Evaluation of Hard Red Spring Wheat Lines Derived from Wild Emmer for Agronomic Traits

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum spp.) is a major field crop grown worldwide. The quantity and composition of protein determine baking and nutritional properties of wheat. This study was conducted to: i) evaluate three hard red spring recombinant inbred (RI) populations (ND683/Bergen, Glupro/Keene, and Glupro/Bergen) for grain protein concentration (GPC), plant height, and days to heading; ii) examine the association of GPC with plant height and days to heading; and iii) estimate heritability of GPC in these populations. ND683 and Glupro are derived from crosses of wild Emmer (Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccoides) in a three way combination and are high in GPC. In all the populations, mean GPC and days to heading of the RI lines was greater than the low protein parents, Bergen and Keene. In both the ND683/Bergen and Glupro/Bergen populations, mean plant height of the RI lines was significantly taller than Bergen. Correlation coefficients between GPC and other traits (plant height and days to heading) ranged from 0.28 to 0.52 (P<0.01), The heritability estimate for GPC ranged from 0.37 to 0.43 (P<0.01). Results indicate selection for high GPC in these populations should be more effective in advanced generations.