Diversity of Productivity Traits in Hybrid Lines of Aegilops L. with Triticum aestivum L.

Abstract

Variation in productivity traits and their correlations were studied in 16 hybrid lines of <em>Aegilops kotschyi</em> Boiss. and <em>A. variabilis</em> Eig. with <em>Triticum aestivum</em> L. and their parental components. In comparison to the wheat cultivars, most of the hybrid lines exhibited higher tillering, whereas the length of the main tiller and spike rachis were similar to the values for the wheat cultivars. The values of other traits, such as basal stem diameter, main spike density, fertility, and a 1,000-grain weight in hybrid lines were varied. In some lines, the value of these traits was higher or similar to that of wheat cultivars, whereas in others it was lower. Among the hybrids, [(<em>A. kotschyi</em> × ‘Rusałka’) × ‘Begra’] × ‘Turnia’ was distinguished in having the greatest basal stem diameter, longest spikes, highest fertility, and greatest 1,000-grain weight. The hybrid lines exhibited greater variation in the analyzed traits than did the wheat cultivars. In the hybrid lines, the main tiller length and basal stem diameter were positively correlated with fertility and 1,000-grain weight, whereas in wheat cultivars there were negative correlations for these traits. The results confirmed that wide hybrids can be used to eliminate the negative correlations between productivity traits in wheat. Analysis of clusters in terms of productivity traits provided information on the similarity and diversity of hybrid lines, which may prove useful in their further selection.