Test weight, kernel shrivelling, and aneuploidy frequency in triticale

Abstract

Kernel shrivelling is one of the main problems in kernel appearance and test weight that cause yield loss. Aneuploidy frequency and its relationship with kernel shrivelling were determined in four triticale genotypes. Firstly, genotypes were divided into two main groups based on their test weights. Secondly, these two groups were subdivided into two subclasses based on kernel appearance. While euploids rate was 100% in plump kernels of high test weight genotypes, this rate was 92 and 94% respectively in a group of shrivelled kernels. Ploidy levels of 2n = 40 and 2n = 41 were observed in aneuploids. A ploidy of 2n = 40 chromosomes was not observed in the plump kernel group of high test weight genotypes, but in the shrivelled kernel group made up 1%. While there were no aneuploids in the plump kernel group of high test weight genotypes, the aneuploidy rate was 7% in the shrivelled kernel group of same genotypes. On the other hand, the aneuploidy rate was 8 and 13% in the plump and shrivelled kernel groups of low test weight genotypes, respectively.