Exploratory studies on components of variability for seed longevity and quality traits in bread (Triticum aestivum) and durum (Triticum durum) wheat

A set of 53 wheat genotypes were evaluated for different quality and longevity related traits at NBPGR, New Delhi, India. The selected genotypes included both durum and bread wheat varieties released in India between 1970 and 2014, and bread wheat germplasm lines for comparison. Bread wheat varieties were good repositories for sedimentation value (SV), whereas, durum varieties for kernel hardness (KH) and germplasm lines for grain iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and thousand kernel weight (TKW). Both vigor index-1 and 2 after controlled deterioration (VIACD-1 and VIACD-2) was highest for durum varieties followed by bread wheat germplasm lines and varieties. Therefore, seed longevity of durum varieties, bread wheat germplasm lines, and bread wheat varieties, respectively, was good, intermediate and poor. Broad-sense heritability was high for all the studied traits except germination percentage before controlled deterioration (GPBCD). Genetic advance as per cent mean (GAM) was high for all the studied traits, with the exception of moisture content (MC) and GPBCD. Six genotypes (IC 542394, IC 542391, IC 542416, IC 542431, IC 542426, and IC 542387) were good storers and also contained high Fe and Zn, which can be used in breeding programs to improve seed storability, and Fe and Zn content. Both intra species and inter species variability were observed for all the studied traits. The close association observed between Fe and Zn may help in improving both the traits simultaneously. Electrical conductivity (EC) of the seed leachates can be used as a surrogate trait for indirect selection for seed longevity of genotypes due to its significant negative association.