Triticale Lines Research Articles

Hormonal requirements for effective induction of microspore embryogenesis in triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.) anther cultures.

Key message Effective microspore embryogenesis in triticale is determined by a specific hormonal homeostasis: low value of IAA/cytokinins, IAA/ABA and cytokinins/ABA ratios as well as proper endogenous/exogenous auxin balance, which favours androgenic structure formation and green plant regeneration ability. The concentration of plant growth regulators (PGRs): auxins (Auxs), cytokinins (CKs) and abscisic acid (ABA) was measured in anthers of eight DH lines of triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm.), and associated with microspore embryogenesis (ME) responsiveness. The analysis was conducted on anthers excised from control tillers at the phase optimal for ME induction and then after ME-initiating tillers treatment (21 days at 4 °C). In control, IAA predominated among Auxs (11–39 nmol g−1 DW), with IBA constituting only 1 % of total Auxs content. The prevailing isoforms of CKs were cis isomers of zeatin (121–424 pmol g−1 DW) and zeatin ryboside (cZR, 146–432 pmol g−1 DW). Surprisingly, a relatively high level (10–64 pmol g−1 DW) of kinetin (KIN) was detected. Cold treatment significantly changed the levels of all analysed PGRs. The anthers of ‘responsive’ DH lines contained higher concentrations of IBA, cis and trans zeatin, cZR and ABA, and lower amount of IAA and KIN in comparison with ‘recalcitrant’ genotypes. However, the effects of exogenous ABA, p-chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (PCIB) and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid treatments suggest that none of the studied PGRs acts alone in the acquisition of embryogenic competency, which seems to be an effect of concerted PGRs crosstalk. The initiation of ME required a certain threshold level of ABA. A crucial prerequisite for high ME effectiveness was a specific PGRs homeostasis: lower Auxs level in comparison with CKs and ABA, and lower CKs/ABA ratio. A proper balance between endogenous Auxs in anthers and exogenous Auxs supplied by culture media was also essential.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00299-014-1686-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Antioxidant activity and ROS tolerance in triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm.) anthers affect the efficiency of microspore embryogenesis

To verify the hypothesis that cell redox status regulates the process of microspore embryogenesis (ME), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were analyzed in eight doubled haploid lines of triticale with significant differences in embryogenic potential. The analyses were performed in anthers excised from freshly cut tillers (control) and from low temperature (LT) pre-treated tillers (3 weeks at 4 °C) in which ME has been initiated. Significant associations between ME effectiveness and the variables studied were found. In control cultures, high superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity appeared crucial for microspore viability. On the other hand, positive though non-linear correlation between ME effectiveness and H2O2 generation, and negative correlation with catalase (CAT) activity suggest that some threshold level of H2O2 is important for successful ME initiation. LT tillers pre-treatment significantly increased H2O2 accumulation, which had a negative effect on ME effectiveness. However, even high level of H2O2 did not endanger cell viability as long as the cells exhibited high activity of ROS-decomposing enzymes (SOD, CAT and POX). The ability to sustain antioxidative enzyme activity under cold stress in the dark was another important requirement for high effectiveness of ME, allowing for the generation of the signal initiating microspore reprogramming and simultaneously protecting the cells from the toxic effects of ROS production. The role of antioxidative enzymes cannot be replaced even by high activity of non-enzymatic antioxidants. In conclusion, genetically controlled but environmentally modified cell tolerance to oxidative stress seems to play an important role in triticale ME.

Genetic variability and inheritance to aluminum tolerance in nutrient solution in triticale

Triticale has shown different behavior to aluminum toxicity (A1(3+)) when applied nutrient solution. This study had the objective of evaluating 19 triticale lines inserted at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), IAC-5 cultivar and two control cultivars of wheat in the presence of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 mg L- 1 of Al3+. Afterwards, four genotypes being two tolerant and two sensitive were chosen to obtain the F1's, F2's, RC1's and RC2's generations, in all possible crossing. The seedlings were submitted to 6 mg L- 1 of Al3+ and analyzed later on (tolerant and sensitive) by the chi-square method. The root growth was also obtained to estimate the genetic parameters involved in the character control. The trials were carried out in laboratories, in nutritive solution. The genotypes were tolerant to 15 mg L- 1 of Al3+, exception the line 14 (P3), sensitive to 3 mg L- 1 of Al3+ and the line 13, 17 and the cultivar IAC-5 (P4), sensitive to 6 mg L- 1 of Al3+, the line 15 sensitive to 12 mg L- 1 of Al3+ and the lines 16 and 18 sensitive to 15 mg L- 1 of Al3+. It was concluded that the inheritance to tolerance to aluminum toxicity is dominant and governed by a pair of alleles. The genetic parameters involved in the root growth control in solution containing 6 mg L- 1 of Al3+ also revealed simple inheritance, suggesting a selection in the first segregating generations.

Evaluation of triticale genotypes for salt tolerance using physiological traits

Salinity is one of the major constraints to plant production worldwide. The effect of terminal salinity on the physiological traits of 18 triticale (X. triticosecale) lines comprising nine doubled haploid (DH) and nine corresponding advanced lines (F8) and two bread wheat cultivars (control) was investigated under field conditions. Salt-stressed experiment was irrigated using saline water with EC = 16 ds m-1 from mid-jointing growth stage (Zadoks 43) onward. Na+ concentration, K+/Na+ ratio, Ca2+ /Na+ ratio, chlorophyll content, carotenoids content, proline content and grain yield were assessed. A high correlation coefficient (r=0.84**) was obtained between K+/Na+ ratio and grain yield under saline field conditions. The results also revealed an inverse and significant relationship between grain yield loss due to salinity with K+/Na+ ratio, proline and carotenoids content under saline stress provided evidence supporting the role of K+/Na+ ratio in salinity tolerance. F8 line number 6 possessed the highest values for carotenoids content, Ca2+/Na+ ratio and proline content as well as the least Na+ concentration under salt-stressed conditions, accompanied by having the least grain yield loss due to salinity, was ranked this line as superior salt-tolerant genotype.

Characteristics of Modern Triticale Quality: The Relationship Between Carbohydrate Properties, α‐Amylase Activity, and Falling Number

ABSTRACTTriticale is a high‐yielding cereal crop with potential to increase grain production for human consumption over the coming decades. Minimal targeted selection has been conducted to produce cultivars with α‐amylase, amylose, and nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP) content appropriate for a milling market. Nevertheless, genotypic variability exists. Standard quality screening methods used for wheat, including pasting properties, falling number, and quantification of α‐amylase activity were employed to assess the environmental and genotypic variability among modern triticale cultivars and to investigate the suitability of these tests for triticale. Samples of 11 triticale lines from four environments were compared with five wheat cultivars bred for various end uses. Triticale exhibited a greater range than wheat for most tested variables, and the ranges usually overlapped. Triticale exhibited higher NSP content, generally equivalent pasting properties, higher α‐amylase activity, and lower falling number on average compared with wheat checks. However, low falling number was not indicative of high α‐amylase activity; the relationship with NSP level and other factors is discussed, and caution is recommended for interpretation of previous research. Three cultivars with equivalent α‐amylase activity to wheat and two with partially waxy starch were identified. These findings have great significance for research and the emerging triticale milling market.

Comparison o Selection Results i Organic and Conventional Environments for Winter Triticale

×One of key questions in breeding for organic agriculture is about most appropriate selection environment. A successful man-made cereal species, triticale (Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus.) - is very suitable for growing in organic crop management systems but little research has been conducted on breeding triticale for organic agriculture. Field trials were carried out in Priekuïi during 2009-2012. One hundred F4 winter triticale lines were sown in conventionally and organically managed fields. Selection of the approximately ten best lines in each environment, according to breeders’ opinion with respect to suitability for organic conditions, was made. The selected lines were compared in both organic and conventional fields. The study did not show that there was a need to create varieties for organic farming by selection of triticale in the initial generations in organic fields.

Molecular, Physicochemical and Rheological Characteristics of Introgressive Triticale/Triticum monococcum ssp. monococcum Lines with Wheat 1D/1A Chromosome Substitution

Three sets of hexaploid introgressive triticale lines, with Triticum monococcum ssp. monococcum (cultivated einkorn wheat) genes and a bread wheat chromosome 1D substituted for chromosome 1A, and one set of secondary triticale lines were evaluated for grain and flour physicochemical and dough rheological characteristics in two generations (F7 and F8). Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed the 1D/1A chromosome substitution. The presence or absence of einkorn high-molecular-weight (HMW) glutenin subunits and the wheat Glu-D1d locus encoding the 5 + 10 subunits was assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), capillary zone electrophoresis, and allele-specific molecular markers. Significant differences were found among physicochemical properties (with the exception of the Hagberg falling number) of all introgressive Triticale/T. monococcum lines and the secondary triticale lines. The wheat 1D/1A chromosome substitution also affected these properties. The results showed that in all introgressive triticale lines, the protein and gluten content, Zeleny sedimentation value, and water absorption capacity, were increased. The rheological parameters estimated using micro-farinograph, reomixer, and Kieffer dough extensibility systems also showed an appreciable increase in dough-mixing properties, maximum resistance to extension (Rmax), and dough extensibility. Introgressive Triticale/T. monococcum lines with 5 + 10 subunits have particularly favorable rheological parameters. The results obtained in this study suggest that the cultivated einkorn genome Am, in the context of hexaploid secondary triticale lines and with a wheat 1D/1A substitution, has the potential to improve gluten polymer interactions and be a valuable genetic resource for triticale quality improvement.

Virulence phenotypes of Puccinia striiformis in Alberta from 2009–2011

One hundred and four isolates of Puccinia striiformis were obtained primarily from central Alberta during 2009–2011 from wheat, barley, foxtail barley and triticale. Isolates were identified as P. striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) or P. striiformis f. sp. hordei (Psh) based on virulence on differential seedlings. Twenty-five wheat differentials separated 67 Pst isolates into 12 pathotypes, with a single pathotype representing 48% of Pst isolates. Wheat differentials with resistance genes Yr5 and Yr15 were resistant to all 12 pathotypes, while wheat lines with genes Yr1, Yr10, Yr24, Yr28, YrTyee and YrSP were resistant to 80–98% of the isolates. The remainder of the wheat differentials were susceptible to all Pst isolates. Within the 37 Psh isolates, 12 pathotypes were detected based on 12 barley differentials, half of which were previously unreported in Alberta. The two most common Psh pathotypes combined accounted for 46% of the isolates. One half of the Psh isolates may be the result of hybridization between the two formae speciales since they exhibited virulence on a large number of wheat and triticale lines in addition to barley lines. Psh isolates with these virulence factors were more frequently recovered from six-row than two-row barley. For both formae speciales, there was no apparent association between pathotype and location, with pathotypes being widespread and recovered from multiple locations.

Molecular markers as a complementary tool in risk assessments: quantifying interspecific gene flow from triticale to spring wheat and durum wheat

Triticale is being considered as a bioindustrial crop in Canada using genetic modification. Because related spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) and durum wheat (T. durum) may exhibit synchronous flowering and grow in proximity, determination of interspecific gene flow when triticale is the pollen donor is necessary to evaluate potential risk. Pollen-mediated gene flow risk assessments generally rely on phenotypic markers to detect hybridization but DNA markers could be powerful and less ambiguous in quantifying rare interspecific gene flow. Six cultivars representing four species [spring wheat, durum wheat, triticale and rye (Secale cereale)] were screened with 235 spring wheat and 27 rye SSR markers to evaluate transferability and polymorphism. Fifty-five polymorphic markers were used in conjunction with morphological characterization to quantify interspecific gene flow from a blue aleurone (BA) triticale line to two spring wheat cultivars (AC Barrie and AC Crystal) and one durum wheat cultivar (AC Avonlea). Approximately 1.9 Million seeds from small plot experiments were visually screened in comparison with known hybrid seed. In total 2031 putative hybrids were identified and 448 germinated. Morphological analysis of putative hybrid plants identified five hybrids while molecular analysis identified 11 hybrids and two were common to both. Combined, 14 hybrids were confirmed: 10 spring wheat×triticale (0.0008% of harvested seed): seven AC Barrie×BA triticale (0.001%) and three AC Crystal×BA triticale (0.0005%); and four durum wheat×triticale (0.0006%). The occurrence of rare hybrids does not present a substantial risk to the development of GM triticale.

Grain Yield, Forage Yield, and Nutritive Value of Dual‐Purpose Small Grains in the Central High Plains of the USA

Dual-purpose small grains can extend the grazing period without compromising grain yield. In the Central High Plains of the USA, though vast acreages of wheat are planted each year, dual-purpose production is not common. This study evaluated the grain yield, forage yield, and forage nutritive value of two experimental lines along with a check cultivar from each of three species of small grains (rye, triticale, and wheat) in a replicated trial during 2008 to 2011. Average forage yields of rye and triticale lines were consistently greater than wheat. Forage yields of rye and triticale experimental lines were greater than the check cultivars. The check wheat cultivar Jagalene, however, produced more forage than wheat experimental lines. Wheat forage nutritive values were greater than rye, but similar to triticale. Grain yields of wheat were greater than triticale and rye. Small grains show potential for both forage and grain production in the Central High Plains.

Pollen‐Mediated Gene Flow in Triticale

ABSTRACTTriticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) is primarily an animal feed crop with promising qualities for a bioindustrial crop. Development of genetically modified (GM) triticale is in progress and before release of GM cultivars, the potential for pollen‐mediated gene flow (PMGF) needs to be assessed to determine if it can coexist with conventional cultivars without causing market harm. Small and large plot experiments were conducted to quantify PMGF using an experimental blue aleurone triticale line as pollen donor and ‘AC Alta’ as pollen receptor. Small plot experiments were conducted at two locations in both 2007 and 2009 in Alberta, Canada. There were no site or year differences. Average PMGF from 0.2 to 1.4 m was 0.76%. Large plot experiments were conducted at two locations in both 2008 and 2009 using a concentric donor (20 by 20 m) and receptor (120 by 120 m) design. Over 17 million seeds were screened. There were no significant differences between sites or years. Pollen‐mediated gene flow best fit an exponential decay model in which the highest average PMGF (3.4%) occurred adjacent to the donor crop and rapidly declined to 0.09% by 50 m. Directional differences were detected with highest PMGF corresponding to prevailing wind directions at flowering. The estimated adventitious presence of GM triticale after harvest blending within a 50‐m conventional field was 0.22%. Pollen‐mediated gene flow in triticale is similar to spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and should not prevent the coexistence of GM and conventional triticale using the 0.9% threshold established by the European Union.

Genome-wide evaluation of genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium in winter and spring triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack)

BackgroundRecent advances in genotyping with high-density markers nowadays enable genome-wide genomic analyses in crops. A detailed characterisation of the population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) is essential for the application of genomic approaches and consequently for knowledge-based breeding. In this study we used the triticale-specific DArT array to analyze population structure, genetic diversity, and LD in a worldwide set of 161 winter and spring triticale lines.ResultsThe principal coordinate analysis revealed that the first principal coordinate divides the triticale population into two clusters according to their growth habit. The density distributions of the first ten principal coordinates revealed that several show a distribution indicative of population structure. In addition, we observed relatedness within growth habits which was higher among the spring types than among the winter types. The genome-wide analysis of polymorphic information content (PIC) showed that the PIC is variable among and along chromosomes and that especially the R genome of spring types possesses a reduced genetic diversity. We also found that several chromosomes showed regions of high genetic distance between the two growth habits, indicative of divergent selection. Regarding linkage disequilibrium, the A and B genomes showed a similar LD of 0.24 for closely linked markers and a decay within approximately 12 cM. LD in the R genome was lower with 0.19 and decayed within a shorter map distance of approximately 5 cM. The extent of LD was generally higher for the spring types compared to the winter types. In addition, we observed strong variability of LD along the chromosomes.ConclusionsOur results confirm winter and spring growth habit are the major contributors to population structure in triticale, and a family structure exists in both growth types. The specific patterns of genetic diversity observed within these types, such as the low diversity on some rye chromosomes of spring habits, provide a basis for targeted broadening of the available breeding germplasm. In addition, the genome-wide analysis of the extent and the pattern of LD will assist scientists and breeders alike in the implementation and the interpretation of association mapping in triticale.

Registration of Six Wheat‐Rye Addition Lines Resistant to the Russian Wheat Aphid

Six wheat‐rye (Triticum aestivum L.–Secale cereale L.) addition line genetic stocks—CO03752 (Reg. No. GS‐164, PI 659317); CO03754 (Reg. No. GS‐165, PI 659318); CO03758 (Reg. No. GS‐166, PI 659319); CO03761 (Reg. No. GS‐167, PI 659320); CO03764 (Reg. No. GS‐168, PI 659321); and CO03765 (Reg. No. GS‐169, PI 659322)—having resistance to biotypes 1 and 2 of Russian wheat aphid [RWA; Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov)] were developed by Colorado State University in collaboration with Laurentian University (Canada). The PI 386148 triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) from Russia is among the most resistant lines to the RWA biotypes 1 and 2. This triticale line was used as the male parent in crosses with the hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar ‘Lamar’ (PI 559719). The lines were derived following five backcross generations using standard greenhouse seedling screening for RWA biotype 1 resistance and three subsequent selfing generations with seedling screening for RWA biotype 2 resistance. Seed of the lines was increased for agronomic and other evaluations. Four lines (CO03752, CO03758, CO03761, and CO03765) are cytologically stable and carry a pair of rye (Secale strictum C. Presl) chromosomes as disomic additions of 1R. One line (CO03764) has 42 wheat chromosomes and 2 heteromorphic rye chromosomes, and one line (CO03754) is unstable and shows a moderate level of mixoploidy with monosomic additions of 1R. Under nonirrigated production conditions, the grain yield and grain volume weight of three of the lines were similar to those of some adapted released wheat varieties.

Effect of chromosomes of the wheat D genome on traits of hexaploid substitution triticale

The D genome of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Panda) was used in this study to improve traits of hexaploid winter triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack). Genome D expression was studied in hexaploid triticale lines with single substitutions (1D/1A, 3D/3A, 4D/4A, 5D/5A, 6D/6A, 7D/7A) and a line with 4 substitutions (1D/1A + 3D/3A + 4D/4A + 6D/6D). Chromosomes 1D and 3D have introduced to the analysed substitution lines resistance to wheat leaf rust (Puccinia triticina, synonym P. recondita f. sp. tritici) and resistance to preharvest sprouting (which is very important in hexaploid triticale), reflected in a high expression of seed dormancy, a high falling number, and low alpha-amylase activity in grain.

Chlorophyll Fluorescence-Based Studies of Frost Damage and the Tolerance for Cold-Induced Photoinhibition in Freezing Tolerance Analysis of Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack)

Freezing tolerance of 60 breeding lines of winter hexaploid triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) was studied in the field-laboratory experiment. The experiment was repeated over three winters. The survey was also carried out in plants grown and cold-acclimated in the laboratory. In both the experiments, plant survival analysis and chlorophyll fluorescence-based studies on energy flows in photosystem II (PSII) (JIP-test) after freezing of detached leaves were performed. In the laboratory experiment, the temperature of 50 % electrolyte leakage from leaves and the resistance against cold-induced photoinhibition were additionally investigated. In the case of plants’ cold-acclimated in the field, determination of the freezing tolerance of PSII gave similar results as the determination of freezing tolerance of whole plants. Both traits were strongly affected by genotype–environmental interactions, but these effects were less visible for PSII characteristics. In the laboratory experiments, a strong correlation between freezing tolerance and the tolerance for cold-induced photoinhibition of photosynthesis was observed. The possibility of the use of chlorophyll fluorescence-based techniques for the determination of freezing tolerance in triticale is discussed.

Development of commercially valuable traits in hexaploid triticale lines with Aegilops introgressions as dependent on the genome composition

Introgressive hybridization is an efficient means to improve the genetic diversity of cultivated cereals, including triticale. To identify the triticale lines with Aegilops introgressions, genotyping was carried out with ten lines obtained by crossing hexaploid triticale with genome-substitution forms of the common wheat cultivar Avrora: Avrolata (AABBUU), Avrodes (AABBSS), and Avrotika (AABBTT). The genome composition of the triticale lines was studied by in situ hybridization, and recombination events involving Aegilops and/or common wheat chromosomes were assumed for nine out of the ten lines. Translocations involving rye chromosomes were not observed. Substitutions for rye chromosomes were detected in two lines resulting from crosses with Avrolata. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) with Ae. umbellulata DNA and molecular genetic analysis showed that chromosome 1R was substituted with Ae. umbellulata chromosome 1U in one of the lines and that 2R(2U) substitution took place in the other line. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with the Spelt 1 and pSc119.2 probes revealed a translocation from Ae. speltoides to the long arm of chromosome 1B in one of the two lines resulting from crosses with Avrodes and a translocation in the long arm of chromosome 7B in the other line. In addition, the pSc119.2 probe revealed chromosome 1B rearrangements in four lines resulting from crosses with Avrolata and in a line resulting from crosses with Avrotika. The lines were tested for main productivity parameters. A negative effect on all productivity parameters was demonstrated for Ae. umbellulata chromosome 2U. The overwinter survival in all of the lines was similar to or even higher than in the original triticale cultivars. A substantial increase in winter resistance as compared with the parental cultivar was observed for the line carrying the T7BS-7SL translocation. The line with the 1R(1U) chromosome substitution seemed promising for the baking properties of triticale.

Next-Gen sequencing of the transcriptome of triticale

Triticale possesses favourable agronomic attributes originating from both its wheat and rye progenitors, including high grain and biomass yields. Triticale, primarily used as animal feed in North America, is an excellent candidate for production of industrial bio-products. Little is known about the coordination of gene expression of rye and wheat genomes in this intergeneric hybrid, but significant DNA losses from the parental genomes have been reported. To clarify the regulation of gene expression in triticale, we carried out 454 sequencing of cDNAs obtained from root, leaf, stem and floral tissues in different lines of triticale and rye exhibiting different phenotypes and assembled reads into contigs. Related to the data assembly were the absence of reference genomes and the paucity of rye sequences in GenBank or other public databases. Consequently, we have sequenced cDNA libraries from roots, seedlings, leaves, floral tissues and immature seeds to facilitate the identification of triticale sequences originating from rye. To further characterize the wheat-derived cDNAs, we also developed a database close to 25,000 non-redundant full-length wheat coding sequence genes, based on existing databases and contigs that were verified against protein sequences from the grass genomes of Brachypodium distachyon, rice, sorghum and maize.

Potential for simultaneous improvement of grain and biomass yield in Central European winter triticale germplasm

Winter triticale, an abundant biomass source for producing biogas in Central Europe, has been bred until now for increased grain yield but not for early biomass yield. Therefore, our objectives were to assess the feasibility of breeding triticale for simultaneous improvement of early biomass and grain yield as well as to predict the early biomass yield using an index of traits measured at maturity stage. A representative sample of 100 triticale lines was evaluated in Experiment I at four locations in Germany. Traits were measured at two growth stages (early dough and full maturity). Genetic variances were significantly different from zero for all traits. The correlated response for early biomass yield estimated from grain yield (0.53) was high, which points to the efficiency of indirect selection. A multiple regression model was developed to predict early biomass yield. The reliability of the model was confirmed in an independent Experiment II with 49 lines. The calibration model explained 55% of total variation for early biomass yield. This clearly underlines that at least during earlier stages of selection, field testing can be carried out for grain yield and related traits to select potential genotypes with high biomass yield based on the developed regression model.

Yield stability analysis of broadly adaptive triticale germplasm in southern and central Alberta, Canada, for industrial end-use suitability

Goyal A., Beres, B. L., Randhawa, H. S., Navabi, A., Salmon, D. F. and Eudes, F. 2011. Yield stability analysis of broadly adaptive triticale germplasm in southern and central Alberta, Canada for industrial end-use suitability. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 125–135. Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) is a cereal crop with high grain yield and biomass potential, which are traits desired in biorefinery processes that currently utilize wheat (Triticum aestivum). This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of introduced germplasm for its adaptability to selected Canadian prairie agroecosystems, and to benchmark both introduced and registered triticale lines against hard red spring wheat. To investigate the genotype×environment interaction effects on the performance of triticale genotypes, 30 genotypes (27 triticale; 3 hard red spring wheat) were grown in three environments for 3 yr (2005–2007) in southern and central Alberta, Canada. Variance due to genotypes, years, locations, and their interactions were studied by employing several stability analysis models. Site Regression Model (SREG) and GGE biplot analysis were conducted to rank the relative yield performance of cultivars and to identify stable genotypes. Triticale consistently produced higher grain and biomass than hard red spring wheat, but some lines were high in pentosan content, produced low test weight, and possessed unacceptable growing degree day requirements. However, several of the introduction lines displayed superior trait performance and high stability. Five advanced to “C” level registration testing with one subsequently recommended for registration. The results provide evidence that some of the global triticale germplasm are well-suited to the production environments of the Canadian prairies, and that triticale has potential to be the ideal cereal platform for future technological and biorefinery end-use applications.

Molecular cytogenetic characterization of a new leaf rolling triticale

Leaf rolling occurs in some cereal genotypes in response to drought. We identified and made a phenotypic, cytological and physiological analysis of a leaf-rolling genotype (CMH83) of hexaploid triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) that exhibited reduced plant height, rolled and narrow leaves. Gliadin electrophoresis of seed protein showed that CMH83 was genetically stable. Sequential Giemsa-C-banding and genomic in situ hybridization showed that CMH83 contains 12 rye chromosomes; two pairs of these chromosomes have reduced telomeric heterochromatin bands. Tests of relative water content and water loss rate of leaves of CMH83 compared with those of wheat cultivars indicated that rapid water loss after drought stress in CMH83 is associated with the leaf rolling phenotypes. Leaf rolling in CMH83 was a dominant trait in our inheritance studies. Triticale line CMH83 could be used to study drought resistance mechanisms in triticale.