Genetic analysis of yield and physical traits of spring wheat grain

Abstract

The economic value of wheat grain is determined by morphology, texture and size of grain. Very little knowledge is available about the genetic inheritance pattern of the physical characteristics of wheat grain. The mechanical properties of wheat kernel have direct or indirect link on the milling and baking quality of wheat. Six bread wheat genotypes/lines were crossed in all possible combinations in order to assess the genetic inheritance pattern and combining ability of the grain's physical properties. Additive type of gene action was involved in number of spikelets per spike, spike length, number of grains per spike, grain weight and grain area. Therefore, selection of superior plants can be done in early generations for development of better wheat genotypes. Grain yield per spike, grain width, grain length, grain height and grain sphericity having non-additive type of gene actions clearly indicated that selection of superior plants should be postponed to later generations. The genotype 9481 was the best general combiner, while among the crosses 1 x 3 and 4 x 6 exhibited the highest positive specific combining ability in most of the prominent traits. This study will be useful for wheat breeders to develop high yielding genotypes with better grain architecture to improve the milling and baking quality of bread wheat.