ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF AMPHIDIPLOIDS OF TRITICUM-AEGILOPS GROUP AS A SOURCE OF GENETIC DIVERSITY

H. P. Stoyanov

Abstract: Amphidiploids in Triticum-Aegilops group are an essential part of breeding programs of wheat species. Difficulties arising from the wide hybridization, suggest further study of amphidiploids and also of their reactions to growing conditions. 10 amphidiploids of Triticum-Aegilops group were analyzed by their morphological, physiological and cytological characteristics in order to assess their importance as a source of genetic diversity. Based on the studied biological capabilities of amphidiploids, a genetic diversity evaluation index (GDEI) was calculated. The index demonstrates the general adaptive mechanisms of plant organism from each of the amphidiploid forms, under natural growing conditions. Most of the amphidiploid forms with stable physiological parameters are more close to the GDEI of winter wheat and rye (GDEI = 50–100), but highly productive - to the characteristics of triticale (GDEI > 110). GDEI < 40 exhibit low adaptive potential to the growing conditions. These characteristics define the studied accessions with GDEI > 50 as a good source of genetic diversity and a good initial material for breeding of cultural wheat species.

Keywords: biological capabilities; evaluation index; growing conditions

Date published: 2017-10-26