Evaluation and comparison of Durum Wheat Germplasm Collection of SPII.

Three hundred thirty four Durum wheat genotypes preserved in the national genebank of Iran, and cereal department collection comprises of local durum wheat and some varieties from other countries were studied. The genotypes were evaluated along with two bread wheat checks (Verinak and Soissons) and two durum checks (Dena, and Zardak) for quantitative(Grain yield, Plant height, Number of seeds per spike,_) and qualitative traits(Protein percentage, Zeleny,Gluten index,_) in an observation experiment in 2008-2009 at Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran. Each genotype was planted in two lines of 2.5 m long. The checks were repeated 19 times among the rows, every 20 genotypes. Descriptive analysis of data showed presence of a vast genetic variability among the genotypes for the recorded t raits. For example grain yield varied between 50-920 g.m2 .for other traits such as day to heading, range of 22 days was observed and it varied from 176 to 202 days. The genotypes were evaluated for drought stress reaction under irrigation condition at Karaj station and rainfed at Sararood station, Kermanshah, Iran by measuring different stress susceptibility/tolerance indices. Based on these indices the genotype 226(Kc-1047) with good grain yield under stress and non stress conditions was identified. For quality parameters Range of SDS sedimentation was 55ml from15 to 70ml. Correlation analysis among quantitative and qualitative traits revealed positive correlation between protein percentage and Plant height, Length of Peduncl, Lodging susceptibility, Glume dark colour, Zeleny, Hardness and had negative significant correlation with Length of spike, Thousand-Kernel Weight, Number and Weight of seeds per spike. No significant correlation was observed between grain yield and protein percentage, however, Grain yield had positive significant correlation with Leaf type and Number of seeds per spike. Cluster analysis was conducted for grouping among genotypes. Results showed genotypes number15(Wc-45704) and 52( P. S. No 3) had good quantitative and qualitative traits(contain: High grain yield ,low Lodging susceptibility, early maturity, low number of shriveled seeds, good protein% , high gluten index and SDS sedimentation ) were the best genotypes among the experimental genotypes. Moreover, the genotypes 53(P. S. No14) and 56(P. S. No 19) along with Dena check were also among the best genotypes.The high molecular Weight-glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) studies using SDS-PAGE for selected genotypes showed twelve subunits in GluA1 and GluB1 losi . the study revealed a new band around GluA1x with lower molecular weight compared to GluA1x's band (null, 1 2*) which could be a variant of this locus. As this locus was found in two Iranian landrace Germplasm, it was labeled as GluA1-IR. Besides, in 4 genotypes 7+8 as new bands with more mobility compared to 7+8 were also found. Results of relationship between HMW-GS and SDS-Sediment test showed the subunits 2* and 13+16 of Glu-A1and Glu-B1,respectively,where more effective than others of these losi on SDS-Sediment .