Evaluation of genetic diversity of an Algerian durum wheat (triticum durum desf.) collection

Abstract

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) has been extensively cultivated in Algeria for many centuries. During this long period, the species encountered a large diversification implied by the great diversity of climates that led to great genetic diversity of the species. The purpose of this study is to improve the management of phytogenetic resources that can serve as potential breeders for the amelioration of wheat. The study aims at evaluating the diversity of 1019 accessions of durum wheat from different regions of Algeria and which are stored at the Constantine ITGC. The analysis of the results concerning phenological and morphophysiological characters revealed an important intra and intervarietal genetic variability. Subsequently it appeared that the 1019 accessions belong to 19 botanic varieties that differ mainly by the cob, silk and grain colours. Among the characters involved in this study, some appeared to have a direct connection with the adaptation to water stress and thus allowed us identifying the most resistant varieties.