772680; (aw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774195; (ax) a C allele at WSNP_BE445348B_TA_2_1; (ay) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C7756_13218814; (az) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709369; (ba) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709257; (bb) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C12887_20427158; (bc) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C72821_72480395; (bd) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5708642; (be) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C57007_58898157; (bf) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C8208_13870372; (bg) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C4413_5541190; (bh) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C7180_12403155; (bi) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10347_16946522; (bj) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C102220_89250165; (bk) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C328_679106; (bl) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C323_681466; (bm) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C644_1332610; (bn) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C17541_26430903; (bo) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C7890_13513783; (bp) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C6788_11804894; (bq) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69526_68472665; (br) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C31830_40573624; (bs) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C2282_1107112; (bt) a T allele at WSNP_BF201102A_TA_2_1; (bu) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19134_28056012; (by) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4211_7606269; (bw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2718_5038582; (bx) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C11420_18529863; (by) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C1102_2211433; (bz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C23509_32746909; (ca) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C75364_72953286; (cb) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66733_65077608; (cd) a C allele at WSNP_BE500291A_TA_2_1; (ce) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16812_25759885; (cf) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C130_258776; (cg) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C10053_16636851; (ch) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C15084_23263641; (ci) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C2228_4310870; (cj) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C43578_49857984; (ck) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C30743_40542247; (cl) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C5795_6955627; (cm) a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C101212_88410320; (cn) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12221_12509932; (co) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C57209_59016692; (cp) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2161_4059735; (cq) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C29648_38653339; (cr) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C19467_28423946; (cs) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C14171_22234872; (ct) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56641291; (cu) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2063_4012957; (cv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C6142_10746442; (cw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C916_1767286; (cx) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56639804; (cy) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10500_17163855; (cz) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3309_6096114; (da) a G allele at WSNP_RFL_CONTIG42364881643; and/or (db) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C758_1488368.

Further provided are various haplotypes or marker profiles associated with a favorable heading date. Such haplotypes or marker profiles can comprise any combination of marker locus associated with the favorable heading date as disclosed herein, including at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 or more markers. Non-limiting examples of haplotypes associated with a favorable heading date are set forth in Table 6 and include, for example, (a) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C105541_89932598 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_C17726_26872129; (b) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C4605_8240189, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205904, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3906_7086162, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101746_87053634, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101414_86780996, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205457; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5192_9203682, a G allele at WSNP_JD_C13903_13781269; a G allele at WSNP_RA_C12148_19539667, a G allele at WSNP_BE495786A_TA_2_1, and a C allele at WSNP_KU_C24239_34199356; (d) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C37745_45806931 and a C allele atWSNP_EX_C34344_42676379, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42677360, an G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66628_64934660 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C42282_48900922; (e) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C108057_91436561, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C16720_25268525, and a C allele at WSNP_CAP8C458_368155; (f) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C741_1456698 and a C allele at WSNP_JD_C12687_12877994; (g) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733841, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C104141_88935451, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C25082_34346512, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C361_708712, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733894; (h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8802_14726148 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4927_8772847; (i) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C17082_16025440, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674626, and a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674725; (j) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C21499_30644485, a G allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_2, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C18538_27857915, a G allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_2, and a T allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_1; (k) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; (l) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774453, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9772680, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774195, a C allele at WSNP_BE445348B_TA_2_1, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C7756_13218814, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709369, and, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709257; (m) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C12887_20427158, a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C72821_72480395, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5708642; (n) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C57007_58898157, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C8208_13870372, and, an A allele at WSNP_JD_C4413_5541190; (o) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C7180_12403155 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10347_16946522; (p) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C102220_89250165, a C allele at WSNP_KU_C328_679106, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C323 681466, an A allele at WSNP_KU_C644_1332610, a T allele at WSNP_RA_C17541_26430903, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C7890_13513783, and, an A allele at WSNP_RA_C6788_11804894; (q) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69526_68472665, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C31830_40573624, a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C2282_1107112, a T allele at WSNP_BF201102A_TA_2_1, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19134_28056012, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4211_7606269; (r) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2718_5038582, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C11420_18529863, a C allele at WSNP_KU_C1102_2211433, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C23509_32746909, a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C75364_72953286, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66733_65077608, and, a C allele at WSNP_BE500291A_TA_2_1; (s) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16812_25759885, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C130_258776, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C10053_16636851, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C15084_23263641, and an A allele at WSNP_RA_C2228_4310870; (t) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C43578_49857984 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_C30743_40542247; (u) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C5795_6955627 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C101212_88410320; (v) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12221_12509932 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C57209_59016692; (w) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2161_4059735 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C29648_38653339; (x) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C19467_28423946 and a G allele at WSNP_RA_C14171_22234872; (y) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56641291, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2063_4012957, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C6142_10746442, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C916_1767286, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56639804; (z) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10500_17163855 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3309_6096114; and/or, (aa) a G allele at WSNP_RFL_CONTIG4236_4881643 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C758_1488368.

Anther Extrusion

As used herein “anther extrusion” refers to the extrusion of anthers resulting from the separation of the lemma and palea of the wheat spikelet in response to a sudden elongation of the anther filaments. Anther extrusion occurs during flowering (Devries (1971) Euphytica 20:152-170) and is dependent on temperature and humidity (i.e. low temperatures and adequate humidity promote anther extrusion, while high temperatures and drought decrease it).

Anther extrusion can be assessed, for example, by evaluating anther retention (anthers held within the spikelet) and/or trapped anthers (partially extruded and trapped between the lemma and palea of the wheat spikelet), e.g. as described in Graham and Browne (2009) Journal of Phytopatholo 157:580-582.

Alleles from a marker associated with anther extrusion are provided herein and include WSNP_EX_REP_C66893_65301351 as well as any marker linked to WSNP_EX_REP_C66893_65301351.

Fusarium Head Blight Resistance

Plant resistance is a phenotypic spectrum consisting of extremes in resistance and susceptibility, as well as a continuum of intermediate resistance phenotypes. Evaluation of these intermediate phenotypes using reproducible assays are of value to scientists who seek to identify genetic loci that impart resistance, to conduct marker assisted selection for resistance populations, and to use introgression techniques to breed a resistance trait into an elite wheat line, for example.

“ Fusarium head blight” or “FHB” is a fungal disease caused by infection of fungal species in the genus Fusarium . Common species of Fusarium that cause fusarium head blight in wheat are Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum.

By “improved resistance” is intended that the plants show a decrease in the disease symptoms that are the outcome of plant/fungal interactions that result in fusarium head blight. That is, the damage caused by the fungus is prevented, or alternatively, the disease symptoms caused by the fungus is minimized or lessened. Thus, improved resistance to fusarium head blight can result in the suppressing, controlling, and/or killing the pathogen causing the disease, or alternatively, the improved resistance can reduce the disease symptoms of the fusarium head blight disease by at least about 2% to at least about 6%, at least about 5% to about 50%, at least about 10% to about 60%, at least about 30% to about 70%, at least about 40% to about 80%, or at least about 50% to about 90% or greater. Hence, the methods provided herein can be utilized to protect plants from fusarium head blight disease.

“Tolerance” refers to the plant's ability to withstand heavy infestation without significant yield loss. A “resistant plant” or “resistant plant variety” need not possess absolute or complete resistance to fusarium head blight. Instead, a “resistant plant,” “resistant plant variety,” or a plant or plant variety with “improved resistance” will have a level of resistance to fusarium head blight which is higher than that of a comparable susceptible plant or variety.

Screening and selection of resistant wheat plants may be performed, for example, by exposing plants to fungus such as Fusarium graminearum, F. roseum, F. culmorum , and the like under conditions which permit the fusarium head blight and selecting those plants showing resistance to the disease. Various assays can be used to measure improved resistance. For example, two types of resistance to fusarium head blight, Type I and Type II, can occur. Type I resistance reduces the number of initial infections and can be measured by the number of infected spikelets following a spray inoculation. Type II resistance restricts spread of the fungus in infected tissue and can measured by the number of spikelets infected in a spike beyond an initial infection site (a single spikelet) inoculated near the center of the spike. Other types of resistance or tolerance also have been recognized in some wheat lines, based on the ability to resist kernel infection, to degrade mycotoxins (DON and others) or to maintain yield despite the presence of FHB (tolerance).

Alleles of markers associated with resistance to fusarium head blight are provided herein and include: WSNP_EX_C5550_9779698; WSNP_EX_C46670_52108070; WSNP_EX_C5060_8985678; WSNP_RA_C8484_14372815; WSNP_EX_C1197619193550; WSNP_EX_C2097530093113; WSNP_EX_C16581_25100502; WSNP_EX_C1745226163465; WSNP_KU_C4951_8856170; WSNP_EX_C1873327607958; WSNP_KU_C3986248205590; WSNP_KUC16938_25916279; WSNP_EX_REP_C6703665492436; WSNP_JD_C4485_5618761; WSNP_KU_C1693825916260; WSNP_JD_REP_C6320140318622; WSNP_RA_C10861_17763060; WSNP_BE517627ATA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C25924822528; WSNP_EX_C21092_30220342; WSNP_EX_C56928_58852277; WSNP_EX_C10642034431; WSNP_BE399936ATA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C3319641722217; WSNP_EX_C7091_12199032; WSNP_EX_C342_670415; WSNP_RA_C58188_60005934; WSNP_EX_C1064_2034518; WSNP_CD452951A_TA_2_1; WSNP_RA_C19083_28215239; WSNP_CAP7_C7742_3467376; WSNP_EX_C45617 51361414; WSNP_EX_C23720_32957892; WSNP_RA_C58188_60004916; WSNP_RA_REP_C106961_90622638; WSNP_EX_C21786_30948397; WSNP_CAP12_C5344_2430233; WSNP_EX_C20649_29731279; WSNP_EX_C1064_2034730; WSNP_EX_C21721_30882221; WSNP_KU_C44873_52048221; WSNP_EX_C11437_18454413; WSNP_EX_C3044_5620102; WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66291944; WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66292689; WSNP_CAP11_REP_C7339_3306558; WSNP_EX_C11229_18163892; WSNP_BF293133A_TA_2_2; WSNP_BF292295A_TA_2_1; WSNP_KU_C18473_27773912; WSNP_KU_C663_1368085; WSNP_EX_C7021_12096881; WSNP_RA_REP_C72670_70836439; WSNP_EX_REP_C66331_64502558; WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_1; WSNP_JD_REP_C63654_40605158; WSNP_JD_REP_C50820_34666611; WSNP_EX_C19773_28772235; WSNP_BE638137B_TA_2_2; WSNP_EX_C5461_9636197; WSNP_RA_C21347_30731133; WSNP_EX_REP_C68829_67704044; WSNP_RA_C21347_30731229; WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87064771; WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065169; WSNP_KU_C38543_47157828; WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065032; WSNP_EX_C3838_6980909; WSNP_EX_C49211_53875600; WSNP_CAP11_C299_251533; WSNP_EX_C49211_53875575; WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67449494; WSNP_EX_C9362_15546626; WSNP_RA_C20970_30293078; WSNP_RA_C20970_30293227; WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67448893; WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833; WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935041; WSNP_EX_C16491_24996576; WSNP_EX_C15378_23638822; WSNP_EX_C9763_16125630; WSNP_EX_C3530_6459643; WSNP_EX_C3530_6459532; WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935014; WSNP_KU_C38351_47009610; WSNP_CAP11_C2142_1128735; WSNP_EX_C15378_23639387; WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935148; WSNP_KU_C38351_47009641; WSNP_EX_C52849_56297163; WSNP_BE490200B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C31256_40071875; WSNP_RA_C14498_22667649; WSNP_EX_C5936_10412246; WSNP_CAP12REP_C8688_3644383; WSNP_RA_C24962_34524602; WSNP_EX_C46160_51746546; WSNP_KU_C11690_19042937; WSNP_EX_C5744_10088287; WSNP_EX_C17349_26035281; WSNP_JD_REP_C63108_40258378; WSNP_EX_C5744_10087877; WSNP_KU_C1876_3666308; WSNP_EX_REP_C106072_90285324; WSNP_EX_C23716_32952372; WSNP_EX_C16836_25401702; WSNP_EX_C38198_45786860; WSNP_EX_C1146_2201722; WSNP_KU_C707_1465779; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG3854_4205716; WSNP_CAP11REP_C6622_3044459; WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913284; WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913307; WSNP_EX_C46274_51831129; WSNP_EX_C351_689415; WSNP_RA_C31052_40235870; WSNP_RA_REP_C71101_69119989; WSNP_EX_REP_C69816_68774932; WSNP_EX_C10783_17555091; WSNP_KU_C18780_28136150; WSNP_EX_C5457_9631220; WSNP_CAP11_C1711_934478; WSNP_EX_C6611_11452297; WSNP_EX_C8386_14127329; WSNP_JD_C9040_9947841; WSNP_EX_C10231_16783750; WSNP_JD_C17128_16056425; WSNP_KU_C23598_33524490; WSNP_JD_C5757_6915127; WSNP_EX_C23968_33209660; WSNP_JD_C6974_8084450; WSNP_CAP7_C5487_2464864; WSNP_EX_C8360_14085858; WSNP_KU_C4067_7419106; WSNP_EX_C5267_9318903; WSNP_EX_C22753_31958639; WSNP_JD_C13086_13174510; WSNP_EX_C5457_9632050; WSNP_RA_C18364_27416387; WSNP_KU_C26784_36748247; WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942834; WSNP_BQ169669B_TA_2_2; WSNP_EX_C19582_28564743; WSNP_JD_C5919_7081809; WSNP_EX_C6611_11451949; WSNP_EX_C3201_5910659; WSNP_BE496826A_TA_2_3; WSNP_JD_C2180_3000498; WSNP_EX_C27373_36578273; WSNP_EX_C18800_27681277; WSNP_JD_C9360_10216526; WSNP_EX_C40060_47197384; WSNP_EX_C1279_2451582; WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; WSNP_EX_C15399_23662312; WSNP_EX_REP_C70299_69243835; WSNP_EX_C23968_33210344; WSNP_EX_C7172_12318529; WSNP_EX_C2723_5047696; WSNP_EX_C123_244117; WSNP_CAP7_C1339_673581; WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942866; WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; WSNP_JD_C12088_12411845; WSNP_EX_C26747_35974837; WSNP_EX_C1146_2200823; WSNP_EX_REP_C67198_65702998; WSNP_CAP8REP_C8295_3722232; WSNP_CAP11_REP_C8768_3788007; WSNPBQ168329A_TD2_1; WSNP_EX_REP_C10350588446868; WSNP_EX_C40947399975; WSNP_BG314532ATA_21; WSNP_BF292596A_TA_1_3; WSNP_BF292596A_TA_1_1; WSNP_RA_C2027_3945764; WSNP_RA_REP_C69221_66574148; WSNP_EX_C17667_26408733; WSNP_EX_C16919_25506076; WSNP_EX_REP_C70593_69508988; WSNP_EX_C22089_31270140; WSNP_KU_C14842_23275194; WSNP_EX_C2325_4355706; WSNP_EX_C10630_17338753; WSNP_KU_C53501_58106782; WSNP_EX_C4408_7939986; WSNP_KU_REP_C71567_71302010; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG2167_1484520; WSNP_EX_REP_C66407_64613374; WSNP_EX_C25755_35018674; WSNP_JD_C9360_10216330; WSNP_EX_REP_C67369_65940505; WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG3917_4326857; WSNP_JD_C626_945114; WSNP_EX_C11055_17927668; WSNP_EX_C6476_11246531; WSNP_EX_C15163_23357477; WSNP_EX_C5780_10153638; WSNP_JD_C119_190135; WSNP_EX_C97184_84339976; WSNP_EX_C4548_8166555; WSNP_EX_REP_C68113_66877517; WSNP_EX_REP_C69266_68192954; WSNP_CAP11C847_522893; WSNP_EX_C1279_2451699; WSNP_EX_C7316_12552186; WSNP_EX_REP_C68515_67349904; WSNP_JD_C3463_4479210; WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; WSNP_EX_C1790_3378771; WSNP_EX_C5378_9505533; WSNP_CAP7_C444_237594; WSNP_EX_C10630_17338703; WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; WSNP_EX_C8386_14128029; WSNP_JD_REP_C63942_40788045; WSNP_EX_C4661_8344663; WSNP_RA_C9209_15425473; WSNP_JD_C43389_30288993; WSNP_EX_C30969_39821293; WSNP_EX_C3738_6809767; WSNP_EX_REP_C103505_88447145; WSNP_EX_REP_C67897_66613415; WSNP_EX_C33765_42199371; WSNP_EX_REP_C66606_64905694; WSNP_EX_C14248_22204549; WSNP_EX_REP_C66766_65123941; WSNP_CAP11_C3968_1874257; WSNP_EX_C15325_23565935; WSNP_KU_C10939_17975681; WSNP_EX_C41073_47987034; WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; WSNP_EX_C15325_23565794; WSNP_EX_REP_C67492_66096650; WSNP_EX_C21129_30256617; WSNP_EX_C31670_40433594; WSNP_EX_C2181_4089639; WSNP_CAP11_C923_558715; WSNP_KU_C8592_14575931; WSNP_BE490744A_TD_2_1; WSNP_JD_REP_C62985_40164465; WSNP_EX_C54655_57455562; WSNP_EX_C16295_24772663; WSNP_EX_C3940_7144946; WSNP_KU_C12698_20441325; WSNP_BF291549B_TA_1_1; WSNP_RA_C9738_16173810; WSNP_EX_C15325_23564654; WSNP_EX_C7705_13139890; WSNP_RA_C9738_16174002; WSNP_EX_C16295_24772702; WSNP_EX_C3887_7051325; WSNP_KU_C7471_12865509; and/or WSNP_CAP8_C6680_3136899 as well as any marker linked to any of these markers.

In specific embodiments, the allele from a marker locus associated with the improved fusarium blight head resistance comprises at least one of the alleles set forth in Table 6 and includes, for example, (a) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2181_4089639; (b) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C70593_69508988; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67492_66096650; (d) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6476_11246531; (e) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C46670_52108070; (f) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3887_7051325; (g) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67198_65702998; (h) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C8592_14575931; (i) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C7705_13139890; (j) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5780_10153638; (k) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C18733_27607958; (l) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11976_19193550; (m) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C16938_25916260; (n) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C62985_40164465; (o) a C allele at WSNP_BF291549B_TA_1_1; (p) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C8484_14372815; (q) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67036_65492436; (r) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C4951_8856170; (s) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C4485_5618761; (t) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C17452_26163465; (u) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2027_3945764; (v) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942866; (w) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942834; (x) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C39862_48205590; (y) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11451949; (z) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11452297; (aa) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C30969_39821293; (ab) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C13086_13174510; (ac) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68113_66877517; (ad) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565935; (ae) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11REP_C8768_3788007; (af) an A allele at WSNP_BG314532A_TA_2_1; (ag) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12088_12411845; (ah) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565794; (ai) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23564654; (aj) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C7742_3467376; (ak) a G allele at WSNP_BE399936A_TA_2_1; (al) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C10861_17763060; (am) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11437_18454413; (an) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C58188_60005934; (ao) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23720_32957892; (ap) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1064_2034518; (aq) a T allele at WSNP_BF293133A_TA_2_2; (ar) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66291944; (as) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66292689; (at) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16173810; (au) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4548_8166555; (av) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16174002; (aw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338753; (ax) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338703; (ay) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8360_14085858; (az) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C12698_20441325; (ba) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66331_64502558; (bb) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2723_5047696; (bc) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C8386_14127329; (bd) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66766_65123941; (be) an A allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_1; (bf) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C119_190135; (bg) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; (bh) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505533; (bi) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7172_12318529; (bj) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; (bk) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; (bl) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117; (bm) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; (bn) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; (bo) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; (bp) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; (bq) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9632050: (br) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9631220; (bs) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63654_40605158; (bt) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7021_12096881; (bu) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C40060_47197384; (bv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15399_23662312; (bw) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C72670_70836439; (bx) an A allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C50820_34666611; (by) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065169; (bz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87064771; (ca) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065032; (cb) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451699; (cc) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451582; (cd) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875600; (ce) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875575; (cf) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731133; (cg) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731229; (ch) a T allele at WSNP_CAP11C299_251533; (ci) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C923 558715; (cj) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C54655_57455562; (ck) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C43389_30288993; (cl) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33209660; (cm) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772663; (cn) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33210344; (co) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772702; (cp) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293227; (cq) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293078; (cr) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67448893; (cs) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67449494; (ct) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C38351_47009610; (cu) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935014; (cv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459532; (cw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459643; (cx) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935041; (cy) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C52849_56297163; (cz) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833; (da) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C2180_3000498; (db) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C26784_36748247; (dc) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23638822; (dd) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23639387; (de) a G allele at WSNP_CAP7_C5487_2464864; (df) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2325_4355706; (dg) a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C71567_71302010; (dh) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C17349_26035281; (di) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C46160_51746546; (dj) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C38198_45786860; (dk) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C17667_26408733; (dl) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63108_40258378; (dm) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C24962_34524602; (dn) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C31256_40071875; (do) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5744_1008828; (dp) an A allele at WSNP_BE490200B_TA_2_1; (dq) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C106072_90285324; (dr) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2200823; (ds) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19582_28564743; (dt) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2201722; (du) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C46274_51831129; (dv) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C71101_69119989; (dw) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C31052_40235870; (dx) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913284; (dy) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C18800_27681277; (dz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C27373_36578273; (ea) an C allele at WSNP_JD_C9040_9947841; (eb) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C10939_17975681; (ec) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C25755_35018674; (ed) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C26747_35974837; (ee) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C4067_7419106; (ef) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1790_3378771; (eg) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913307; (eh) T allele at WSNP_EX_C4408_7939986; (ei) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C14248_22204549; (ej) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C847_522893; (ek) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C18780_28136150; (el) a T allele at WSNP_BQ169669B_TA_2_2; (em) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C351_689415; (en) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C17128_16056425; and/or, (eo) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3738_6809767.

Further provided are various haplotypes or marker profiles associated with the improved fusarium blight head resistance. Such haplotypes or marker profiles can comprise any combination of marker locus associated with the improved fusarium blight head resistance as disclosed herein, including at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, or more markers. Non-limiting examples of haplotypes associated with an improved fusarium blight head resistance are set forth in Table 6 and include, for example, (a) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2181_4089639 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C70593_69508988; (b) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67492_66096650 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6476_11246531; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C46670_52108070 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3887_7051325; (d) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67198_65702998, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C8592_14575931, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C7705_13139890, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5780_10153638; (e) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C18733_27607958, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11976_19193550, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C16938_25916260, a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C62985_40164465, and a C allele at WSNP_BF291549B_TA_1_1; (f) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C8484_14372815, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67036_65492436, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C4951_8856170, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C4485_5618761, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C17452_26163465, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2027_3945764, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942866, and, a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942834; (g) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C39862_48205590, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11451949, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11452297, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C30969_39821293; (h) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C13086_13174510, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68113_66877517, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565935; (i) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_REP_C8768_3788007, an A allele at WSNP_BG314532A_TA_2_1, a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12088_12411845, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565794, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23564654; (j) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C7742_3467376, a G allele at WSNP_BE399936A_TA_2_1, a T allele at WSNP_RA_C10861_17763060, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11437_18454413, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C58188_60005934, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23720_32957892, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1064_2034518; (k) a T allele at WSNP_BF293133A_TA_2_2, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66291944, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66292689; (l) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16173810, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4548_8166555, and a C allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16174002; (m) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338753 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338703; (n) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8360_14085858, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C12698_20441325, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66331_64502558, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2723_5047696; (o) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C8386_14127329 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66766_65123941; (p) an A allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_1 and an A allele at WSNP_JD_C119_190135; (q) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505533, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7172_12318529, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9632050, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9631220, a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63654_40605158, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7021_12096881; (r) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C40060_47197384 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15399_23662312; (s) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C72670_70836439 and an A allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C50820_34666611; (t) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065169, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87064771, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065032; (u) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451699 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451582; (v) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875600, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875575, and a T allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731133; (w) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731229 and a T allele at WSNP_CAP11C299_251533; (x) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11 C923_558715, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C54655_57455562, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C43389_30288993, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33209660, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772663, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33210344, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772702; (y) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293227, an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293078, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67448893, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67449494; (z) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C38351_47009610, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935014, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459532, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530 6459643, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935041, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C52849_56297163, and a G allele at WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833; (aa) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C2180_3000498, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C26784_36748247, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23638822, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23639387; (ab) a G allele at WSNP_CAP7_C5487_2464864, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2325_4355706, and a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C71567_71302010; (ac) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C17349_26035281, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C46160_51746546, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C38198_45786860, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C17667_26408733; (ad) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63108_40258378 and a G allele at WSNP_RA_C24962_34524602; (ae) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C31256_40071875, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5744_10088287, an A allele at WSNP_BE490200B_TA_2_1 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C106072_90285324; (af) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2200823, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19582_28564743, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2201722; (ag) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C46274_51831129 and a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C71101_69119989; (ah) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C31052_40235870 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913284; (ai) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C18800_27681277, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C27373_36578273, a C allele at WSNP_JD_C9040_9947841, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C10939_17975681, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C25755_35018674, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C26747_35974837, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C4067_7419106, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1790_3378771, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913307, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4408_7939986, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C14248_22204549; (aj) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C847_522893, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C18780_28136150, and a T allele at WSNP_BQ169669B_TA_2_2; and/or (ak) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C351_689415, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C17128_16056425, and, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3738_6809767.

A common measure of linkage is the frequency with which traits cosegregate. This can be expressed as a percentage of cosegregation (recombination frequency) or in (cM). The cM is a unit of measure of genetic recombination frequency. One cM is equal to a 1% chance that a trait at one genetic locus will be separated from a trait at another locus due to crossing over in a single generation (meaning the traits segregate together 99% of the time). Because chromosomal distance is approximately proportional to the frequency of crossing over events between traits, there is an approximate physical distance that correlates with recombination frequency.

Marker loci are themselves traits and can be assessed according to standard linkage analysis by tracking the marker loci during segregation. Thus, one cM is equal to a 1% chance that a marker locus will be separated from another locus, due to crossing over in a single generation.

The closer a marker is to a gene controlling a trait of interest, the more effective and advantageous that marker is as an indicator for the desired trait. Closely linked loci display an inter-locus cross-over frequency of about 10% or less, preferably about 9% or less, still more preferably about 8% or less, yet more preferably about 7% or less, still more preferably about 6% or less, yet more preferably about 5% or less, still more preferably about 4% or less, yet more preferably about 3% or less, and still more preferably about 2% or less. In highly preferred embodiments, the relevant loci (e.g., a marker locus and a target locus) display a recombination frequency of about 1% or less, e.g., about 0.75% or less, more preferably about 0.5% or less, or yet more preferably about 0.25% or less. Thus, the loci are about 10 cM, 9 cM, 8 cM, 7 cM, 6 cM, 5 cM, 4 cM, 3 cM, 2 cM, 1 cM, 0.75 cM, 0.5 cM or 0.25 cM or less apart. Put another way, two loci that are localized to the same chromosome, and at such a distance that recombination between the two loci occurs at a frequency of less than 10% (e.g., about 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.75%, 0.5%, 0.25%, or less) are said to be “proximal to” each other.

Methods for Identifying and/or Selecting Wheat Plants Using Disclosed Markers, Haplotypes and/or Marker Profiles

Methods are provided for identifying and/or selecting wheat plants or germplasm by detecting in the wheat plants, parts thereof, or germplasm, at least one marker locus associated with flowering date, heading date, anther extrusion, and/or resistance to fusarium head blight.

In some examples, the detecting comprises amplifying at least one of said marker locus or a portion thereof and detecting the resulting amplified marker amplicon. In certain examples, the amplifying comprises: (a) admixing an amplification primer or amplification primer pair with a nucleic acid isolated from the first wheat plant or germplasm, wherein the primer or primer pair is complementary or partially complementary to at least a portion of the marker locus, and is capable of initiating DNA polymerization by a DNA polymerase using the wheat nucleic acid as a template; and, (b) extending the primer or primer pair in a DNA polymerization reaction comprising a DNA polymerase and a template nucleic acid to generate at least one amplicon.

In some examples, the method employs the target regions in Table 1 or a portion thereof. Table 1 provides SNP markers from wheat that are significantly associated with flowering date. SEQ ID NOS: 1-19 found within Table 1 comprise nucleotide sequences of regions of the wheat genome containing the polymorphism associated with flowering date and each of these sequences or a portion thereof can be used as a probe or primer, either alone or in combination, for the detection of the corresponding marker locus.

In some particular examples, the method comprises amplifying at least a portion of one or more genome regions selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and/or 19. In other examples, the primer or primer pair comprises at least a portion of one or more genomic regions as set forth in any one or more of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and/or 19 such that the primer pair is complementary or partially complementary to at least a portion of the marker locus, and is capable of initiating DNA polymerization by a DNA polymerase using the wheat nucleic acid as a template.

In certain other examples, the detecting further comprises providing a detectable probe suitable for detection of the marker locus of interest. In certain examples, the probe used for detection comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least a portion of one or more sequences set forth in Table 1 or a portion thereof (i.e., any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and/or 19 or a portion thereof).

In specific embodiments, methods are provided which provide for the amplification and/or detection of an allele of at least one marker locus associated with a favorable flowering date wherein the marker locus being amplified and/or detected comprises at least one allele set forth in Table 6 and includes, for example: (a) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16547_25454123; (b) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10555_17235832; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C2580_4800027; (d) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10717_17456391; (e) a G allele at WSNP_BG263758B_TA_2_1; (f) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2920_5385184; (g) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C1316_1891903; (h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C36325_44308589; and/or (i) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6590_11419735.

Further provided are methods which provide for the amplification and/or detection of various haplotypes or marker profiles associated with a favorable flowering date. Such methods include the amplification and/or detection of at least one haplotype associated with a favorable flowering date as set forth in Table 6 and include, for example, the amplification and/or detection of (a) an A allele at WSNP_KUC16547_25454123 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10555_17235832; (b) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C2580_4800027 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10717_17456391; (c) a G allele at WSNP_BG263758B_TA_2_1, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2920_5385184 and a T allele at WSNP_JD_C1316_1891903; and/or, (d) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C36325_44308589 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6590_11419735.

Thus, in specific embodiments, a method of identifying a wheat plant that displays a favorable flowering date is provided and comprises: (a) obtaining genetic material from a wheat plant; and, (B) analyzing the genetic material for the presence of at least one allele of a marker locus disclosed herein or analyzing the genetic material for the presence of at least one haplotype disclosed in Table 6, wherein said allele or said haplotype is associated with a favorable flowering date, the presence of the allele or the haplotype is determined by detecting the allele or the haplotype, and selecting the wheat plant that is displaying a favorable flowering date.

In some examples, the method employs the target regions in Table 2 or a portion thereof. Table 2 provides SNP markers from wheat that are significantly associated with heading date. SEQ ID NOS: 276-449 found within Table 2 comprise nucleotide sequences of regions of the wheat genome containing the polymorphism associated with heading date and each of these sequences or a portion thereof can be used as a probe or primer, either alone or in combination, for the detection of the corresponding marker locus.

In some particular examples, the method comprises amplifying at least a portion of one or more genome regions selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, and/or 449.

In other examples, the primer or primer pair comprises at least a portion of one or more genomic regions as set forth in any one or more of SEQ ID NOS: 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, and/or 449 such that the primer pair is complementary or partially complementary to at least a portion of the marker locus, and is capable of initiating DNA polymerization by a DNA polymerase using the wheat nucleic acid as a template.

In certain other examples, the detecting further comprises providing a detectable probe suitable for detection of the marker locus of interest. In certain examples, the probe used for detection comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least a portion of one or more sequences set forth in Table 2 or a portion thereof (i.e., any one of SEQ ID NOs: 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, and/or 449 or a portion thereof).

In specific embodiments, methods are provided which provide for the amplification and/or detection of an allele of at least one marker locus associated with the favorable heading date wherein the marker locus being amplified and/or detected comprises at least one allele set forth in Table 6 and includes, for example, (a) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C105541_89932598; (b) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C17726_26872129; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C4605_8240189; (d) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205904; (e) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3906_7086162; (f) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101746_87053634; (g) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101414_86780996; (h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205457; (i) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5192_9203682; (j) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C13903_13781269; (k) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C12148_19539667; (l) a G allele at WSNP_BE495786A_TA_2_1; (m) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C24239_34199356; (n) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C37745_45806931; (o) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42676379; (p) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42677360; (q) an G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66628_64934660; (r) an C allele at WSNP_EX_C42282_48900922; (s) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C108057_91436561; (t) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C16720_25268525; (u) a C allele at WSNP_CAP8_C458_368155; (v) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C741_1456698; (w) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C12687_12877994; (x) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733841; (y) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C104141_88935451; (z) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C25082_34346512; (aa) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C361_708712; (ab) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733894; (ac) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8802_14726148; (ad) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4927_8772847; (ae) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C17082_16025440; (af) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674626; (ag) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674725; (ah) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C21499_30644485; (ai) a G allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_2; (aj) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C18538_27857915; (ak) a G allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_2; (al) a T allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_1; (am) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117; (an) C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; (ao) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; (ap) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; (aq) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; (ar) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; (as) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; (at) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; (au) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774453; (av) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9772680; (aw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774195; (ax) a C allele at WSNP_BE445348B_TA_2_1; (ay) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C7756_13218814; (az) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709369; (ba) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709257; (bb) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C12887_20427158; (bc) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C72821_72480395; (bd) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5708642; (be) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C57007_58898157; (bf) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C8208_13870372; (bg) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C4413_5541190; (bh) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C7180_12403155; (bi) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10347_16946522; (bj) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C102220_89250165; (bk) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C328_679106; (bl) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C323_681466; (bm) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C644_1332610; (bn) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C1754126430903; (bo) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C7890_13513783; (bp) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C6788_11804894; (bq) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69526_68472665; (br) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C31830_40573624; (bs) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7C2282_1107112; (bt) a T allele at WSNP_BF201102A_TA_2_1; (bu) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19134_28056012; (bv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4211_7606269; (bw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2718_5038582; (bx) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C11420_18529863; (by) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C1102_2211433; (bz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C23509_32746909; (ca) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C75364_72953286; (cb) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66733_65077608; (cd) a C allele at WSNP_BE500291A_TA_2_1; (ce) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16812_25759885; (CO a G allele at WSNP_EX_C130_258776; (cg) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C10053_16636851; (ch) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C15084 23263641; (ci) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C2228_4310870; (cj) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C43578_49857984; (ck) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C30743_40542247; (cl) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C5795_6955627; (cm) a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C101212_88410320; (cn) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12221_12509932; (co) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C57209_59016692; (cp) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2161_4059735; (cq) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C29648_38653339; (cr) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C19467_28423946; (cs) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C14171_22234872; (ct) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56641291; (cu) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2063_4012957; (cv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C6142_10746442; (cw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C916_1767286; (cx) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56639804; (cy) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10500_17163855; (cz) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3309_6096114; (da) a G allele at WSNP_RFL_CONTIG4236_4881643; and/or (db) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C758_1488368.

Further provided are methods which provide for the amplification and/or detection of various haplotypes or marker profiles associated with a favorable heading date. Such methods include the amplification and/or detection of at least one haplotype associated with a favorable heading date as set forth in Table 6 and include, for example, the amplification and/or detection of (a) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C105541_89932598 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_C17726_26872129; (b) an A allele atWSNP_EX_C4605_8240189, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205904, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3906_7086162, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101746_87053634, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101414_86780996, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205457; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5192_9203682, a G allele at WSNP_JD_C13903_13781269; a G allele at WSNP_RA_C12148_19539667, a G allele at WSNP_BE495786A_TA_2_1, and a C allele at WSNP_KU_C24239_34199356; (d) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C37745_45806931 and a C allele atWSNP_EX_C34344_42676379, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42677360, an G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66628_64934660 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C42282_48900922; (e) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C108057_91436561, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C16720_25268525, and a C allele at WSNP_CAP8_C458_368155; (f) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C741_1456698 and a C allele at WSNP_JD_C12687_12877994; (g) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733841, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C104141_88935451, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C25082_34346512, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C361_708712, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733894; (h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8802_14726148 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4927_8772847; (i) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C17082_16025440, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674626, and a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674725; (j) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C21499_30644485, a G allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_2, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C18538_27857915, a G allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_2, and a T allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_1; (k) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; (l) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774453, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9772680, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774195, a C allele at WSNP_BE445348B_TA_2_1, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C7756_13218814, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709369, and, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709257; (m) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C12887_20427158, a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C72821_72480395, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5708642; (n) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C57007_58898157, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C8208_13870372, and, an A allele at WSNP_JD_C4413_5541190; (o) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C7180_12403155 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10347_16946522; (p) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C102220_89250165, a C allele at WSNP_KU_C328_679106, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C323_681466, an A allele at WSNP_KU_C644_1332610, a T allele at WSNP_RA_C17541_26430903, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C7890_13513783, and, an A allele at WSNP_RA_C6788_11804894; (q) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69526_68472665, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C31830_40573624, a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C2282_1107112, a T allele at WSNP_BF201102A_TA_2_1, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19134_28056012, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4211_7606269; (r) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2718_5038582, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C11420_18529863, a C allele at WSNP_KU_C1102_2211433, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C23509_32746909, a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C75364_72953286, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66733_65077608, and, a C allele at WSNP_BE500291A_TA_2_1; (s) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16812_25759885, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C130_258776, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C10053_16636851, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C15084_23263641, and an A allele at WSNP_RA_C2228_4310870; (t) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C43578_49857984 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_C30743_40542247; (u) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C5795_6955627 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C101212_88410320; (v) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12221_12509932 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C57209_59016692; (w) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2161_4059735 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C29648_38653339; (x) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C19467_28423946 and a G allele at WSNP_RA_C14171_22234872; (y) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56641291, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2063_4012957, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C6142_10746442, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C916_1767286, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56639804; (z) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10500_17163855 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3309_6096114; and/or, (aa) a G allele at WSNP_RFL_CONTIG4236_4881643 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C758_1488368.

Thus, in specific embodiments, a method of identifying a wheat plant that displays a favorable heading date is provided and comprises: (a) obtaining genetic material from a wheat plant; and, (B) analyzing the genetic material for the presence of at least one allele of a marker locus disclosed herein or analyzing the genetic material for the presence of at least one haplotype disclosed in Table 6, wherein said allele or said haplotype is associated with a favorable heading date, the presence of the allele or the haplotype is determined by detecting the allele or the haplotype, and selecting the wheat plant that is displaying a favorable heading date.

In some examples, the method employs the target regions in Table 3 or a portion thereof. Table 3 provides SNP markers from wheat that are significantly associated with resistance to fusarium head blight. SEQ ID NOS: 20-275 found within Table 3 comprise nucleotide sequences of regions of the wheat genome containing the polymorphism associated with fusarium head blight resistance and each of these sequences or a portion thereof can be used as a probe or primer, either alone or in combination, for the detection of the corresponding marker locus.

In some particular examples, the method comprises amplifying at least a portion of one or more genome regions selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, and/or 275.

In other examples, the primer or primer pair comprises at least a portion of one or more genomic regions as set forth in any one or more of SEQ ID NOS: 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, and/or 275, such that the primer pair is complementary or partially complementary to at least a portion of the marker locus, and is capable of initiating DNA polymerization by a DNA polymerase using the wheat nucleic acid as a template.

In certain other examples, the detecting further comprises providing a detectable probe suitable for detection of the at least one marker locus of interest. In certain examples, the probe used for detection comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least a portion of one or more sequences set forth in Table 3 or a portion thereof (i.e., any one of SEQ ID NOs: 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, and/or 275 or a portion thereof).

In specific embodiments, methods are provided which provide for the amplification and/or detection of an allele of at least one marker locus associated with the improved fusarium blight head resistance wherein the marker locus being amplified and/or detected comprises at least one allele set forth in Table 6 and includes, for example, (a) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2181_4089639; (b) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C70593_69508988; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67492_66096650; (d) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6476_11246531; (e) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C46670_52108070; (f) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3887_7051325; (g) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67198_65702998; (h) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C8592_14575931; (i) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C7705_13139890; (j) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5780_10153638; (k) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C18733_27607958; (l) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11976_19193550; (m) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C16938_25916260; (n) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C62985_40164465; (o) a C allele at WSNP_BF291549B_TA_1_1; (p) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C8484_14372815; (q) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67036_65492436; (r) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C4951_8856170; (s) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C4485_5618761; (t) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C17452_26163465; (u) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2027_3945764; (v) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942866; (w) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942834; (x) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C39862_48205590; (y) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11451949; (z) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11452297; (aa) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C30969_39821293; (ab) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C13086_13174510; (ac) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68113_66877517; (ad) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565935; (ae) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_REP_C8768_3788007; (af) an A allele at WSNP_BG314532A_TA_2_1; (ag) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12088_12411845; (ah) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565794; (ai) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23564654; (aj) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C7742_3467376; (ak) a G allele at WSNP_BE399936A_TA_2_1; (al) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C10861_17763060; (am) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11437_18454413; (an) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C58188_60005934; (ao) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23720_32957892; (ap) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1064_2034518; (aq) a T allele at WSNP_BF293133A_TA_2_2; (ar) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66291944; (as) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66292689; (at) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16173810; (au) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4548_8166555; (av) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16174002; (aw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338753; (ax) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338703; (ay) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8360_14085858; (az) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C12698_20441325; (ba) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66331_64502558; (bb) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2723_5047696; (bc) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C8386_14127329; (bd) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66766_65123941; (be) an A allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_1; (bf) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C119_190135; (bg) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; (bh) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505533; (bi) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7172_12318529; (bj) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; (bk) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; (bl) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117; (bm) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; (bn) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; (bo) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; (bp) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; (bq) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9632050: (br) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9631220; (bs) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63654_40605158; (bt) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7021_12096881; (bu) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C40060_47197384; (bv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15399_23662312; (bw) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C72670_70836439; (bx) an A allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C50820_34666611; (by) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065169; (bz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87064771; (ca) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065032; (cb) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451699; (cc) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451582; (cd) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875600; (ce) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875575; (cf) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731133; (cg) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731229; (ch) a T allele at WSNP_CAP11C299_251533; (ci) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C923_558715; (cj) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C54655_57455562; (ck) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C43389_30288993; (cl) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33209660; (cm) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772663; (cn) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33210344; (co) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772702; (cp) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293227; (cq) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293078; (cr) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67448893; (cs) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67449494; (ct) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C38351_47009610; (cu) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935014; (cv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459532; (cw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459643; (cx) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935041; (cy) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C52849_56297163; (cz) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833; (da) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C2180_3000498; (db) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C26784_36748247; (dc) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23638822; (dd) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23639387; (de) a G allele at WSNP_CAP7_C5487_2464864; (df) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2325_4355706; (dg) a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C71567_71302010; (dh) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C17349_26035281; (di) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C46160_51746546; (dj) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C38198_45786860; (dk) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C17667_26408733; (dl) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63108_40258378; (dm) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C24962_34524602; (dn) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C31256_40071875; (do) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5744_1008828; (dp) an A allele at WSNP_BE490200B_TA_2_1; (dq) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C106072_90285324; (dr) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2200823; (ds) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19582_28564743; (dt) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2201722; (du) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C46274_51831129; (dv) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C71101_69119989; (dw) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C31052_40235870; (dx) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913284; (dy) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C18800_27681277; (dz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C27373_36578273; (ea) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C9040_9947841; (eb) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C10939_17975681; (ec) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C25755_35018674; (ed) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C26747_35974837; (ee) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C4067_7419106; (ef) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1790_3378771; (eg) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913307; (eh) T allele at WSNP_EX_C4408_7939986; (ei) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C14248_22204549; (ej) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C847_522893; (ek) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C18780_28136150; (el) a T allele at WSNPBQ169669B_TA_2_2; (em) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C351_689415; (en) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C17128_16056425; and/or, (eo) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3738_6809767.

Further provided are methods which provide for the amplification and/or detection of various haplotypes or marker profiles associated with an improved fusarium blight head resistance. Such methods include the amplification and/or detection of at least one haplotype associated with an improved fusarium blight head resistance as set forth in Table 6 and include, for example, the amplification and/or detection of (a) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2181_4089639 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C70593_69508988; (b) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67492_66096650 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6476_11246531; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C46670_52108070 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3887_7051325; (d) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67198_65702998, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C8592_14575931, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C7705_13139890, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5780_10153638; (e) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C18733_27607958, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11976_19193550, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C16938_25916260, a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C62985_40164465, and a C allele at WSNP_BF291549B_TA_1_1; (f) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C8484_14372815, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67036_65492436, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C4951_8856170, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C4485_5618761, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C17452_26163465, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2027_3945764, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942866, and, a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942834; (g) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C39862_48205590, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11451949, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11452297, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C30969_39821293; (h) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C13086_13174510, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68113_66877517, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565935; (i) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_REP_C8768_3788007, an A allele at WSNP_BG314532A_TA_2_1, a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12088_12411845, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565794, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23564654; (j) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C7742_3467376, a G allele at WSNP_BE399936A_TA_2_1, a T allele at WSNP_RA_C10861_17763060, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11437_18454413, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C58188_60005934, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23720_32957892, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1064_2034518; (k) a T allele at WSNP_BF293133A_TA_2_2, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66291944, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66292689; (l) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16173810, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4548_8166555, and a C allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16174002; (m) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338753 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338703; (n) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8360_14085858, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C12698_20441325, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66331_64502558, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2723_5047696; (o) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C8386_14127329 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66766_65123941; (p) an A allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA 2_1 and an A allele at WSNP_JD_C119_190135; (q) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505533, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7172_12318529, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9632050, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9631220, a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63654_40605158, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7021_12096881; (r) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C40060_47197384 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15399_23662312; (s) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C72670_70836439 and an A allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C50820_34666611; (t) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065169, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87064771, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065032; (u) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451699 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451582; (v) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875600, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875575, and a T allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731133; (w) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731229 and a T allele at WSNP_CAP11_C299_251533; (x) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C923_558715, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C54655_57455562, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C43389_30288993, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33209660, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772663, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33210344, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772702; (y) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293227, an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293078, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67448893, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67449494; (z) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C38351_47009610, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935014, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459532, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459643, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935041, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C52849_56297163, and a G allele at WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833; (aa) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C2180_3000498, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C26784_36748247, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23638822, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23639387; (ab) a G allele at WSNP_CAP7_C5487_2464864, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2325_4355706, and a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C71567_71302010; (ac) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C17349_26035281, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C46160_51746546, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C38198_45786860, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C17667_26408733; (ad) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63108_40258378 and a G allele at WSNP_RA_C24962_34524602; (ae) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C31256_40071875, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5744_10088287, an A allele at WSNP_BE490200B_TA_2_1 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C106072_90285324; (af) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2200823, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19582_28564743, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2201722; (ag) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C46274_51831129 and a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C71101_69119989; (ah) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C31052_40235870 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913284; (ai) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C18800_27681277, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C27373_36578273, a C allele at WSNP_JD_C9040_9947841, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C10939_17975681, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C25755_35018674, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C26747_35974837, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C4067_7419106, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1790_3378771, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913307, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4408_7939986, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C14248_22204549; (aj) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C847_522893, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C18780_28136150, and a T allele at WSNP_BQ169669B_TA_2_2; and/or (ak) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C351_689415, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C17128_16056425, and, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3738_6809767.

Thus, in specific embodiments, a method of identifying a wheat plant that displays an improved fusarium blight head resistance is provided and comprises: (a) obtaining genetic material from a wheat plant; and, (B) analyzing the genetic material for the presence of at least one allele of a marker locus disclosed herein or analyzing the genetic material for the presence of at least one haplotype disclosed in Table 6, wherein said allele or said haplotype is associated with an improved fusarium blight head resistance, the presence of the allele or the haplotype is determined by detecting the allele or the haplotype, and selecting the wheat plant that is displaying an improved fusarium blight head resistance.

In some examples, the method employs the target region in Table 4 or a portion thereof. Table 4 provides a SNP marker from wheat that is significantly associated with anther-extrusion. SEQ ID NO: 450 found within Table 4 comprises nucleotide sequences of a region of the wheat genome containing the polymorphism associated with anther-extrusion and this sequence or a portion thereof can be used as a probe or primer, either alone or in combination, for the detection of the corresponding marker locus.

In some particular examples, the method comprises amplifying at least a portion of the genome region of SEQ ID NO: 450. In other examples, the primer or primer pair comprises at least a portion of the genomic region as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 450 such that the primer pair is complementary or partially complementary to at least a portion of the marker locus, and is capable of initiating DNA polymerization by a DNA polymerase using the wheat nucleic acid as a template.

In certain other examples, the detecting further comprises providing a detectable probe suitable for detection of the marker locus of interest. In certain examples, the probe used for detection comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least a portion of one or more the sequence set forth in Table 4 or a portion thereof (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 450 or a portion thereof).

Thus, in specific embodiments, a method of identifying a wheat plant that displays a favorable anther-extrusion is provided and comprises: (a) obtaining genetic material from a wheat plant; and, (B) analyzing the genetic material for the presence of at least one allele of a marker locus disclosed herein or analyzing the genetic material for the presence of at least one haplotype disclosed in Table 6, wherein said allele or said haplotype is associated with an anther-extrusion, the presence of the allele or the haplotype is determined by detecting the allele or the haplotype, and selecting the wheat plant that is displaying a favorable anther-extrusion.

Marker Assisted Selection

Molecular markers can be used in a variety of plant breeding applications (e.g. see Staub et al. (1996) Hortscience 31: 729-741; Tanksley (1983) Plant Molecular Biology Reporter. 1: 3-8). One of the main areas of interest is to increase the efficiency of backcrossing and introgressing genes using marker-assisted selection (MAS). A molecular marker that demonstrates linkage with a locus affecting a desired phenotypic trait provides a useful tool for the selection of the trait in a plant population. This is particularly true where the phenotype is hard to assay, e.g. many disease resistance traits. Since DNA marker assays are less laborious and take up less physical space than field phenotyping, much larger populations can be assayed, increasing the chances of finding a recombinant with the target segment from the donor line moved to the recipient line. The closer the linkage, the more useful the marker, as recombination is less likely to occur between the marker and the gene causing the trait, which can result in false positives. Having flanking markers decreases the chances that false positive selection will occur as a double recombination event would be needed. The ideal situation is to have a marker in the gene itself, so that recombination cannot occur between the marker and the gene. Such a marker is called a ‘perfect marker’.

When a gene is introgressed by MAS, it is not only the gene that is introduced but also the flanking regions (Gepts. (2002). Crop Sci; 42: 1780-1790). This is referred to as “linkage drag.” In the case where the donor plant is highly unrelated to the recipient plant, these flanking regions carry additional genes that may code for agronomically undesirable traits. This “linkage drag” may also result in reduced yield or other negative agronomic characteristics even after multiple cycles of backcrossing into an elite line. This is also sometimes referred to as “yield drag.” The size of the flanking region can be decreased by additional backcrossing, although this is not always successful, as breeders do not have control over the size of the region or the recombination breakpoints (Young et al. (1998) Genetics 120:579-585). In classical breeding it is usually only by chance that recombinations are selected that contribute to a reduction in the size of the donor segment (Tanksley et al. (1989). Biotechnology 7: 257-264). Even after 20 backcrosses in backcrosses of this type, one may expect to find a sizeable piece of the donor chromosome still linked to the gene being selected. With markers however, it is possible to select those rare individuals that have experienced recombination near the gene of interest. In 150 backcross plants, there is a 95% chance that at least one plant will have experienced a crossover within 1 cM of the gene, based on a single meiosis map distance. Markers will allow unequivocal identification of those individuals. With one additional backcross of 300 plants, there would be a 95% chance of a crossover within 1 cM single meiosis map distance of the other side of the gene, generating a segment around the target gene of less than 2 cM based on a single meiosis map distance. This can be accomplished in two generations with markers, while it would have required on average 100 generations without markers (See Tanksley et al., supra). When the exact location of a gene is known, flanking markers surrounding the gene can be utilized to select for recombinations in different population sizes. For example, in smaller population sizes, recombinations may be expected further away from the gene, so more distal flanking markers would be required to detect the recombination.

SSRs can be defined as relatively short runs of tandemly repeated DNA with lengths of 6 bp or less (Tautz (1989) Nucleic Acid Research 17: 6463-6471; Wang et al. (1994) Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 88:1-6) Polymorphisms arise due to variation in the number of repeat units, probably caused by slippage during DNA replication (Levinson and Gutman (1987) Mol Biol Evol 4: 203-221). The variation in repeat length may be detected by designing PCR primers to the conserved non-repetitive flanking regions (Weber and May (1989) Am J Hum Genet. 44:388-396). SSRs are highly suited to mapping and MAS as they are multi-allelic, codominant, reproducible and amenable to high throughput automation (Rafalski et al. (1996) Generating and using DNA markers in plants. In: Non-mammalian genomic analysis: a practical guide. Academic press. pp 75-135).

Various types of SSR markers can be generated, and SSR profiles can be obtained by gel electrophoresis of the amplification products. Scoring of marker genotype is based on the size of the amplified fragment.

Various types of FLP markers can also be generated. Most commonly, amplification primers are used to generate fragment length polymorphisms. Such FLP markers are in many ways similar to SSR markers, except that the region amplified by the primers is not typically a highly repetitive region. Still, the amplified region, or amplicon, will have sufficient variability among germplasm, often due to insertions or deletions, such that the fragments generated by the amplification primers can be distinguished among polymorphic individuals.

SNP markers detect single base pair nucleotide substitutions. Of all the molecular marker types, SNPs are the most abundant, thus having the potential to provide the highest genetic map resolution (Bhattramakki et al. 2002 Plant Molecular Biology 48:539-547). SNPs can be assayed at an even higher level of throughput than SSRs, in a so-called ‘ultra-high-throughput’ fashion, as they do not require large amounts of DNA and automation of the assay may be straight-forward. SNPs also have the promise of being relatively low-cost systems. These three factors together make SNPs highly attractive for use in MAS. Several methods are available for SNP genotyping, including but not limited to, hybridization, primer extension, oligonucleotide ligation, nuclease cleavage, minisequencing and coded spheres. Such methods have been reviewed in: Gut (2001) Hum Mutat 17 pp. 475-492; Shi (2001) Clin Chem 47, pp. 164-172; Kwok (2000) Pharmacogenomics 1, pp. 95-100; Bhattramakki and Rafalski (2001) Discovery and application of single nucleotide polymorphism markers in plants. In: R. J. Henry, Ed, Plant Genotyping: The DNA Fingerprinting of Plants, CABI Publishing, Wallingford. A wide range of commercially available technologies utilize these and other methods to interrogate SNPs including Masscode™ (Qiagen), Invader®. (Third Wave Technologies) and Invader Plus®, SnapShot®. (Applied Biosystems), Taqman®. (Applied Biosystems) and Beadarrays®. (Illumina).

A number of SNPs together within a sequence, or across linked sequences, can be used to describe a haplotype for any particular genotype (Ching et al. (2002), BMC Genet. 3:19 pp Gupta et al. 2001, Rafalski (2002b), Plant Science 162:329-333). Haplotypes can be more informative than single SNPs and can be more descriptive of any particular genotype. For example, a single SNP may be allele ‘T’ for a specific line or variety with a favorable phenotype, but the allele ‘T’ might also occur in the wheat breeding population being utilized for recurrent parents. In this case, a haplotype, e.g. a combination of alleles at linked SNP markers, may be more informative. Once a unique haplotype has been assigned to a donor chromosomal region, that haplotype can be used in that population or any subset thereof to determine whether an individual has a particular gene. See, for example, WO2003054229. Using automated high throughput marker detection platforms known to those of ordinary skill in the art makes this process highly efficient and effective.

Other types of molecular markers are also widely used, including but not limited to expressed sequence tags (ESTs), SSR markers derived from EST sequences, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and other nucleic acid based markers. Isozyme profiles and linked morphological characteristics can, in some cases, also be indirectly used as markers. Even though they do not directly detect DNA differences, they are often influenced by specific genetic differences. However, markers that detect DNA variation are far more numerous and polymorphic than isozyme or morphological markers (Tanksley (1983) Plant Molecular Biology Reporter 1:3-8).

Sequence alignments or contigs may also be used to find sequences upstream or downstream of the specific markers listed herein. These new sequences, close to the markers described herein, are then used to discover and develop functionally equivalent markers.

In general, MAS uses polymorphic markers that have been identified as having a significant likelihood of co-segregation with a phenotype, such as flowering date, heading date, anther extrusion, and resistance to fusarium head blight. Such markers are presumed to map near a gene or genes that give the plant a specific phenotype (or trait), and are considered indicators for the desired trait, or markers. Plants are tested for the presence of a desired allele in the marker, and plants containing a desired genotype at one or more loci are expected to transfer the desired genotype, along with a desired phenotype, to their progeny. Thus, plants with a favorable phenotype can be selected for by detecting alleles at one or more marker loci, and in addition, progeny plants derived from those plants can also be selected. Hence, a plant containing a desired genotype in a given chromosomal region is obtained and then crossed to another plant. The progeny of such a cross would then be evaluated genotypically using one or more markers and the progeny plants with the same genotype in a given chromosomal region would then be identified as having a favorable or unfavorable phenotype.

The markers identified herein could be used in MAS either alone or in combination to select wheat plants with favorable phenotypes.

Plants

Plants, including wheat plants, seeds, tissue cultures, variants and mutants, that are identified and/or selected by the foregoing methods are provided. In some examples, plants comprising a favorable allele at one or more marker loci selected from the group consisting of: WSNP_KU_C16547_25454123; WSNP_EX_C2920_5385184; WSNP_EX_C10717_17456391; WSNP_JD_C1316_1891903; WSNP_BG263758B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C3501_6408181; WSNP_BE404354B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C10555_17237000; WSNP_KU_C6758_11757213; WSNP_JD_C6544_7697578; WSNP_EX_C36325_44308589; WSNP_EX_C2580_4800027; WSNP_EX_C10555_17235832; WSNP_EX_C22089_31270140; WSNP_EX_C6590_11419735; WSNP_CAP11_C210_199161; WSNP_KU_C1818_3557408; WSNP_EX_REP_C66606_64905694; and/or WSNP_EX_REP_C102795_87883062 are provided.

Further provided are wheat plants, seeds, tissue culture, explants, and plant cells comprising, for example, (a) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16547_25454123; (b) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10555_17235832; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C2580_4800027; (d) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10717_17456391; (e) a G allele at WSNP_BG263758B_TA_2_1; (f) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2920_5385184; (g) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C1316_1891903; (h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C36325_44308589; or (i) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6590_11419735. In still other embodiments, wheat plants, seeds, tissue culture, explants, and plant cells are provided that comprise at least one haplotype associated with a favorable flowering date as set forth in Table 6 and include, for example, (a) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16547_25454123 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10555_17235832; (b) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C2580_4800027 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10717_17456391; (c) a G allele at WSNP_BG263758B_TA_2_1, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2920_5385184 and a T allele at WSNP_JD_C1316_1891903; and/or, (d) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C36325_44308589 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6590_11419735.

Plants, including wheat plants, seeds, tissue cultures, variants and mutants, having that are identified and/or selected by the foregoing methods are provided. In some examples, plants comprising a favorable allele at one or more marker loci selected from the group consisting WSNP_CAP7_C3472_1623955; WSNP_EX_REP_C108057_91436561; WSNP_CAP8_C458_368155; WSNP_EX_C16720_25268525; WSNP_RA_C32271_41304469; WSNP_EX_C25082_34346512; WSNP_EX_C55096_57733894; WSNP_EX_C11229_18163892; WSNP_EX_C55096_57733841; WSNP_EX_C3096_5709369; WSNP_EX_REP_C67404_65986980; WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_2; WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C8208_13870372; WSNP_JD_C17082_16025440; WSNP_EX_C21499_30644485; WSNP_EX_C3096_5709257; WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_2; WSNP_JD_C4413_5541190; WSNP_EX_C57007_58898157; WSNP_EX_C10347_16946522; WSNP_KU_C7180_12403155; WSNP_BF201102A_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C43578_49857984; WSNP_KU_C7890_13513783; WSNP_EX_C57209_59016692; WSNP_JD_C12221_12509932; WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833; WSNP_EX_C19467_28423946; WSNP_EX_C8643_14488961; WSNP_EX_C1143_2194680; WSNP_RA_C14171_22234872; WSNP_EX_C53387_56639804; WSNP_KU_C28104_38042857; WSNP_CAP8REP_C3844_1896355; WSNP_RA_C23253_32762188; WSNP_EX_C9971_16412345; WSNP_EX_C11106_18003332; WSNP_EX_C35861_43928486; WSNP_EX_C5547_9774453; WSNP_KU_C10377_17180909; WSNP_KU_C18538_27857915; WSNP_RA_C11420_18529863; WSNP_EX_C41347_48189975; WSNP_EX_C53387_56641291; WSNP_EX_C23509_32746909; WSNP_BE497845D_TA_1_1; WSNP_BE445508B_TA_2_2; WSNP_EX_C44049_50205457; WSNP_BE591466B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C15084_23263641; WSNP_JD_C13903_13781269; WSNP_KU_C644_1332610; WSNP_EX_C35861_43926307; WSNP_EX_C5547_9772680; WSNP_KU_REP_C102220_89250165; WSNP_EX_C8802_14726148; WSNP_EX_C130_258776; WSNP_BE499016B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_REP_C69919_68881108; WSNP_EX_C361_708712; WSNP_KU_C1102_2211433; WSNP_RA_C323_681466; WSNP_EX_C916_1767286; WSNP_KU_C16295_25149034; WSNP_JD_C12087_12411036; WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; WSNP_KU_C16812_25759885; WSNP_JD_C5795_6955627; WSNP_EX_REP_C69342_68276256; WSNP_EX_C2718_5038582; WSNP_KU_C17726_26872129; WSNP_JD_C15974_15272598; WSNP_EX_C5239_9272511; WSNP_RA_C37745_45806931; WSNP_EX_REP_C105541_89932598; WSNP_EX_REP_C69526_68472665; WSNP_EX_C123_244117; WSNP_EX_C1988_3742291; WSNP_EX_C19134_28056012; WSNP_JD_C7404_8500079; WSNP_EX_C8303_14001708; WSNP_EX_C9927_16346100; WSNP_JD_C4621_5757201; WSNP_BE591684B_TA_2_1; WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; WSNP_EX_REP_C101414_86780996; WSNP_EX_C29130_38196906; WSNP_RA_C17541_26430903; WSNP_JD_C12687_12877994; WSNP_EX_C10500_17163855; WSNP_EX_C2161_4059735; WSNP_EX_C5547_9774195; WSNP_EX_C4211_7606269; WSNP_EX_C6142_10746442; WSNP_EX_C12254_19575022; WSNP_RA_C2228_4310870; WSNP_RA_C12148_19539667; WSNP_KU_C8712_14751858; WSNP_EX_C34344_42677360; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG4236_4881643; WSNP_BE495786A_TA_2_1; WSNP_RA_REP_C71473_69552690; WSNP_BE490744B_TA_21; WSNP_EX_REP_C67660_66321934; WSNP_EX_C758_1488368; WSNP_EX_C12887_20427158; WSNP_EX_C33778_42210283; WSNP_RA_C10053_16636851; WSNP_EX_C31262_40077397; WSNP_KU_C854_1768062; WSNP_BE445431A_TD_2_2; WSNP_EX_REP_C101746_87053634; WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; WSNP_EX_REP_C104141_88935451; WSNP_EX_C44587_50598716; WSNP_EX_C741_1456698; WSNP_EX_REP_C103972_88799335; WSNP_EX_C3309_6096114; WSNP_RA_C7112_12318340; WSNP_RA_C2063_4012957; WSNP_EX_C42282_48900922; WSNP_EX_C53983_57032627; WSNP_EX_C34842_43092205; WSNP_EX_C5446_9616983; WSNP_EX_C97184_84339976; WSNP_JD_C9902_10674725; WSNP_BE445348B_TA_2_1; WSNP_BE500291ATA_2_1; WSNP_EX_REP_C115803_95396724; WSNP_KU_REP_C72821_72480395; WSNP_EX_C3906_7086162; WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; WSNP_EX_C4605_8240189; WSNP_BF428726A_TA_2_5; WSNP_KU_C66980_66202298; WSNP_BE405599B_TA_2_1; WSNP_JD_C35319_26397591; WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; WSNP_CAP11_C827_513472; WSNP_EX_C29648_38653339; WSNP_KU_C854_1768346; WSNP_KU_C328_679106; WSNP_EX_C3096_5708642; WSNP_CAP7_C2282_1107112; WSNP_JD_C9902_10674626; WSNP_KU_C24239_34199356; WSNP_KU_C5071_9050628; WSNP_EX_C31830_40573624; WSNP_KU_REP_C101212_88410320; WSNP_KU_C39289_47757996; WSNP_EX_C19622_28607997; WSNP_EX_REP_C66733_65077608; WSNP_EX_C26818_36041748; WSNP_EX_C11684_18805687; WSNP_EX_C34344_42676379; WSNP_RA_C6788_11804894; WSNP_EX_C7756_13218814; WSNP_EX_C35861_43927741; WSNP_KU_C34643_43968242; WSNP_RA_REP_C75364_72953286; WSNP_EX_C5192_9203682; WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; WSNP_EX_C4710_8412517; WSNP_EX_REP_C66628_64934660; WSNP_CAP11_C1182_686503; WSNP_JD_C2863_3822253; WSNP_EX_C4927_8772847; WSNP_EX_C44049_50205904; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG2729_2446041; WSNP_BE496983B_TA_2_1; WSNP_KU_C30743_40542247; and/or WSNP_KU_REP_C103274_90057407 are provided.

Further provided are wheat plants, seeds, tissue culture, explants, and plant cells comprising, for example, (a) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C105541_89932598; (b) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C17726_26872129; (c) an A allele atWSNP_EX_C4605_8240189; (d) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205904; (e) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3906_7086162; (f) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101746_87053634; (g) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101414_86780996; (h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205457; (i) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5192_9203682; (j) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C13903_13781269; (k) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C12148_19539667; (l) a G allele at WSNP_BE495786A_TA_2_1; (m) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C24239_34199356; (n) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C37745_45806931; (o) a C allele atWSNP_EX_C34344_42676379; (p) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42677360; (q) an G allele atWSNP_EX_REP_C66628_64934660; (r) an C allele at WSNP_EX_C42282 48900922; (s) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C108057_91436561; (t) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C1672025268525; (u) a C allele at WSNP_CAP8C458_368155; (v) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C741_1456698; (w) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C12687_12877994; (x) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5509657733841; (y) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C104141_88935451; (z) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C25082_34346512; (aa) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C361_708712; (ab) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733894; (ac) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8802_14726148; (ad) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4927_8772847; (ae) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C17082_16025440; (af) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674626; (ag) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674725; (ah) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C21499_30644485; (ai) a G allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_2; (aj) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C18538_27857915; (ak) a G allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_2; (al) a T allele at WSNPBQ168706B_TA_2_1; (am) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117; (an) C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; (ao) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; (ap) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; (aq) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; (ar) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; (as) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; (at) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; (au) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774453; (av) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9772680; (aw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774195; (ax) a C allele at WSNP_BE445348B_TA_2_1; (ay) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C7756_13218814; (az) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709369; (ba) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709257; (bb) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C12887_20427158; (bc) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C72821_72480395; (bd) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5708642; (be) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C57007_58898157; (bf) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C8208_13870372; (bg) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C4413_5541190; (bh) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C7180_12403155; (bi) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10347_16946522; (bj) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C102220_89250165; (bk) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C328_679106; (bl) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C323_681466; (bm) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C644_1332610; (bn) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C17541_26430903; (bo) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C7890_13513783; (bp) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C6788_11804894; (bq) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69526_68472665; (br) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C31830_40573624; (bs) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C2282_1107112; (bt) a T allele at WSNP_BF201102A_TA_2_1; (bu) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19134_28056012; (bv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4211_7606269; (bw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2718_5038582; (bx) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C11420_18529863; (by) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C1102_2211433; (bz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C23509_32746909; (ca) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C75364_72953286; (cb) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66733_65077608; (cd) a C allele at WSNP_BE500291ATA_2_1; (ce) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16812_25759885; (cf) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C130_258776; (cg) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C10053_16636851; (ch) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C15084_23263641; (ci) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C2228_4310870; (cj) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C43578_49857984; (ck) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C30743_40542247; (Cl) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C5795_6955627; (cm) a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C101212_88410320; (cn) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12221_12509932; (co) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C57209_59016692; (cp) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2161_4059735; (cq) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C29648_38653339; (cr) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C19467_28423946; (cs) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C14171_22234872; (ct) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56641291; (cu) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2063_4012957; (cv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C6142_10746442; (cw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C916_1767286; (cx) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56639804; (cy) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10500_17163855; (cz) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3309_6096114; (da) a G allele at WSNP_RFL_CONTIG4236_4881643; and/or (db) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C758_1488368.

In still other embodiments, wheat plants, seeds, tissue culture, explants, and plant cells are provided that comprise at least one haplotype associated with a favorable heading date as set forth in Table 6 and include, for example, (a) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C105541_89932598 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_C17726_26872129; (b) an A allele atWSNP_EX_C4605_8240189, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205904, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3906_7086162, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101746_87053634, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101414_86780996, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205457; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5192_9203682, a G allele at WSNP_JD_C13903_13781269; a G allele at WSNP_RA_C12148_19539667, a G allele at WSNP_BE495786A_TA_2_1, and a C allele at WSNP_KU_C24239_34199356; (d) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C37745_45806931 and a C allele atWSNP_EX_C34344_42676379, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42677360, an G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66628_64934660 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C42282_48900922; (e) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C108057_91436561, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C16720_25268525, and a C allele at WSNP_CAP8_C458_368155; (f) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C741_1456698 and a C allele at WSNP_JD_C12687_12877994; (g) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733841, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C104141_88935451, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C25082_34346512, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C361_708712, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733894; (h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8802_14726148 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4927_8772847; (i) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C17082_16025440, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674626, and a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674725; (j) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C21499_30644485, a G allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_2, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C18538_27857915, a G allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_2, and a T allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_1; (k) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; (l) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774453, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9772680, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774195, a C allele at WSNP_BE445348B_TA_2_1, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C7756_13218814, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709369, and, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709257; (m) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C12887_20427158, a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C72821_72480395, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5708642; (n) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C57007_58898157, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C8208_13870372, and, an A allele at WSNP_JD_C4413_5541190; (o) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C7180_12403155 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10347_16946522; (p) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C102220_89250165, a C allele at WSNP_KU_C328_679106, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C323_681466, an A allele at WSNP_KU_C644_1332610, a T allele at WSNP_RA_C17541_26430903, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C7890_13513783, and, an A allele at WSNP_RA_C6788_11804894; (q) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69526_68472665, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C31830_40573624, a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C2282_1107112, a T allele at WSNP_BF201102A_TA_2_1, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19134_28056012, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4211_7606269; (r) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2718_5038582, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C11420_18529863, a C allele at WSNP_KU_C1102_2211433, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C23509_32746909, a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C75364_72953286, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66733_65077608, and, a C allele at WSNP_BE500291A_TA_2_1; (s) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16812_25759885, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C130_258776, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C10053_16636851, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C15084_23263641, and an A allele at WSNP_RA_C2228_4310870; (t) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C43578_49857984 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_C30743_40542247; (u) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C5795_6955627 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C101212_88410320; (v) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12221_12509932 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C57209_59016692; (w) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2161_4059735 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C29648_38653339; (x) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C19467_28423946 and a G allele at WSNP_RA_C14171_22234872; (y) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56641291, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2063_4012957, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C6142_10746442, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C916_1767286, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56639804; (z) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10500_17163855 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3309_6096114; and/or, (aa) a G allele at WSNP_RFL_CONTIG4236_4881643 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C758_1488368.

Plants, including wheat plants, seeds, tissue cultures, variants and mutants, having resistance to fusarium head blight are also provided. In certain examples, plants identified and selected by the foregoing methods are provided. In yet further examples, plants comprising a favorable allele at one or more marker locus selected from the group consisting WSNP_EX_C5550_9779698; WSNP_EX_C46670_52108070; WSNP_EX_C5060_8985678; WSNP_RA_C8484_14372815; WSNP_EX_C11976_19193550; WSNP_EX_C20975_30093113; WSNP_EX_C16581_25100502; WSNP_EX_C17452_26163465; WSNP_KU_C4951_8856170; WSNP_EX_C18733_27607958; WSNP_KU_C39862_48205590; WSNP_KU_C16938_25916279; WSNP_EX_REP_C67036_65492436; WSNP_JD_C4485_5618761; WSNP_KU_C16938_25916260; WSNP_JD_REP_C63201_40318622; WSNP_RA_C10861_17763060; WSNP_BE517627A_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C2592_4822528; WSNP_EX_C21092_30220342; WSNP_EX_C56928_58852277; WSNP_EX_C1064_2034431; WSNP_BE399936A_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C33196_41722217; WSNP_EX_C7091_12199032; WSNP_EX_C342_670415; WSNP_RA_C58188_60005934; WSNP_EX_C1064_2034518; WSNP_CD452951A_TA_2_1; WSNP_RA_C19083_28215239; WSNP_CAP7_C7742_3467376; WSNP_EX_C45617 51361414; WSNP_EX_C23720_32957892; WSNP_RA_C58188_60004916; WSNP_RA_REP_C106961_90622638; WSNP_EX_C21786_30948397; WSNP_CAP12_C5344_2430233; WSNP_EX_C20649_29731279; WSNP_EX_C1064_2034730; WSNP_EX_C21721_30882221; WSNP_KU_C44873_52048221; WSNP_EX_C11437_18454413; WSNP_EX_C3044_5620102; WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66291944; WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66292689; WSNP_CAP11_REP_C7339_3306558; WSNP_EX_C11229_18163892; WSNP_BF293133A_TA_2_2; WSNP_BF292295A_TA_2_1; WSNP_KU_C18473_27773912; WSNP_KU_C663_1368085; WSNP_EX_C7021_12096881; WSNP_RA_REP_C72670_70836439; WSNP_EX_REP_C66331_64502558; WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_1; WSNP_JD_REP_C63654_40605158; WSNP_JD_REP_C50820_34666611; WSNP_EX_C19773_28772235; WSNP_BE638137B_TA_2_2; WSNP_EX_C5461_9636197; WSNP_RA_C21347_30731133; WSNP_EX_REP_C68829_67704044; WSNP_RA_C21347_30731229; WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87064771; WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065169; WSNP_KU_C38543_47157828; WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065032; WSNP_EX_C3838_6980909; WSNP_EX_C49211_53875600; WSNP_CAP11C299_251533; WSNP_EX_C49211_53875575; WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67449494; WSNP_EX_C9362_15546626; WSNP_RA_C20970_30293078; WSNP_RA_C20970_30293227; WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67448893; WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833; WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935041; WSNP_EX_C16491_24996576; WSNP_EX_C15378_23638822; WSNP_EX_C9763_16125630; WSNP_EX_C3530_6459643; WSNP_EX_C3530_6459532; WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935014; WSNP_KU_C38351_47009610; WSNP_CAP11_C2142_1128735; WSNP_EX_C15378_23639387; WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935148; WSNP_KU_C38351_47009641; WSNP_EX_C52849_56297163; WSNP_BE490200B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C31256_40071875; WSNP_RA_C14498_22667649; WSNP_EX_C5936_10412246; WSNP_CAP12REP_C8688_3644383; WSNP_RA_C24962_34524602; WSNP_EX_C46160_51746546; WSNP_KU_C11690_19042937; WSNP_EX_C5744_10088287; WSNP_EX_C17349_26035281; WSNP_JD_REP_C63108_40258378; WSNP_EX_C5744_10087877; WSNP_KU_C1876_3666308; WSNP_EX_REP_C106072_90285324; WSNP_EX_C23716_32952372; WSNP_EX_C16836_25401702; WSNP_EX_C38198_45786860; WSNP_EX_C1146_2201722; WSNP_KU_C707_1465779; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG3854_4205716; WSNP_CAP11_REP_C6622_3044459; WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913284; WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913307; WSNP_EX_C46274_51831129; WSNP_EX_C351_689415; WSNP_RA_C31052_40235870; WSNP_RA_REP_C71101_69119989; WSNP_EX_REP_C69816_68774932; WSNP_EX_C10783_17555091; WSNP_KU_C18780_28136150; WSNP_EX_C5457_9631220; WSNP_CAP11_C1711_934478; WSNP_EX_C6611_11452297; WSNP_EX_C8386_14127329; WSNP_JD_C9040_9947841; WSNP_EX_C10231_16783750; WSNP_JD_C17128_16056425; WSNP_KU_C23598_33524490; WSNP_JD_C5757_6915127; WSNP_EX_C23968_33209660; WSNP_JD_C6974_8084450; WSNP_CAP7_C5487_2464864; WSNP_EX_C8360_14085858; WSNP_KU_C4067_7419106; WSNP_EX_C5267_9318903; WSNP_EX_C22753_31958639; WSNP_JD_C13086_13174510; WSNP_EX_C5457_9632050; WSNP_RA_C18364_27416387; WSNP_KU_C26784_36748247; WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942834; WSNP_BQ169669B_TA_2_2; WSNP_EX_C19582_28564743; WSNP_JD_C5919_7081809; WSNP_EX_C6611_11451949; WSNP_EX_C3201_5910659; WSNP_BE496826A_TA_2_3; WSNP_JD_C2180_3000498; WSNP_EX_C27373_36578273; WSNP_EX_C18800_27681277; WSNP_JD_C9360_10216526; WSNP_EX_C40060_47197384; WSNP_EX_C1279_2451582; WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; WSNP_EX_C15399_23662312; WSNP_EX_REP_C70299_69243835; WSNP_EX_C23968_33210344; WSNP_EX_C7172_12318529; WSNP_EX_C2723_5047696; WSNP_EX_C123_244117; WSNP_CAP7_C1339_673581; WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942866; WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; WSNP_JD_C12088_12411845; WSNP_EX_C26747_35974837; WSNP_EX_C1146_2200823; WSNP_EX_REP_C67198_65702998; WSNP_CAP8 REP_C8295_3722232; WSNP_CAP11 REP_C8768_3788007; WSNP_BQ168329A_TD_2_1; WSNP_EX_REP_C103505_88446868; WSNP_EX_C4094_7399975; WSNP_BG314532A_TA_2_1; WSNP_BF292596A_TA_1_3; WSNP_BF292596A_TA_1_1; WSNP_RA_C20273_945764; WSNP_RA_REP_C69221_66574148; WSNP_EX_C17667_26408733; WSNP_EX_C16919_25506076; WSNP_EX_REP_C70593_69508988; WSNP_EX_C22089_31270140; WSNP_KU_C14842_23275194; WSNP_EX_C2325_4355706; WSNP_EX_C10630_17338753; WSNP_KU_C53501_58106782; WSNP_EX_C4408_7939986; WSNP_KU_REP_C71567_71302010; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG2167_1484520; WSNP_EX_REP_C66407_64613374; WSNP_EX_C25755_35018674; WSNP_JD_C9360_10216330; WSNP_EX_REP_C67369_65940505; WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG3917_4326857; WSNP_JD_C626_945114; WSNP_EX_C11055_17927668; WSNP_EX_C6476_11246531; WSNP_EX_C15163_23357477; WSNP_EX_C5780_10153638; WSNP_JD_C119_190135; WSNP_EX_C97184_84339976; WSNP_EX_C4548_8166555; WSNP_EX_REP_C68113_66877517; WSNP_EX_REP_C69266_68192954; WSNP_CAP11_C847_522893; WSNP_EX_C1279_2451699; WSNP_EX_C7316_12552186; WSNP_EX_REP_C68515_67349904; WSNP_JD_C3463_4479210; WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; WSNP_EX_C1790_3378771; WSNP_EX_C5378_9505533; WSNP_CAP7_C444_237594; WSNP_EX_C10630_17338703; WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; WSNP_EX_C8386_14128029; WSNP_JD_REP_C63942_40788045; WSNP_EX_C4661_8344663; WSNP_RA_C9209_15425473; WSNP_JD_C43389_30288993; WSNP_EX_C30969_39821293; WSNP_EX_C3738_6809767; WSNP_EX_REP_C103505_88447145; WSNP_EX_REP_C67897_66613415; WSNP_EX_C33765_42199371; WSNP_EX_REP_C66606_64905694; WSNP_EX_C14248_22204549; WSNP_EX_REP_C66766_65123941; WSNP_CAP11_C3968_1874257; WSNP_EX_C15325_23565935; WSNP_KU_C10939_17975681; WSNP_EX_C41073_47987034; WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; WSNP_EX_C15325_23565794; WSNP_EX_REP_C67492_66096650; WSNP_EX_C21129_30256617; WSNP_EX_C31670_40433594; WSNP_EX_C2181_4089639; WSNP_CAP11_C923_558715; WSNP_KU_C8592_14575931; WSNP_BE490744A_TD_2_1; WSNP_JD_REP_C62985_40164465; WSNP_EX_C54655_57455562; WSNP_EX_C16295_24772663; WSNP_EX_C3940_7144946; WSNP_KU_C12698_20441325; WSNP_BF291549B_TA_1_1; WSNP_RA_C9738_16173810; WSNP_EX_C15325 23564654; WSNP_EX_C7705_13139890; WSNP_RA_C9738_16174002; WSNP_EX_C16295_24772702; WSNP_EX_C3887_7051325; WSNP_KU_C7471_12865509; and/or WSNP_CAP8_C6680_3136899 are provided.

Further provided are wheat plants, seeds, tissue culture, explants, and plant cells comprising, for example, (a) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2181_4089639; (b) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C70593_69508988; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67492_66096650; (d) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6476_11246531; (e) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C46670_52108070; (f) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3887_7051325; (g) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67198_65702998; (h) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C8592_14575931; (i) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C7705_13139890; (j) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5780_10153638; (k) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C18733_27607958; (l) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11976_19193550; (m) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C16938_25916260; (n) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C62985_40164465; (o) a C allele at WSNP_BF291549B_TA_1_1; (p) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C8484_14372815; (q) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67036_65492436; (r) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C4951_8856170; (s) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C4485_5618761; (t) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C17452_26163465; (u) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2027_3945764; (v) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942866; (w) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942834; (x) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C39862_48205590; (y) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11451949; (z) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11452297; (aa) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C30969_39821293; (ab) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C13086_13174510; (ac) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68113_66877517; (ad) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565935; (ae) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11REP_C8768_3788007; (af) an A allele at WSNP_BG314532A_TA_2_1; (ag) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12088_12411845; (ah) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565794; (ai) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23564654; (aj) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C7742_3467376; (ak) a G allele at WSNP_BE399936A_TA_2_1; (al) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C10861_17763060; (am) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11437_18454413; (an) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C58188_60005934; (ao) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23720_32957892; (ap) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1064_2034518; (aq) a T allele at WSNP_BF293133A_TA_2_2; (ar) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66291944; (as) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66292689; (at) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16173810; (au) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4548_8166555; (av) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16174002; (aw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338753; (ax) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338703; (ay) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8360_14085858; (az) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C12698_20441325; (ba) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66331_64502558; (bb) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2723_5047696; (bc) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C8386_14127329; (bd) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66766_65123941; (be) an A allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_1; (bf) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C119_190135; (bg) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; (bh) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505533; (bi) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7172_12318529; (bj) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; (bk) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; (bl) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117; (bm) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; (bn) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; (bo) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665;

(bp) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; (bq) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9632050: (br) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9631220; (bs) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63654 40605158; (bt) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7021_12096881; (bu) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C40060_47197384; (by) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15399_23662312; (bw) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C72670_70836439; (bx) an A allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C50820_34666611; (by) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065169; (bz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87064771; (ca) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065032; (cb) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451699; (cc) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451582; (cd) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875600; (ce) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875575; (cf) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731133; (cg) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731229; (ch) a T allele at WSNP_CAP11C299_251533; (ci) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C923_558715; (cj) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C54655_57455562; (ck) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C43389_30288993; (cl) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33209660; (cm) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772663; (cn) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33210344; (co) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772702; (cp) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293227; (cq) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293078; (cr) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67448893; (cs) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67449494; (ct) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C38351_47009610; (cu) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935014; (cv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459532; (cw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459643; (cx) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935041; (cy) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C52849_56297163; (cz) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C77188_795833; (da) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C2180_3000498; (db) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C26784_36748247; (dc) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23638822; (dd) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23639387; (de) a G allele at WSNP_CAP7_C5487_2464864; (df) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2325_4355706; (dg) a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C71567_71302010; (dh) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C17349_26035281;

(di) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C46160_51746546; (dj) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C38198_45786860; (dk) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C17667_26408733; (dl) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63108_40258378; (dm) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C24962_34524602; (dn) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C31256_40071875; (do) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5744_1008828; (dp) an A allele at WSNP_BE490200B_TA_2_1; (dq) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C106072_90285324; (dr) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2200823; (ds) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19582_28564743; (dt) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2201722; (du) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C46274_51831129; (dv) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C71101_69119989; (dw) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C31052_40235870; (dx) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913284; (dy) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C18800_27681277; (dz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C27373_36578273; (ea) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C9040_9947841; (eb) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C10939_17975681; (ec) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C25755_35018674; (ed) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C26747_35974837; (ee) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C4067_7419106; (ef) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1790_3378771; (eg) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913307; (eh) T allele at WSNP_EX_C4408_7939986; (ei) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C14248_22204549; (ej) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C847_522893; (ek) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C18780 28136150; (el) a T allele at WSNP_BQ169669B_TA_22; (em) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C351_689415; (en) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C17128_16056425; and/or, (eo) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3738_6809767.

In still other embodiments, wheat plants, seeds, tissue culture, explants, and plant cells are provided that comprise at least one haplotype associated with an improved fusarium blight head resistance as set forth in Table 6 and include, for example, (a) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2181_4089639 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C70593_69508988; (b) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67492_66096650 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6476_11246531; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C46670_52108070 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3887_7051325; (d) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67198_65702998, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C8592_14575931, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C7705_13139890, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5780_10153638; (e) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C18733_27607958, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11976_19193550, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C16938_25916260, a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C62985 40164465, and a C allele at WSNP_BF291549B_TA_1_1; (f) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C8484_14372815, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67036_65492436, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C4951_8856170, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C4485_5618761, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C17452_26163465, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2027_3945764, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942866, and, a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942834; (g) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C39862_48205590, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11451949, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11452297, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C30969_39821293; (h) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C13086_13174510, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68113_66877517, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565935; (i) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_REP_C8768_3788007, an A allele at WSNP_BG314532A_TA_2_1, a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12088_12411845, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565794, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23564654; (j) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C7742_3467376, a G allele at WSNP_BE399936A_TA_2_1, a T allele at WSNP_RA_C10861_17763060, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11437_18454413, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C58188_60005934, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23720_32957892, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1064_2034518; (k) a T allele at WSNP_BF293133A_TA_2_2, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66291944, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66292689; (1) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16173810, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4548_8166555, and a C allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16174002; (m) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338753 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338703; (n) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8360_14085858, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C12698_20441325, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66331_64502558, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2723_5047696; (o) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C8386_14127329 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66766_65123941; (p) an A allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_1 and an A allele at WSNP_JD_C119_190135; (q) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505533, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7172_12318529, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123 244117, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9632050, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9631220, a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63654_40605158, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7021_12096881; (r) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C40060 47197384 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15399_23662312; (s) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C72670_70836439 and an A allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C50820_34666611; (t) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065169, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87064771, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065032; (u) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451699 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451582; (v) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875600, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875575, and a T allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731133; (w) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731229 and a T allele at WSNP_CAP11_C299_251533; (x) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C923_558715, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C54655_57455562, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C43389_30288993, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33209660, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772663, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33210344, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772702; (y) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293227, an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293078, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67448893, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67449494; (z) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C38351_47009610, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935014, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459532, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459643, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935041, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C52849_56297163, and a G allele at WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833; (aa) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C2180_3000498, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C26784_36748247, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23638822, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23639387; (ab) a G allele at WSNP_CAP7_C5487_2464864, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2325_4355706, and a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C71567_71302010; (ac) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C17349_26035281, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C46160_51746546, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C38198_45786860, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C17667_26408733; (ad) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63108_40258378 and a G allele at WSNP_RA_C24962_34524602; (ae) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C31256_40071875, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5744_10088287, an A allele at WSNP_BE490200B_TA_2_1 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C106072_90285324; (af) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2200823, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19582_28564743, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2201722; (ag) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C46274_51831129 and a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C71101_69119989; (ah) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C31052_40235870 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913284; (ai) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C18800_27681277, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C27373_36578273, a C allele at WSNP_JD_C9040_9947841, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C10939_17975681, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C25755_35018674, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C26747_35974837, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C4067_7419106, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1790_3378771, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913307, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4408_7939986, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C14248_22204549; (aj) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C847_522893, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C18780_28136150, and a T allele at WSNP_BQ169669B_TA_2_2; and/or (ak) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C351_689415, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C17128_16056425, and, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3738_6809767.

Plants, including wheat plants, seeds, tissue cultures, variants and mutants, that are identified and selected by the foregoing methods are provided. In yet further examples, plants comprising a favorable allele at the marker locus WSNP_EX_REP_C66893_65301351 are provided.

Introgression:

At least one marker locus associated with a favorable phenotype in wheat or of a haplotype associated with a favorable phenotype in wheat can be introgressed into a wheat plant or germplasm lacking the favorable phenotype. A first wheat plant or germplasm that is identified or selected as a result of detection at one or more of the marker loci disclosed in Tables 1-4 may be crossed with the second wheat germplasm to provide progeny wheat germplasm. These progeny germplasm are screened to determine the presence of the favorable phenotype in wheat, with respect to flowering date, anther-extrusion, heading date and/or fusarium head blight resistance by detecting any one or a combination of alleles at marker loci set forth in Tables 1, 2, 3, and/or 4. The progeny that tests positive for the presence of the allele or alleles (i.e. haplotype) that are associated with the favorable phenotype are selected as having the introgressed region. Methods for performing such screening are well known in the art and any suitable method can be used.

In still further methods, the information disclosed herein regarding marker loci associated with flowering date, heading date, anther extrusion, and fusarium head blight resistance can be used to aid in the selection of breeding plants, lines, and populations containing favorable versions of these traits for use in introgression of the favorable traits into elite wheat germplasm, or germplasm of proven genetic superiority suitable for variety release.

Also provided is a method for producing a wheat plant adapted for conferring a favorable phenotype with respect to flowering date, heading date, anther extrusion, and/or resistance to fusarium head blight in wheat. First, donor wheat plants for a parental line containing an allele or combination of alleles (i.e. haplotype) at one or more of the marker loci presented in Tables 1, 2, 3, and/or 4, are selected. According to the method, selection can be accomplished via MAS as explained herein. Selected plant material may represent, among others, an inbred line, a hybrid line, a heterogeneous population of wheat plants, or an individual plant. According to techniques well known in the art of plant breeding, this donor parental line is crossed with a second parental line. In some examples, the second parental line is a high yielding line. This cross produces a segregating plant population composed of genetically heterogeneous plants. Plants of the segregating plant population are screened for the allele or alleles that are associated with the favorable phenotype. Further breeding may include, among other techniques, additional crosses with other lines, hybrids, backcrossing, or self-crossing. The result is a line of wheat plants that has the favorable phenotype and optionally also has other desirable traits from one or more other wheat lines.

Non-limiting embodiments include:

1. A method of identifying a first wheat plant or germplasm

A) wherein said first wheat plant or germplasm displays a favorable flowering date said method comprising detecting in the first wheat plant or germplasm at least one marker locus comprising: WSNP_KU_C16547_25454123; WSNP_EX_C2920_5385184; WSNP_EX_C10717_17456391; WSNP_JD_C1316_1891903; WSNP_BG263758B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C3501_6408181; WSNP_BE404354B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C10555_17237000; WSNP_KU_C6758_11757213; WSNP_JD_C6544_7697578; WSNP_EX_C36325_44308589; WSNP_EX_C2580_4800027; WSNP_EX_C10555_17235832; WSNP_EX_C22089_31270140; WSNP_EX_C6590_11419735; WSNP_CAP11_C210_199161; WSNP_KU_C1818_3557408; WSNP_EX_REP_C66606_64905694; WSNP_EX_REP_C102795_87883062; or a maker locus that is closely linked to any one of said marker locus; B) wherein said first wheat plant or germplasm that displays a favorable heading date said method comprising detecting in the first wheat plant or germplasm at least one marker locus comprising WSNP_CAP7_C3472_1623955; WSNP_EX_REP_C108057_91436561; WSNP_CAP8_C458_368155; WSNP_EX_C16720_25268525; WSNP_RA_C32271_41304469; WSNP_EX_C25082_34346512; WSNP_EX_C55096_57733894; WSNP_EX_C11229_18163892; WSNP_EX_C55096_57733841; WSNP_EX_C3096_5709369; WSNP_EX_REP_C67404_65986980; WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_2; WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C8208_13870372; WSNP_JD_C17082_16025440; WSNP_EX_C21499_30644485; WSNP_EX_C3096_5709257; WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_2; WSNP_JD_C4413_5541190; WSNP_EX_C57007_58898157; WSNP_EX_C10347_16946522; WSNP_KU_C7180_12403155; WSNP_BF201102A_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C43578_49857984; WSNP_KU_C7890_13513783; WSNP_EX_C57209_59016692; WSNP_JD_C12221_12509932; WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833; WSNP_EX_C19467_28423946; WSNP_EX_C8643_14488961; WSNP_EX_C1143_2194680; WSNP_RA_C14171_22234872; WSNP_EX_C53387_56639804; WSNP_KU_C28104_38042857; WSNP_CAP8 REP_C3844_1896355; WSNP_RA_C23253_32762188; WSNP_EX_C9971_16412345; WSNP_EX_C11106_18003332; WSNP_EX_C35861_43928486; WSNP_EX_C5547_9774453; WSNP_KU_C10377_17180909; WSNP_KU_C18538_27857915; WSNP_RA_C11420_18529863; WSNP_EX_C41347_48189975; WSNP_EX_C53387_56641291; WSNP_EX_C23509_32746909; WSNP_BE497845D_TA_1_1; WSNP_BE445508B_TA_2_2; WSNP_EX_C44049_50205457; WSNP_BE591466B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C15084_23263641; WSNP_JD_C13903_13781269; WSNP_KU_C644_1332610; WSNP_EX_C35861_43926307; WSNP_EX_C5547_9772680; WSNP_KU_REP_C102220_89250165; WSNP_EX_C8802_14726148; WSNP_EX_C130_258776; WSNP_BE499016B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_REP_C69919_68881108; WSNP_EX_C361_708712; WSNP_KU_C1102_2211433; WSNP_RA_C323_681466; WSNP_EX_C916_1767286; WSNP_KU_C16295_25149034; WSNP_JD_C12087_12411036; WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; WSNP_KU_C16812_25759885; WSNP_JD_C5795_6955627; WSNP_EX_REP_C69342_68276256; WSNP_EX_C2718_5038582; WSNP_KU_C17726_26872129; WSNP_JD_C15974_15272598; WSNP_EX_C5239_9272511; WSNP_RA_C37745_45806931; WSNP_EX_REP_C105541_89932598; WSNP_EX_REP_C69526_68472665; WSNP_EX_C123_244117; WSNP_EX_C1988_3742291; WSNP_EX_C19134_28056012; WSNP_JD_C7404_8500079; WSNP_EX_C8303_14001708; WSNP_EX_C9927_16346100; WSNP_JD_C4621_5757201; WSNP_BE591684B_TA_2_1; WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; WSNP_EX_REP_C101414_86780996; WSNP_EX_C29130_38196906; WSNP_RA_C17541_26430903; WSNP_JD_C12687_12877994; WSNP_EX_C10500_17163855; WSNP_EX_C2161_4059735; WSNP_EX_C5547_9774195; WSNP_EX_C4211_7606269; WSNP_EX_C6142_10746442; WSNP_EX_C12254_19575022; WSNP_RA_C2228_4310870; WSNP_RA_C12148_19539667; WSNP_KU_C8712_14751858; WSNP_EX_C34344_42677360; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG4236_4881643; WSNP_BE495786A_TA_2_1; WSNP_RA_REP_C71473_69552690; WSNP_BE490744B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_REP_C67660_66321934; WSNP_EX_C758_1488368; WSNP_EX_C12887_20427158; WSNP_EX_C33778_42210283; WSNP_RA_C10053_16636851; WSNP_EX_C31262_40077397; WSNP_KU_C854_1768062; WSNP_BE445431A_TD_2_2; WSNP_EX_REP_C101746_87053634; WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; WSNP_EX_REP_C104141_88935451; WSNP_EX_C44587_50598716; WSNP_EX_C741_1456698; WSNP_EX_REP_C103972_88799335; WSNP_EX_C3309_6096114; WSNP_RA_C7112_12318340; WSNP_RA_C2063_4012957; WSNP_EX_C42282_48900922; WSNP_EX_C53983_57032627; WSNP_EX_C34842_43092205; WSNP_EX_C5446_9616983; WSNP_EX_C97184_84339976; WSNP_JD_C9902_10674725; WSNP_BE445348B_TA_2_1; WSNP_BE500291A_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_REP_C115803_95396724; WSNP_KU_REP_C72821_72480395; WSNP_EX_C3906_7086162; WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; WSNP_EX_C4605_8240189; WSNP_BF428726A_TA_2_5; WSNP_KU_C66980_66202298; WSNP_BE405599B_TA_2_1; WSNP_JD_C35319_26397591; WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; WSNP_CAP11C827_513472; WSNP_EX_C29648_38653339; WSNP_KU_C854_1768346; WSNP_KU_C328_679106; WSNP_EX_C3096_5708642; WSNP_CAP7_C2282_1107112; WSNP_JD_C9902_10674626; WSNP_KU_C24239_34199356; WSNP_KU_C5071_9050628; WSNP_EX_C31830_40573624; WSNP_KU_REP_C101212_88410320; WSNP_KU_C39289_47757996; WSNP_EX_C19622_28607997; WSNP_EX_REP_C66733_65077608; WSNP_EX_C26818_36041748; WSNP_EX_C11684_18805687; WSNP_EX_C34344_42676379; WSNP_RA_C6788_11804894; WSNP_EX_C7756_13218814; WSNP_EX_C35861_43927741; WSNP_KU_C34643_43968242; WSNP_RA_REP_C75364_72953286; WSNP_EX_C5192_9203682; WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; WSNP_EX_C4710_8412517; WSNP_EX_REP_C66628_64934660; WSNP_CAP11C1182_686503; WSNP_JD_C2863_3822253; WSNP_EX_C4927_8772847; WSNP_EX_C44049_50205904; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG2729_2446041; WSNP_BE496983B_TA_2_1; WSNP_KU_C30743_40542247; WSNP_KU_REP_C103274_90057407, or a marker locus that is closely linked to any one of said marker locus; C) said first wheat plant or germplasm that displays improved fusarium blight head resistance, said method comprising detecting at least one marker locus comprising WSNP_EX_C5550_9779698; WSNP_EX_C46670_52108070; WSNP_EX_C5060_8985678; WSNP_RA_C8484_14372815; WSNP_EX_C11976_19193550; WSNP_EX_C20975_30093113; WSNP_EX_C16581_25100502; WSNP_EX_C17452_26163465; WSNP_KU_C4951_8856170; WSNP_EX_C18733_27607958; WSNP_KU_C39862_48205590; WSNP_KU_C16938_25916279; WSNP_EX_REP_C67036_65492436; WSNP_JD_C4485_5618761; WSNP_KU_C16938_25916260; WSNP_JD_REP_C63201_40318622; WSNP_RA_C10861_17763060; WSNP_BE517627A_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C2592_4822528; WSNP_EX_C21092_30220342; WSNP_EX_C56928_58852277; WSNP_EX_C1064_2034431; WSNP_BE399936A_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C33196_41722217; WSNP_EX_C7091_12199032; WSNP_EX_C342_670415; WSNP_RA_C58188_60005934; WSNP_EX_C1064_2034518; WSNP_CD452951A_TA_2_1; WSNP_RA_C19083_28215239; WSNP_CAP7_C7742_3467376; WSNP_EX_C45617_51361414; WSNP_EX_C23720_32957892; WSNP_RA_C58188_60004916; WSNP_RA_REP_C106961_90622638; WSNP_EX_C21786_30948397; WSNP_CAP12C5344_2430233; WSNP_EX_C20649_29731279; WSNP_EX_C1064_2034730; WSNP_EX_C21721_30882221; WSNP_KU_C44873_52048221; WSNP_EX_C11437_18454413; WSNP_EX_C3044_5620102; WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66291944; WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66292689; WSNP_CAP11_REP_C7339_3306558; WSNP_EX_C11229_18163892; WSNP_BF293133A_TA_2_2; WSNP_BF292295A_TA_2_1; WSNP_KU_C18473_27773912; WSNP_KU_C663_1368085; WSNP_EX_C7021_12096881; WSNP_RA_REP_C72670_70836439; WSNP_EX_REP_C66331_64502558; WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_1; WSNP_JD_REP_C63654_40605158; WSNP_JD_REP_C50820_34666611; WSNP_EX_C19773_28772235; WSNP_BE638137B_TA_2_2; WSNP_EX_C5461_9636197; WSNP_RA_C21347_30731133; WSNP_EX_REP_C68829_67704044; WSNP_RA_C21347_30731229; WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87064771; WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065169; WSNP_KU_C38543_47157828; WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065032; WSNP_EX_C3838_6980909; WSNP_EX_C49211_53875600; WSNP_CAP11_C299_251533; WSNP_EX_C49211_53875575; WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67449494; WSNP_EX_C9362_15546626; WSNP_RA_C20970_30293078; WSNP_RA_C20970_30293227; WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67448893; WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833; WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935041; WSNP_EX_C16491_24996576; WSNP_EX_C15378_23638822; WSNP_EX_C9763_16125630; WSNP_EX_C3530_6459643; WSNP_EX_C3530_6459532; WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935014; WSNP_KU_C38351_47009610; WSNP_CAP11_C2142_1128735; WSNP_EX_C15378_23639387; WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935148; WSNP_KU_C38351_47009641; WSNP_EX_C52849_56297163; WSNP_BE490200B_TA_2_1; WSNP_EX_C31256_40071875; WSNP_RA_C14498_22667649; WSNP_EX_C5936_10412246; WSNP_CAP12REP_C8688_3644383; WSNP_RA_C24962_34524602; WSNP_EX_C46160_51746546; WSNP_KU_C11690_19042937; WSNP_EX_C5744_10088287; WSNP_EX_C17349_26035281; WSNP_JD_REP_C63108_40258378; WSNP_EX_C5744_10087877; WSNP_KU_C1876_3666308; WSNP_EX_REP_C106072_90285324; WSNP_EX_C23716_32952372; WSNP_EX_C16836_25401702; WSNP_EX_C38198_45786860; WSNP_EX_C1146_2201722; WSNP_KU_C707_1465779; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG3854_4205716; WSNP_CAP11_REP_C6622_3044459; WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913284; WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913307; WSNP_EX_C46274_51831129; WSNP_EX_C351_689415; WSNP_RA_C31052_40235870; WSNP_RA_REP_C71101_69119989; WSNP_EX_REP_C69816_68774932; WSNP_EX_C10783_17555091; WSNP_KU_C18780_28136150; WSNP_EX_C5457_9631220; WSNP_CAP11_C1711_934478; WSNP_EX_C6611_11452297; WSNP_EX_C8386_14127329; WSNP_JD_C9040_9947841; WSNP_EX_C10231_16783750; WSNP_JD_C17128_16056425; WSNP_KU_C23598_33524490; WSNP_JD_C5757_6915127; WSNP_EX_C23968_33209660; WSNP_JD_C6974_8084450; WSNP_CAP7_C5487_2464864; WSNP_EX_C8360_14085858; WSNP_KU_C4067_7419106; WSNP_EX_C5267_9318903; WSNP_EX_C22753_31958639; WSNP_JD_C13086_13174510; WSNP_EX_C5457_9632050; WSNP_RA_C18364_27416387; WSNP_KU_C26784_36748247; WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942834; WSNP_BQ169669B_TA_2_2; WSNP_EX_C19582_28564743; WSNP_JD_C5919_7081809; WSNP_EX_C6611_11451949; WSNP_EX_C3201_5910659; WSNP_BE496826A_TA_2_3; WSNP_JD_C2180_3000498; WSNP_EX_C27373_36578273; WSNP_EX_C18800_27681277; WSNP_JD_C9360_10216526; WSNP_EX_C40060_47197384; WSNP_EX_C1279_2451582; WSNP_EX_C220163_1191407; WSNP_EX_C15399_23662312; WSNP_EX_REP_C70299_69243835; WSNP_EX_C23968_33210344; WSNP_EX_C7172_12318529; WSNP_EX_C2723_5047696; WSNP_EX_C123_244117; WSNP_CAP7_C1339_673581; WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942866; WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; WSNP_JD_C12088_12411845; WSNP_EX_C26747_35974837; WSNP_EX_C1146_2200823; WSNP_EX_REP_C67198_65702998; WSNP_CAP8 REP_C8295_3722232; WSNP_CAP11_REP_C8768_3788007; WSNP_BQ168329A_TD_2_1; WSNP_EX_REP_C103505_88446868; WSNP_EX_C4094_7399975; WSNP_BG314532A_TA_2_1; WSNP_BF292596A_TA_1_3; WSNP_BF292596A_TA_1_1; WSNP_RA_C2027_3945764; WSNP_RA_REP_C69221_66574148; WSNP_EX_C17667_26408733; WSNP_EX_C16919_25506076; WSNP_EX_REP_C70593_69508988; WSNP_EX_C22089_31270140; WSNP_KU_C14842_23275194; WSNP_EX_C2325_4355706; WSNP_EX_C10630_17338753; WSNP_KU_C53501_58106782; WSNP_EX_C4408_7939986; WSNP_KU_REP_C71567_71302010; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG2167_1484520; WSNP_EX_REP_C66407_64613374; WSNP_EX_C25755_35018674; WSNP_JD_C9360_10216330; WSNP_EX_REP_C67369_65940505; WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; WSNP_RFL_CONTIG3917_4326857; WSNP_JD_C626_945114; WSNP_EX_C11055_17927668; WSNP_EX_C6476_11246531; WSNP_EX_C15163_23357477; WSNP_EX_C5780_10153638; WSNP_JD_C119_190135; WSNP_EX_C97184_84339976; WSNP_EX_C4548_8166555; WSNP_EX_REP_C68113_66877517; WSNP_EX_REP_C69266_68192954; WSNP_CAP11C847_522893; WSNP_EX_C1279_2451699; WSNP_EX_C7316_12552186; WSNP_EX_REP_C68515_67349904; WSNP_JD_C3463_4479210; WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; WSNP_EX_C1790_3378771; WSNP_EX_C5378_9505533; WSNP_CAP7_C444_237594; WSNP_EX_C10630_17338703; WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; WSNP_EX_C8386_14128029; WSNP_JD_REP_C63942_40788045; WSNP_EX_C4661_8344663; WSNP_RA_C9209_15425473; WSNP_JD_C43389_30288993; WSNP_EX_C30969_39821293; WSNP_EX_C3738_6809767; WSNP_EX_REP_C103505_88447145; WSNP_EX_REP_C67897_66613415; WSNP_EX_C33765_42199371; WSNP_EX_REP_C66606_64905694; WSNP_EX_C14248_22204549; WSNP_EX_REP_C66766_65123941; WSNP_CAP11_C3968_1874257; WSNP_EX_C15325_23565935; WSNP_KU_C10939_17975681; WSNP_EX_C41073_47987034; WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; WSNP_EX_C15325_23565794; WSNP_EX_REP_C67492_66096650; WSNP_EX_C21129_30256617; WSNP_EX_C31670_40433594; WSNP_EX_C2181_4089639; WSNP_CAP11C923_558715; WSNP_KU_C8592_14575931; WSNP_BE490744A_TD_2_1; WSNP_JD_REP_C62985_40164465; WSNP_EX_C54655_57455562; WSNP_EX_C16295_24772663; WSNP_EX_C3940_7144946; WSNP_KU_C12698_20441325; WSNP_BF291549B_TA_1_1; WSNP_RA_C9738_16173810; WSNP_EX_C15325_23564654; WSNP_EX_C7705_13139890; WSNP_RA_C9738_16174002; WSNP_EX_C16295_24772702; WSNP_EX_C3887_7051325; WSNP_KU_C7471_12865509; or WSNP_CAP8_C6680_3136899; or a marker that is closely linked to any of said marker locus; or, D) said first wheat plant or germplasm that displays improved anther extrusion, said method comprising detecting at least one marker locus comprising WSNP_EX_REP_C66893_65301351 or a marker closely linked thereto.

2. The method of embodiment 1(A), wherein the said marker locus associated with the favorable flowering date comprises:

(a) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16547_25454123; (b) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10555_17235832; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C2580_4800027; (d) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10717_17456391; (e) a G allele at WSNP_BG263758B_TA_2_1; (f) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2920_5385184; (g) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C1316_1891903; (h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C36325_44308589; or (i) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6590_11419735.

3. The method of embodiment 1(A) or 2, wherein at least two marker loci are detected.

4. The method of embodiment 3, wherein the at least two marker loci comprise a haplotype that is associated with the favorable flowering date.

5. The method of embodiment 4, wherein said haplotype associated with said the favorable flowering date comprises:

(a) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16547_25454123 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10555_17235832; (b) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C2580_4800027 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10717_17456391; (c) a G allele at WSNP_BG263758B_TA_2_1, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2920_5385184 and a T allele at WSNP_JD_C1316_1891903; and/or, (d) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C36325_44308589 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6590_11419735.

6. The method of embodiment 1(B), wherein the said marker locus associated with the favorable heading date comprise:

(a) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C105541_89932598; (b) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C17726_26872129; (c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C4605_8240189; (d) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205904; (e) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3906_7086162; (f) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101746_87053634; (g) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101414_86780996; (h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205457; (i) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5192_9203682; (j) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C13903_13781269; (k) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C12148_19539667; (l) a G allele at WSNP_BE495786A_TA_2_1; (m) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C24239_34199356; (n) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C37745_45806931; (o) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42676379; (p) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42677360; (q) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66628_64934660; (r) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C42282_48900922; (s) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C108057_91436561; (t) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C16720_25268525; (u) a C allele at WSNP_CAP8_C458_368155; (v) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C741_1456698; (w) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C12687_12877994; (x) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733841; (y) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C104141_88935451; (z) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C25082_34346512; (aa) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C361_708712; (ab) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733894; (ac) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8802_14726148; (ad) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4927_8772847; (ae) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C17082_16025440; (af) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674626; (ag) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674725; (ah) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C21499_30644485; (ai) a G allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_22; (aj) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C18538_27857915; (ak) a G allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_2; (al) a T allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_1; (am) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117; (an) C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087; (ao) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134; (ap) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407; (aq) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699; (ar) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665; (as) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586; (at) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104; (au) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774453; (av) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9772680; (aw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774195; (ax) a C allele at WSNP_BE445348B_TA_2_1; (ay) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C7756_13218814; (az) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709369; (ba) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709257; (bb) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C12887_20427158; (be) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C72821_72480395; (bd) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5708642; (be) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C57007_58898157; (bf) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C8208_13870372; (bg) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C4413_5541190; (bh) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C7180_12403155; (bi) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10347_16946522; (bj) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C102220_89250165; (bk) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C328_679106; (bl) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C323_681466; (bm) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C644_1332610; (bn) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C17541_26430903; (bo) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C7890_13513783; (bp) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C6788_11804894; (bq) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69526_68472665; (br) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C31830_40573624; (bs) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C2282_1107112; (bt) a T allele at WSNP_BF201102A_TA 2_1; (bu) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19134_28056012; (bv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4211_7606269; (bw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2718_5038582; (bx) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C11420_18529863; (by) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C1102_2211433; (bz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C23509_32746909; (ca) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C75364_72953286; (cb) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66733_65077608; (cd) a C allele at WSNP_BE500291A_TA_2_1; (ce) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16812_25759885; (cf) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C130258776; (cg) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C10053_16636851; (ch) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C15084_23263641; (ci) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C2228_4310870; (cj) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C43578_49857984; (ck) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C30743_40542247; (cl) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C5795_6955627; (cm) a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C101212_88410320; (cn) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12221_12509932; (co) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C57209_59016692; (cp) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2161_4059735; (cq) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C29648_38653339; (cr) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C19467_28423946; (cs) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C14171_22234872; (ct) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56641291; (cu) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2063_4012957; (cv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C6142_10746442; (cw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C916_1767286; (cx) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56639804; (cy) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10500_17163855; (cz) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3309_6096114; (da) a G allele at WSNP_RFL_CONTIG4236_4881643; (db) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C758_1488368.

7. The method of embodiment 1(B) or 6, wherein at least two marker loci are detected.

8. The method of embodiment 7, wherein the at least two marker loci comprise a haplotype that is associated with the favorable heading date.

9. The method of embodiment 8, wherein said haplotype associated with said the favorable heading date comprises:

(a) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C105541_89932598 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_C17726_26872129;

(b) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C4605_8240189, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205904, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3906_7086162, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101746_87053634, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101414_86780996, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C44049_50205457;

(c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5192_9203682, a G allele at WSNP_JD_C13903_13781269; a G allele at WSNP_RA_C12148_19539667, a G allele at WSNP_BE495786A_TA_2_1, and a C allele at WSNP_KU_C24239_34199356;

(d) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C37745_45806931 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42676379, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C34344_42677360, an G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66628_64934660 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4228248900922;

(e) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C108057_91436561, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C16720_25268525, and a C allele at WSNP_CAP8_C458_368155;

(f) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C741_1456698 and a C allele at WSNP_JD_C12687_12877994;

(g) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733841, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C104141_88935451, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C25082_34346512, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C361_708712, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C55096_57733894;

(h) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8802_14726148 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4927_8772847;

(i) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C17082_16025440, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674626, and a T allele at WSNP_JD_C9902_10674725;

(j) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C21499_30644485, a G allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_2, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C18538_27857915, a G allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_2, and a T allele at WSNP_BQ168706B_TA_2_1;

(k) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104;

(l) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774453, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9772680, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5547_9774195, a C allele at WSNP_BE445348B_TA_2_1, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C7756_13218814, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5709369, and, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C30965709257;

(m) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C12887_20427158, a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C72821_72480395, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C3096_5708642;

(n) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C57007_58898157, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C8208_13870372, and, an A allele at WSNP_JD_C4413_5541190;

(o) a C allele at WSNP_KU_C7180_12403155 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10347_16946522;

(p) a T allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C102220_89250165, a C allele at WSNP_KU_C328_679106, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C323_681466, an A allele at WSNP_KU_C644_1332610, a T allele at WSNP_RA_C17541_26430903, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C7890_13513783, and, an A allele at WSNP_RA_C6788_11804894;

(q) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69526_68472665, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C31830_40573624, a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C2282_1107112, a T allele at WSNP_BF201102A_TA_2_1, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19134_28056012, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4211_7606269;

(r) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2718_5038582, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C11420_18529863, a C allele at WSNP_KU_C1102_2211433, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C23509_32746909, a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C75364_72953286, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66733_65077608, and, a C allele at WSNP_BE500291A_TA_2_1;

(s) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C16812_25759885, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C130_258776, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C10053_16636851, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C15084_23263641, and an A allele at WSNP_RA_C2228_4310870;

(t) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C43578_49857984 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_C30743_40542247;

(u) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C5795_6955627 and a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C101212_88410320;

(v) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12221_12509932 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C57209_59016692;

(w) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C2161_4059735 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C29648_38653339;

(x) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C19467_28423946 and a G allele at WSNP_RA_C14171_22234872;

(y) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56641291, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2063_4012957, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C6142_10746442, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C916_1767286, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C53387_56639804;

(z) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10500_17163855 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3309_6096114; or,

(aa) a G allele at WSNP_RFL_CONTIG4236_4881643 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C758_1488368.

10. The method of embodiment 1(D), wherein the said marker locus associated with improved fusarium blight head resistance comprises:

(a) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2181_4089639;

(b) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C70593_69508988;

(c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67492_66096650;

(d) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6476_11246531;

(e) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C46670_52108070;

(f) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3887_7051325;

(g) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67198_65702998;

(h) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C8592_14575931;

(i) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C7705_13139890;

(j) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5780_10153638;

(k) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C18733_27607958;

(l) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11976_19193550;

(m) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C16938_25916260;

(n) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C62985_40164465;

(o) a C allele at WSNP_BF291549B_TA_1_1;

(p) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C8484_14372815;

(q) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67036_65492436;

(r) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C4951_8856170;

(s) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C4485_5618761;

(t) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C17452_26163465;

(u) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2027_3945764;

(v) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942866;

(w) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942834;

(x) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C39862_48205590;

(y) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11451949;

(z) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11452297;

(aa) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C30969_39821293;

(ab) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C13086_13174510;

(ac) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68113_66877517;

(ad) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565935;

(ae) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11REP_C8768_3788007;

(af) an A allele at WSNP_BG314532A_TA_2_1;

(ag) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12088_12411845;

(ah) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565794;

(ai) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23564654;

(aj) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C7742_3467376;

(ak) a G allele at WSNP_BE399936A_TA_2_1;

(al) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C10861_17763060;

(am) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11437_18454413;

(an) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C58188_60005934;

(ao) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23720_32957892;

(ap) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1064_2034518;

(aq) a T allele at WSNP_BF293133A_TA_2_2;

(ar) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66291944;

(as) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66292689;

(at) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16173810;

(au) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4548_8166555;

(av) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16174002;

(aw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338753;

(ax) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338703;

(ay) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8360_14085858;

(az) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C12698_20441325;

(ba) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66331_64502558;

(bb) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2723_5047696;

(bc) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C8386_14127329;

(bd) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66766_65123941;

(be) an A allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_1;

(bf) an A allele at WSNP_JD_C119_190135;

(bg) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104;

(bh) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505533;

(bi) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7172_12318529;

(bj) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407;

(bk) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699;

(bl) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117;

(bm) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586;

(bn) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087;

(bo) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665;

(bp) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134;

(bq) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9632050:

(br) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9631220;

(bs) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63654_40605158;

(bt) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7021_12096881;

(bu) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C40060_47197384;

(bv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15399_23662312;

(bw) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C72670_70836439;

(bx) an A allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C50820_34666611;

(by) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065169;

(bz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87064771;

(ca) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065032;

(cb) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451699;

(cc) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451582;

(cd) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875600;

(ce) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875575;

(cf) a T allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731133;

(cg) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731229;

(ch) a T allele at WSNP_CAP11_C299_251533;

(ci) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C923_558715;

(cj) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C54655_57455562;

(ck) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C43389_30288993;

(cl) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33209660;

(cm) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772663;

(cn) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33210344;

(co) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772702;

(cp) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293227;

(cq) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293078;

(cr) a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67448893;

(cs) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67449494;

(ct) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C38351_47009610;

(cu) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935014;

(cv) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459532;

(cw) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459643;

(cx) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935041;

(cy) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C52849_56297163;

(cz) a G allele at WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833;

(da) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C2180_3000498;

(db) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C26784_36748247;

(dc) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23638822;

(dd) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23639387;

(de) a G allele at WSNP_CAP7_C5487_2464864;

(df) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2325_4355706;

(dg) a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C71567_71302010;

(dh) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C17349_26035281;

(di) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C46160_51746546;

(dj) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C38198_45786860;

(dk) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C17667_26408733;

(dl) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63108_40258378;

(dm) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C24962_34524602;

(dn) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C31256_40071875;

(do) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5744_1008828;

(dp) an A allele at WSNP_BE490200B_TA_2_1;

(dq) a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C106072_90285324;

(dr) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2200823;

(ds) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19582_28564743;

(dt) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2201722;

(du) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C46274_51831129;

(dv) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C71101_69119989;

(dw) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C31052_40235870;

(dx) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913284;

(dy) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C18800_27681277;

(dz) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C27373_36578273

(ea) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C9040_9947841;

(eb) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C10939_17975681;

(ec) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C25755_35018674;

(ed) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C26747_35974837;

(ee) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C4067_7419106;

(ef) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1790_3378771;

(eg) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913307;

(eh) T allele at WSNP_EX_C4408_7939986;

(ei) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C14248_22204549;

(ej) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C847_522893;

(ek) a G allele at WSNP_KU_C18780_28136150;

(el) a T allele at WSNP_BQ169669B_TA_2_2;

(em) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C351_689415;

(en) a T allele at WSNP_JD_C17128_16056425; or,

(eo) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3738_6809767.

11. The method of embodiment 1(D) or 10, wherein at least two marker loci are detected.

12. The method of embodiment 11, wherein the at least two marker loci comprise a haplotype that is associated with improved fusarium blight head resistance.

13. The method of embodiment 12, wherein said haplotype associated with the improved fusarium blight head resistance comprises:

(a) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2181_4089639 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C70593_69508988;

(b) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67492_66096650 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C6476_11246531;

(c) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C46670_52108070 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3887_7051325;

(d) an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67198_65702998, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C8592_14575931, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C7705_13139890, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5780_10153638;

(e) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C18733_27607958, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11976_19193550, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C16938_25916260, a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C62985_40164465, and a C allele at WSNP_BF291549B_TA_1_1;

(f) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C8484_14372815, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67036_65492436, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C4951_8856170, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C4485_5618761, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C17452_26163465, a G allele at WSNP_RA_C2027_3945764, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942866, and, a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69986_68942834;

(g) an A allele at WSNP_KU_C39862_48205590, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11451949, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C6611_11452297, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C30969_39821293;

(h) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C13086_13174510, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68113_66877517, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565935;

(i) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_REP_C8768_3788007, an A allele at WSNP_BG314532A_TA_2_1, a G allele at WSNP_JD_C12088_12411845, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23565794, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C15325_23564654;

(j) a T allele at WSNP_CAP7_C7742_3467376, a G allele at WSNP_BE399936A_TA_2_1, a T allele at WSNP_RA_C10861_17763060, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C11437_18454413, a C allele at WSNP_RA_C58188_60005934, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23720_32957892, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1064_2034518;

(k) a T allele at WSNP_BF293133A_TA_2_2, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66291944, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C67635_66292689;

(l) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16173810, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4548_8166555, and a C allele at WSNP_RA_C9738_16174002;

(m) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338753 and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C10630_17338703;

(n) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C8360_14085858, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C12698_20441325, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66331_64502558, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C2723_5047696;

(o) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C8386_14127329 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C66766_65123941;

(p) an A allele at WSNP_BE489326B_TA_2_1 and an A allele at WSNP_JD_C119_190135;

(q) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C4769_8510104, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505533, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7172_12318529, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C22016_31191407, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C8722_14766699, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C123_244117, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9504586, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C5378_9505087, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C6825_11858665, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2330_4366134, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9632050, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5457_9631220, a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63654_40605158, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C7021_12096881;

(r) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C40060_47197384 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15399_23662312;

(s) a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C72670_70836439 and an A allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C50820_34666611;

(t) a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065169, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87064771, and a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C101757_87065032;

(u) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451699 and a G allele at WSNP_EX_C1279_2451582;

(v) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875600, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C49211_53875575, and a T allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731133;

(w) a G allele at WSNP_RA_C21347_30731229 and a T allele at WSNP_CAP11_C299_251533;

(x) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C923_558715, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C54655_57455562, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C43389_30288993, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33209660, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772663, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C23968_33210344, and a T allele at WSNP_EX_C16295_24772702;

(y) an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293227, an A allele at WSNP_RA_C20970_30293078, a G allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67448893, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68600_67449494;

(z) a T allele at WSNP_KU_C38351_47009610, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935014, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459532, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C3530_6459643, a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C68165_66935041, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C52849_56297163, and a G allele at WSNP_JD_C7718_8795833;

(aa) a C allele at WSNP_JD_C2180_3000498, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C26784_36748247, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23638822, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C15378_23639387;

(ab) a G allele at WSNP_CAP7_C5487_2464864, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C2325_4355706, and a G allele at WSNP_KU_REP_C71567_71302010;

(ac) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C17349_26035281, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C46160_51746546, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C38198_45786860, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C17667_26408733;

(ad) a G allele at WSNP_JD_REP_C63108_40258378 and a G allele at WSNP_RA_C24962_34524602;

(ae) a G allele at WSNP_EX_C31256_40071875, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C5744_10088287, an A allele at WSNP_BE490200B_TA_2_1 and a C allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C106072_90285324;

(af) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2200823, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C19582_28564743, and a C allele at WSNP_EX_C1146_2201722;

(ag) a T allele at WSNP_EX_C46274_51831129 and a C allele at WSNP_RA_REP_C71101_69119989;

(ah) a C allele at WSNP_RA_C31052_40235870 and a T allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913284;

(ai) an A allele at WSNP_EX_C18800_27681277, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C27373_36578273, a C allele at WSNP_JD_C9040_9947841, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C10939_17975681, a G allele at WSNP_EX_C25755_35018674, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C26747_35974837, a T allele at WSNP_KU_C4067_7419106, an A allele at WSNP_EX_C1790_3378771, an A allele at WSNP_EX_REP_C69954_68913307, a T allele at WSNP_EX_C4408_7939986, and an A allele at WSNP_EX_C14248_22204549;

(aj) a G allele at WSNP_CAP11_C847_522893, a G allele at WSNP_KU_C18780_28136150, and a T allele at WSNP_BQ169669B_TA_2_2; and/or

(ak) a C allele at WSNP_EX_C351_689415, a T allele at WSNP_JD_C17128_16056425, and, a C allele at WSNP_EX_C3738_6809767.

14. The method of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the detecting comprises amplification of said at least one marker loci or a portion thereof.

15. The method of embodiment 14, wherein the method further comprises providing one or more labeled nucleic acid probes suitable for detection of the at least one marker locus being amplified.

16. The method of any one of embodiments 14 or 15, further comprising selecting the first wheat plant or germplasm, or selecting a progeny of the first wheat plant or germplasm.

17. The method of embodiment 16, further comprising crossing the selected first wheat plant or germplasm with a second wheat plant or germplasm.

The following examples are offered to illustrate, but not to limit, the appended claims. It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that persons skilled in the art will recognize various reagents or parameters that can be altered without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.