Graphic analysis of trait relations of Iranian bread wheat germplasm under non-saline and saline conditions using the biplot method

Abstract

Salinity is one of the most important factors that limit crop production in some regions of the world. Knowledge of the interrelationships between yield and its components will improve the efficiency of breeding programs especially under saline conditions through appropriate selection criteria. This study demonstrated that GT biplot was an excellent tool for visual evaluation of superior genotypes, traits and grouping of them with other statistical techniques. The study was conducted under both saline and non-saline conditions in field based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Electrical conductivity of irrigation water were 2 and 10 dS.m-1 in non-saline and saline conditions, respectively. The obtained data were analyzed using a genotype × trait (GT) biplot method based on site regression model. The biplot vector view indicate that there was a strong positive association between PH and BY with seed yield in both non-saline and saline conditions. It seems that PH and BY traits can be used as selection criterion for improving of seed yield in wheat breeding programs, especially under stress conditions in the field. Also among 41 studied genotypes, genotype 32 had good characteristics regarding high seed yield and salt tolerance.