Trisomic analysis for qualitative characters in tetraploid wheat

Abstract

Cytogenetic analysis in wheat through the use of aneuploids has led to chromosomal location of several genes controlling morphological and biochemical characters. Aneuploids developed in wheat variety Chinese Spring have facilitated monosomic analysis in hexaploid wheat. Such studies in durum wheat have not progressed because loss of one chromosome (2n-1) resulted in reduced fertility and vigour [1]. On the contrary, Blanco et al. [2] found that durum trisomics (2n+1) with high transmission rate and fertility can be utilized effectively in the same way as monosomics and conversion technique gives the possibility of obtaining desired identified trisomic lines. In present study 14 trisomic lines of Triticum durum var. MACS-9 developed by Agharkar Research Institute were used to assign genes governing three qualitative characters viz., glume pubescence, grain colour and spike type on their respective chromosomes. These lines were developed by conversion technique using tetrasomic of T. aestivum var. Chinese Spring. These trisomic lines are morphologically indistinguishable and can be identified cytologically.