Abstract
A field trial with 20 boron efficient and inefficient wheat genotypes (varieties and
advanced lines) was conducted to find out agronomic performances of their Boron (B)
efficiency in field condition. The genotypes under test were Prodip, Bijoy, Sufi, Shatabdi,
Sourav, Protiva, Kanchan, Sonalika, Barkat, Kalyansona, INIA 66, Fang 60, Seri 82,
BAW1027, BAW1045, BAW1047, BAW1051, BAW1059, BAW1086 and HP1724. The
genotypes were grown in the field in duplicate with and without added B. The highest
grain yield was found in Bijoy (2.85 t/ha) followed by Shatabdi (2.84 t/ha) and Prodip
(2.82 t/ha), respectivly. Boron (B1) application produced the higher grain yield (2.85 t/ha)
and without B (Bo) application, Sonalika (2.53 t/ha) gave the lowest grain yield. Grain set
index was significantly influenced by B. These diverse wheat genotypes were subjected
to SSR analysis for B efficiency. A total of 234 alleles were detected after PCR
amplification. Allele number per locus ranged from 3 to 11, with an average of 7.312, and
the PIC value ranged from 0.562 to 0.873 with an average of 0.776. Average genetic
diversity over all SSR loci for the 21 (20 from field trial and 1 for known inefficient as
check) genotypes was 0.804, ranging from 0.637 to 0.884. All the loci were polymorphic
and clearly distinguished the genotypes. Cluster analysis (NJ tree, UPGMA, PCO)
identified a similar pattern of variation. The study revealed that INIA 66 and BAW1086
were the most B efficient genotypes. In order to establish their potential for utilization in
wheat improvement programs for B tolerance 79 Aegilops species and 1 rye, collected
from 7 different countries (Israel, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Iran) were
subjected to root length studies analyzed by a hydroponic system containing elevated
levels (3 mM and 10 mM) of B. Only two accessions, both Aegilops longissima, grew
healthy roots in 10 mM of B. The results indicated that accessions of Aegilops longissima,
Aegilops kotschyi, Aegilops peregrina ssp. cylindrostachys, Aegilops peregrina ssp.
euvariabilis, and T. turgidum ssp. dicoccoides were more tolerant to excess B, during the
seedling growth stage, than any of the other species studied for B tolerance. All the
genotypes were fingerprinted using 34 SSR primers. In the DNA profiling of 80
germplasm accessions using 34 SSR loci, a total of 133 alleles were detected. Allele
number per locus ranged from 2 to 6, with an average of 3.9, and the PIC value ranged
from 0.02 to 0.77 with anr average of 0.50. Average gene diversity over all SSR loci for
the 80 genotypes was 0.54, ranging from 0.03 to 0.80. All the loci were polymorphic and
clearly distinguished the genotypes. Cluster analysis (NJ tree, UPGMA, PCO) identified a
similar pattern of variation. As a result of this study, genetically diverse parents could be
identified and used in breeding program for developing boron efficient wheat variety.
Seven out of 34 SSR primers were identified polymorphic between Fang 60 and Shatabdi
and 6 between Sourav and Shatabdi. Xgwm46, Xgwm146 and Xgwm577 markers were
dominant markers, requiring being scored on the basis of amplification in the BC₁F1 lines.
These BC₁F1 populations could be produced boron efficient high yielding stable variety.