The F3h gene encoding flavanone 3-hydroxylase, one of the key enzymes of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, is involved in plant defense response, however, it has not yet been genetically mapped in such important crop species as wheat, barley and rye. In the current study, the F3h genes were for the first time genetically mapped in these species, using microsatellite and RFLP markers. The three wheat F3h homoeologous copies F3h-A1, F3h-B1 and F3h-D1, and rye F3h-R1 were mapped close to the microsatellite loci Xgwm0877 and Xgwm1067 on chromosomes 2AL, 2BL, 2DL, and 2RL, respectively. Wheat F3h-G1 and barley F3h-H1 were also mapped at the homoeologous F3h-1 position on chromosomes 2GL and 2HL, respectively. The non-homoeologous F3h gene ( F3h-B2) was mapped on wheat chromosome 2BL about 40 cM distal to the F3h-1 map position. The results obtained in the current study are important for further studies aimed on manipulation with F3h expression (and, hence, plant defense) in wheat, barley and rye.
