Bread Wheat Yield Research Articles

Genetic variability and evaluation of water-deficit stress tolerant of spring bread wheat genotypes using drought tolerance indices

Water deficit stress is one of the most important environmental factors that reduce grain yield in bread wheat. Despite the recent progress in breeding this plant, there is still a need to improve bread wheat cultivars that tolerate water stress in the country. In the current research, 100 genotypes of spring bread wheat during the years 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 in two conditions of non-stress and water deficit stress in the form of a simple 10x10 lattice square design at the beginning of flowering in Gachsaran Research Center located in the south of Iran. Eight quantitative indices of tolerance to water deficit were calculated. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation were carried out in this study. According to the data, significant genotypic variation was seen among genotypes for both individual yield and drought indices. Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP) recorded the lowest coefficient of variation (CV) value with 10.6 %, while Tolerance Index (TOL) recorded the highest CV value with 45.4 %. The heritability of several of the indices is moderate to high; the Stress Susceptibility Index (SSI) has the greatest heritability at 0.96. Four distinct clusters were formed from the 100 genotypes. PC1 and PC2 make up 98.4 % of the total variance. Specifically, PC1 covers 68.9 %, while PC2 accounts for the remaining 29.5 %. These chosen genotypes will act as parent plants in breeding initiatives to create novel varieties resistant to drought.

Integrated management of stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) and its impact on the growth and yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Ethiopia

Bread wheat is one of the key food grains in Ethiopia. However, its production and productivity are affected by stripe rust. The objective of this study was to investigate and develop integrated management options for stripe rust using varieties and fungicide application frequency in the study area. A field experiment was conducted at Enarj Enawuga district in the Metaya Kebele farmer training center during the 2022 main cropping season. There were sixteen total treatment combinations [four bread wheat varieties (Ogolcho, Lemu, Hidase, and Local as check), and four Tilt 250 EC fungicide application frequencies (nil, 1, 2, and 3 times)]. The design of the experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangements within three replications. Both disease and yield-related data were collected and analyzed using SAS 9.4 software. The disease and yield parameters showed a significant (p < 0.01) difference, and all treated plots had higher yield and lower disease severity than untreated plots. On the untreated plots, the final mean stripe rust severity was 18.53%, 22.57%, 36.73%, and 57.63% on Ogolcho, Lemu, Hidase, and local varieties, respectively. The maximum disease control was recorded from Ogolcho variety (61.31%) with a three-time application of Tilt 250EC. Grain yield and thousand kernel weight increment were obtained at 79.72% and 17.37% from Ogolcho, 100% and 23.44% from Lemu, 94.85% and 34.54% from Hidase, and 102.85% and 49.56% from local varieties treated by three times of Tilt 250EC, respectively. A higher yield reduction and AUDPC (114 DAS) were recorded from untreated plots of local (50.70%, 2,031.49% days−1), and Hidase (48.68%, 1,020.6% days−1) varieties, receptively. The 15-day interval application frequency of Propiconazole increased the grain yield of all tested varieties and reduced stripe rust severity. The Ogolcho variety treated three times yielded the maximum net benefit (216,750 Birr/ha) with an accepted marginal rate of return (22,810%). Therefore, based on the results obtained, producers use the Ogolcho variety with three-time application of propiconazole fungicide for optimum wheat production and could be recommended to manage stripe rust in the study area.

Effects of elevated atmospheric [CO2] on grain starch characteristics in different specialized wheat.

The increasing atmospheric [CO2] poses great challenges to wheat production. Currently, the response of starch characteristics in different specialized wheat cultivars to elevated [CO2], as well as the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms remains unclear. Therefore, an experiment was conducted with open-top chambers to study the effects of ambient [CO2] [a(CO2)] and elevated [CO2] [e(CO2)] on photosynthetic performance, yield and starch characteristics of bread wheat (Zhengmai 369, ZM369) and biscuit wheat (Yangmai 15, YM15) from 2020 to 2022. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in photosynthetic performance, yield, amylose and amylopectin content, volume ratio of large granules under e[CO2]. Moreover, e[CO2] upregulated the gene expression and enzyme activities of GBSS (Granule-bound starch synthase) and SSS (Soluble starch synthase), increased starch pasting viscosity, gelatinization enthalpy and crystallinity. Compared to YM15, ZM369 exhibited a higher upregulation of GBSSI, greater increase in amylose content and volume ratio of large granules, as well as higher gelatinization enthalpy and crystallinity. However, ZM369 showed a lower increase in amylopectin content and a lower upregulation of SSSI and SSSII. Correlation analysis revealed amylose and amylopectin content had a positive correlation with GBSS and SSS, respectively, a significant positively correlation among the amylose and amylopectin content, starch granule volume, and pasting properties. In conclusion, these changes may enhance the utilization value of biscuit wheat but exhibit an opposite effect on bread wheat. The results provide a basis for selecting suitable wheat cultivars and ensuring food security under future climate change conditions.

Estimation of variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and quality characters in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Estimation of variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and quality characters in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effects of Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Grain Quality of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in the highlands of Ethiopia and particularly in Arsi Zone. However, its yield is low due to intensive continuous cultivation, suboptimal fertilizer application and nutrient depletion especially in the highlands of Arsi, Ethiopia. For this reason, an experiment was carried out during the 2017 cropping season at Munesa District, Oromia Seed Enterprise Lole farm to determine the effects of integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and grain quality of bread wheat. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement in three replications using two bread wheat varieties (Hidase and Kingbird) as test crop and nine fertilizers combinations (control, 5 tons vermicompost, 10 tons farmyard manure, 0.1t NPS+0.025t UREA, 0.1t DAP+0.025t UREA, 0.05t NPS+0.025t UREA+2.5t VC, 0.05t NPS+0.025t UREA+0.5t FYM, 0.05t DAP+0.025t UREA+0.25t VC, 0.05t DAP+0.025t UREA+ 0.5t FYM). Days to heading and maturity, spike length, plant height, tiller number, spikelet number, biomass yield, grain filling period, grain yield, thousand kernels weight and harvest index were significantly (p&lt;0.001) affected by the effects of varieties and fertilizers. Days to physiological maturity and grain filling were also significantly (p&lt;0.001) influenced by the interaction effects of fertilizers and varieties. Higher growth, yields and quality of wheat were obtained from Hidase as compared to Kingbird variety. Highest yield of bread wheat (6.2t ha-1) was obtained from the combined application of 2.5t VC + 0.05t NPS + 0.025t UREA ha-1 fertilizers; while application of 0.05t DAP+0.025t UREA gave statistically similar yield and yield components with the highest yield. However, grain protein contents and hectoliter weight were only significantly (p&lt;0.001) influenced by combined fertilizer applied. Therefore, it be conclude that combined application of 0.05t NPS + 0.025t UREA + 2.5t VC fertilizers had significantly improved the yields and qualities along better economic returns of wheat and Hidase variety of wheat was superior as compared to Kingbird variety in performances.

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT AND GRAIN YIELD OF BREAD WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

The paper presents the study of bread wheat's chlorophyll content and grain yield traits under changing environmental conditions — optimal water supply and simulated water-deficit conditions. Selecting 15 wheat cultivars from different regions (Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and CIMMYT) based on economically valuable characteristics became the specimens for the presented study that evaluated the SPAD indicators in correlation with the grain yield in bread wheat and determined the vital role of genotypes, environments, and genotype by environment interaction effects. The relationship between chlorophyll content and yield parameters under different growing conditions was also well-defined. The results revealed that ecosystems had more influence on the chlorophyll content than the wheat genotypes. Several wheat cultivars with soil moisture tolerance have gained identification, along with the correlation coefficient between chlorophyll content and grain yield under varied environmental conditions of water supply. The study validated the role of genotypes and environments in the manifestation of responses to stress conditions.

Correlation and Pathway Analysis and their Applications to Improve Yield in Bread Wheat Under Humic Acid Conditions

This study aimed to know the relationship between growth traits and yield components with yield by studying some statistical and genetic parameters in addition to correlation and path analyses . The study included fifteen types of bread wheat (Sham 8, Aba 99, Kraita, Al_ Ezz, Aba 95, Mexibak, Sham 6, Abu Ghraib 3, Al-Fath, Intisar, Latifa, Tamouz3, Bohouth 22, and Al_Rasheed) under the influence of three levels of humic acid (0, 20 and 40 kg.h−1) using the Randomized complete block design to the arrangement of split plots with three replicates and characteristics, the number of days to heading ofspikes, the area of the flag leaf, plant height, number of active tillers, number of grains of the spike, 1000 grains weight and the total yield. The most important results were summarized as: The presence of high genetic variance compared to environmental variance, which was reflected in the high value of heritability in the broad sense, and that the coefficient of environmental variation was low compared to the coefficient of genetic and phenotypic variation, which was average, and that the expected genetic improvement as a percentage was average for all studied traits except number of days to heading trait varying levels of humic acid. We conclude from this that the third level can be considered a good and suitable environment through direct selection of the two characteristics number grains per spike and grains thousand weight to improve the yield in the future.

Impact of silicate fertilizer on soil properties and yield of bread wheat in Nitisols of tropical environment

PurposeSoil acidity and depletion of essential plant nutrients are among the major abiotic stresses that constrained wheat productivity in Ethiopia. Silicates and silicate by-products can be used as alternative source for amendment of soil acidity and improvement of crop yields. Surface application of water-soluble silicate fertilizer alone and the integrated application with full does of recommended N and P from mineral fertilizers can reduce the extent of soil acidity and improve phosphorous availability in the soil, soil pH and exchangeable acidity and can enhance the yield attributes and yield of bread wheat. A field experiment was conducted under rain-fed condition from July to December of 2020 to evaluate the role of soil and foliar application of water-soluble silicate fertilizer without and with reduced or full doses of recommended nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) (RNP) from mineral fertilizers on soils chemical attributes, yield components and yield of bread wheat sown under moderately to strongly acidic condition in southeastern Ethiopia. MethodsThe experiment comprised sole silicate (40 kg + 18 L/ha−1), and its integration with full dose of RNP (92–30 kg N–P ha−1), three quarters dose of RNP (69–23 kg N–P ha−1) and half dose of RNP (46–15 kg N–P ha−1) from mineral fertilizers. Full dose of RNP from mineral fertilizers and a negative control with no silicate and mineral fertilizer inputs included as controls, resulting in a total of six treatments. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design, replicated three times. ResultsThe combined application of silicate with mineral fertilizers significantly influenced soil properties, yield attributes and yield of bread wheat. Integrated applications of silicate fertilizers and full dose of RNP increased grain yield, biomass yield, and available soil P by 108, 115, and 23 % respectively relative to untreated soil. ConclusionsIntegration of silicate with mineral fertilizers can be considered as a viable and alternative option for acid soils amendment. Generally, the result of the current study revealed that combined application of water soluble granular and liquid silicate at the rate of (40 kg + 18 L)/ha with full dose of recommended nitrogen (92 kg ha−1) and phosphorus (30 kg ha−1) significantly reduced exchangeable acidity, tended to increase soil reaction, increased available soil phosphorus content and boosted yield of bread wheat compared to their sole applications. Thus, application of water-soluble silicate fertilizer with recommended rate of nitrogen and phosphorus is better in enhancing plant nutrition and yield of bread wheat in the highlands of Ethiopia and other similar agro-ecologies.

Enhancing iron concentration in bread wheat through Fe-EDTA fortification

Iron (Fe) malnutrition in humans is a global concern which can be revised by improved Fe density in staple crops. A field experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of chelated iron on growth, yield and iron concentration in bread wheat (cv. Moomal) at Tando Jam Pakistan. The treatments included, Control (No Fe-EDTA), Soil supplement of Fe-EDTA (@ 2 kg Fe ha-1), Soil + foliar supplement of Fe-EDTA (@ 2 kg ha-1 and 0.2% Fe at booting, flowering, and milky stage), and Foliar supplement of Fe-EDTA (@ 0.2% Fe at booting, flowering and milky stages). The defined growth and yield traits of wheat were increased with Fe-EDTA applications over control treatment. Among different Fe-EDTA application methods, there was no significant difference for most of the growth and yield parameters (excluding spike length, number of spikelets spike-1, and 1000 grain weight). The amount of Fe in wheat grains was significantly higher in all Fe-EDTA treatments over control, with maximum value (86.54 ± 5.57 mg kg-1) in the treatment where Fe-EDTA was applied in soil + foliar. Similarly, a high Fe build up in surface soil was obtained with treatment of Fe-EDTA in soil + foliar. Overall, with various Fe-EDTA treatments, an increase of 21.2 to 29.1% in grain yield and 1.9 to 4.3 times in Fe concentration of wheat grains was achieved in current study. It is suggested that the Fe should be included in wheat production technology to attain better yield and Fe concentration in grains.

Skipping irrigation at pre- and post-anthesis stages influences grain yield and starch contents of bread wheat derived from synthetic or landraces

This study aims to evaluate the role of genetic diversity originated from three-way crosses of landraces and synthetic bread wheat derivatives attempted with elite cultivars to identify the genotypes having better grain yield as well as better starch contents under flowering stage drought stress. In total, 50 genotypes comprised of 47 derivatives of landraces and synthetics, and three standard varieties were grown in the fields of CIMMYT, Obregon following alpha lattice design with two replications. Drought stress was imposed by stopping the irrigation before anthesis and post-anthesis stages. Different traits related to physiological adaptations, earliness, grain yield and starch contents were decreased under drought stress except amylose which increased significantly. Canopy temperature depression was not significantly affected by drought stress. Further, we identified strong correlation of grain yield with plant height, normalized difference in vegetation index, plant maturity, spike length, grain number and thousand grain weight but negative with canopy temperature depression. Non-significant correlation of amylose and amylopectin was recorded with grain yield. Results revealed that genetic diversity derived from landraces and synthetic bread wheat can improve grain yield and starch contents but simultaneous improvement of both is elusive.

CORRELATION AND PATH ANALYSES IN F4 SEGREGATING POPULATIONS OF BREAD WHEAT FOR GRAIN YIELD AND ITS ATTRIBUTES

Wheat breeders focus on enhancing the production potential of bread wheat by creating new varieties with acceptable genetic makeup to combat the pressure of rising human population consumption. Research to resolve this issue transpired during the Rabi of November 2021– April 2022 at the Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India. Developing the field trial used an augmented block design, 45 F4 segregating population genotypes, and five checks. Data on characteristics, such as days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of productive tillers, plant height, ear length, and weight, number of spikelets ear-1 and grains ear-1, 1000 grain weight, grain yield plant-1, biological yield, harvest index, and chlorophyll index underwent assessment. Highly significant variations between the genotypes for all the traits had the analysis of variance determining these, except 1000 grain weight and chlorophyll index in the treatment test and the test versus check. In this study, the harvest index, biological yield plant-1, and grain yield plant-1 are all higher for the phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variances (PCV, GCV). The genetic advancement and heritability are highest for days to maturity, ear weight, number of grains ear-1, biological yield plant-1, grain yield plant-1, and harvest index. Studies on the relationships between various traits divulged that the number of productive tillers and harvest index had a positive, strong link and a direct effect with grain yield plant-1. These findings support the application of genetic modification to increase seed yield in bread wheat.

Ekmeklik Buğday Çeşitlerinde Başaklanma Döneminde Uzaklaştırılan Bazı Fotosentez Organlarının Tarımsal Özellikler Üzerine Etkisinin Belirlenmesi

Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezinde 2018-2019 yıllarında yürütülen bu çalışmada, ekmeklik buğday çeşitlerinde başaklanma döneminde bazı fotosentez organlarının uzaklaştırılmasının verim ve kalite özellikleri üzerine etkisinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada iki ekmeklik buğday çeşidi (Pehlivan ve Golia) materyal olarak kullanılmış olup araştırma tesadüf bloklarında bölünmüş parseller deneme desenine göre üç tekerrürlü olarak yürütülmüştür. Çeşitlerin başaklanma dönemlerinde kesilerek uzaklaştırılan fotosentez organlarının elde edilen sonuçlara göre bitki boyu, başak boyu, başakta başakçık sayısı, başakta tane sayısı, başakta tane ağırlığı, bin tane ağırlığı, hektolitre ağırlığı, sedimantasyon değeri, gluten oranı ve hasat indeksi değerlerini önemli ölçüde azalttığı belirlenmiştir. Buna karşılık protein oranında artış gözlemlenmiştir. Kılçıklı bir çeşit olan Golia çeşidi uygulamalardan kılçıksız bir çeşit olan Pehlivan çeşidine göre daha fazla etkilenmiştir.

Character Association and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Bread Wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) em Thell] Genotypes

The current study was conducted in Rabi 2021- 2022 at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur to estimate the association among yield components and their direct and indirect influence on grain yield of bread wheat. For the overall traits under investigation, significant genotypic differences were found indicating the presence of huge amount of variation among studied genotypes. At both the genotypic and phenotypic levels, there was positive and significant correlation between grain yield and days to 50% heading, plant height, length of main spike, number of spikelet’s per spike, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike and biological yield per plant. Plant height had the greatest positive direct impact on grain production per plant followed by biological yield per plant, number of grains per spike, days to maturity and 1000-grain weight. It is, therefore, feasible to increase the grain yield per plant in bread wheat by taking into account certain traits viz., plant height, biological yield per plant, number of grains per spike.

WINTER WHEAT ASSESSMENT FOR GROWTH, GRAIN YIELD, AND QUALITY PARAMETERS UNDER DIVERSE SOIL AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

The presented study aims to select the early-maturing and high-yielding winter wheat genotypes via the assessment of various eco-geographical groups and to illustrate their scientific significance for the diverse environmental conditions of the Kashkadarya Region of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Twentyfour advanced wheat lines underwent selection and evaluation for comparison with six regional and promising cultivars to further improve and use for crossbreeding. Overall, eight cultivars showed promising in the desert zone of the Kashkadarya Region, 24 in the middle area, and 13 in the region’s foothills, while selecting five for the desert zone, six in the middle, and 10 in the foothills of Uzbekistan. Seventeen cultivars and advanced lines attained selection for the desert area of District Kasbi with higher protein content (14%), 21 in the middle zone of District Karshi, and 22 in the foothills of District Shahrizabz. Cultivars and advanced lines selected for the desert area of District Kasbi, in the middle zone of District Karshi, and in the foothills of District Shahrizabz numbered 14, 14, and three, respectively, where the gluten content was more than 30%. Weather conditions also affect the wheat genotype yields in the irrigated areas, and due to less rainfall in March-May of 2011, in the desert and foothills, the average yield declined by 0.2–0.23 and 0.15–0.25 t/ha in the deserts and foothills, respectively, compared with other years. The precipitation in March-May strongly correlated (r = 0.47) with the grain yield in winter bread wheat.

Genotype×Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis Using GGE Biplot for Grain Yield of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Genotypes under Low Moisture Stress Areas of Ethiopia

A multi-location Experiment was conducted using 28 genotypes and two checks during the main cropping seasons of 2017 and 2018 at Kulumsa, Dhera, Melkasa, Asasa, Ilala, and Geregera in moisture-stress areas of Ethiopia to evaluate the genotype-Environment interaction effect and grain yield stability of bread wheat genotypes. The experiment was arranged in alpha lattice design replicated three times. The stability analysis was carried out for grain yield using R software. ANOVA showed a highly significant difference among genotypes and genotype×environmental interaction for traits; days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, grain yield, 1000 kernel weight. The average mean yield of the genotypes across the environments was 4.5 with the range of 3.5–5.3 t ha-1. The genotypes ETBW 9578, ETBW 9565, ETBW 9570 and ETBW 9571 were top-yielding, ideal, and stable across the ten environments. However ETBW 9589 and Ogolcho were the low-yielding genotypes. The “which-won-where” graph categorizes the genotypes into four groups. The locations within the same group were closely correlated and share the same winning(vertex) genotype. E7 was ideal that has both discriminating abilities of the genotypes and representative of the other test environments. ETBW 9578 gave 37.7% and 39.1% yield advantage over the standard check Kingbird and local check Ogolcho, respectively. As a result the genotype ETBW 9578 was released in 2020 and designated by the variety name “Dursa”. Thus, it was concluded that the Dursa variety could be used as a stable variety for cultivation.

Effect of Phosphorous and Biochar Levels on Phosphorous Concentration in Plants and some Growth Characteristics and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was carried out during the 2021-2022 agricultural season in Al Bandar area, which is located 10 km east of the center of Samawah city - Muthanna governorate on the left side of the Euphrates River to find out the effect of phosphorous and biochar levels on the growth characteristics and yield of bread wheat, triple superphosphate fertilizer TSP (21%) was used. as a source of phosphorous fertilizer with five levels (0, 50, 75, 100 and 150%) of the fertilizer recommendation (120 kg P ha−1) and biochar was used, as a volume of 120 cm3 was added to a box with three size levels (0%, 1% and 2%) It was added at once before planting, the experiment was carried out using a design (RCBD) with three replicates, The levels of phosphorous and biochar achieved the best values in all study parameters.

Transient drought during flowering modifies the grain proteome of bread winter wheat.

Drought is among the most limiting factors for sustainable agricultural production. Water shortage at the onset of flowering severely affects the quality and quantity of grain yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). Herein, we measured oxidative stress and photosynthesis-related parameters upon applying transient drought on contrasting wheat cultivars at the flowering stage of ontogenesis. The sensitive cultivar (Darunok Podillia) showed ineffective water management and a more severe decline in photosynthesis. Apparently, the tolerant genotype (Odeska 267) used photorespiration to dissipate excessive light energy. The tolerant cultivar sooner induced superoxide dismutase and showed less inhibited photosynthesis. Such a protective effect resulted in less affected yield and spectrum of seed proteome. The tolerant cultivar had a more stable gluten profile, which defines bread-making quality, upon drought. Water deficit caused the accumulation of medically relevant proteins: (i) components of gluten in the sensitive cultivar and (ii) metabolic proteins in the tolerant cultivar. We propose specific proteins for further exploration as potential markers of drought tolerance for guiding efficient breeding: thaumatin-like protein, 14-3-3 protein, peroxiredoxins, peroxidase, FBD domain protein, and Ap2/ERF plus B3 domain protein.

Evaluation of herbicide in growth and yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and associated weeds

This study was conducted for the aim of evaluating the performance of three types of selectivity herbicide to control weeds in the fields of soft wheat (bread wheat). A variety in the agricultural season 2020 - 2021 in two locations, the first site in Bashiqa district north of the city of Mosul on the rain line and the second site in the research station of the field crop department At the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, the experiment was carried out Randomized Complete Design .The Results show two study sites recorded the highest average dry weight trait of the weed (82.28, 55.69) gm-2 and (18.33, 18.67) plants .m-2 sequentially, and differed effect from most herbicide coefficients at both sites. While the treatment of Lancelot and Claudia herbicide when applied the recommended concentration and recorded the lowest average dry weight of the weed and number at both study sites. All herbicide coefficients superiority significant the comparative treatment in the adjective (plant height, number of spikes, spike length, weight of 1000 grains, and grain harvest) in the first location and excelled in the adjective (plant height, number of grains in spike, and spike length) at the second location. Lancelot and Claudia’s treatment outperformed the rest of the studies in the grain quotient status and scored the highest average of (285.0, 277.5) gm-2 respectively at first position (349.26, 324.75) gm-2 respectively in the second position.

Efficacy of Herbicide Combinations and Seeding Rates on Growth and Yield of Bread Wheat and its Associated Weeds

Efficacy of Herbicide Combinations and Seeding Rates on Growth and Yield of Bread Wheat and its Associated Weeds

Phenotypic and genetic diversity of doubled haploid bread wheat population and molecular validation for spike characteristics, end-use quality, and biofortification capacity.

Increasing grain quality and nutritional value along with yield in bread wheat is one of the leading breeding goals. Selection of genotypes with desired traits using traditional breeding selection methods is very time-consuming and often not possible due to the interaction of environmental factors. By identifying DNA markers that can be used to identify genotypes with desired alleles, high-quality and bio-fortified bread wheat production can be achieved in a short time and cost-effectively. In the present study, 134 doubled haploid (DH) wheat lines and their four parents were phenotypically evaluated for yield components (spike characteristics), quality parameters, and grain Fe and Zn concentrations in two successive growing seasons. At the same time, ten genic simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers linked to genes related to the traits examined were validated and subsequently used for molecular characterization of trait-specific candidate genotypes. Significant genotypic variations were determined for all studied traits and many genotypes with desired phenotypic values were detected. The evaluation performed with 10 SSR markers revealed significant polymorphism between genotypes. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values of 10 markers ranged from 0.00 to 0.87. Six out of 10 SSRs could be more effective in representing the genotypic differentiation of the DH population as they demonstrated the highest genetic diversity. Both Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) clustering and STRUCTURE analyses divided 138 wheat genotypes into five (K = 5) main groups. These analyzes were indicative of genetic variation due to hybridization and segregation in the DH population and the differentiation of the genotypes from their parents. Single marker regression analysis showed that both Xbarc61 and Xbarc146 had significant relationships with grain Fe and Zn concentrations, while Xbarc61 related to spike characteristics and Xbarc146 related to quality traits, separately. Other than these, Xgwm282 was associated with spike harvest index, SDS sedimentation value and Fe grain concentration, while Gwm445 was associated with spikelet number, grain number per spike and grain Fe concentration. These markers were validated for the studied DH population during the present study and they could be effectively used for marker-assisted selection to improve grain yield, quality, and bio-fortification capacity of bread wheat.