Abstract
Sustainable production and improved genetic gains can be achieved by broadening the genetic window of elite wheat germplasm. Here, we induced mutations in two spring wheat varieties, viz., NN-Gandum-1 (NN-1) and Punjab-11 (Pb-11), by exposing their seeds to ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) and γ-rays, respectively. We characterized >3500 lines of each NN-1 and Pb-11 derived population in three consecutive generations, viz., M5, M6, and M7, for important traits, e.g., plant height, heading date, spike morphology and rust resistance. We observed significant genetic variation and correlations in both populations for all investigated traits. We observed differences in terms of number of mutants between NN-1 (22.76%) and Pb-11 (26.18%) which could be ascribed to the genotype-by-mutagen interaction. High broad-sense heritability (H2) estimates, that are vital for higher genetic gains, were observed for all of the investigated traits in both populations (H2 = 0.69–0.91 in NN-1 and 0.84–0.98 in Pb-11). Particularly, to breed for rust resistance, we selected a subset (n = 239) of M7 lines that also showed phenotypic variation for other traits. Our studies (1) show the relevance to artificial mutagenesis to create genetic variation in elite germplasm for their immediate use in current breeding programs, and (2) provide material for downstream identification of genes associated with traits of high agronomic importance.
Highlights
IntroductionBread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a major source of daily caloric intake, is grown in more than 60 countries on 221.86 million ha with an annual production of 775.8 million metric tons (https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/production.pdf accessed on 1 June 2021) during 2020-21
Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a major source of daily caloric intake, is grown in more than 60 countries on 221.86 million ha with an annual production of 775.8 million metric tons during 2020-21
We investigated the mutagenesis efficiency of chemical (EMS) and physical mutagens (γ-rays), genetic variability, and correlation among the investigated traits and generations
Summary
Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a major source of daily caloric intake, is grown in more than 60 countries on 221.86 million ha with an annual production of 775.8 million metric tons (https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/production.pdf accessed on 1 June 2021) during 2020-21. Improved germplasm harboring the Rht genes was introduced in several countries including Pakistan and India, and was extensively used for developing new wheat varieties, which led to a significant production increase worldwide. Rust diseases (e.g., yellow, leaf, and stem rusts) are the most detrimental to wheat production. E.g., drought and salinity, on the other hand, cause wheat reduction by 50–90% and 10–90%, respectively [15,16,17]. These stresses impede plant growth and result in premature leaf senescence, reduced tillering and, reduced grain yield [5,18,19]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
