Relationships between HMW-GS GluA1, GluB1 alleles and agronomic traits

Abstract

A correlation analysis including alleles of high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMWGS) GluA1, GluB1 and agronomic characteristics of winter wheat cultivars was made at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture in 2006 and 2007. A total of 24 characteristics were analysed. A strong correlation was found between GluB1 alleles and overwintering (r = 0.71**), medium correlations were determined between GluA1 alleles and a visual thriftiness of plants (r = 0.63**), autumn growth habit (r = 0.61**) and resistance to powdery mildew (0.58**). The lines containing allele c in GluB1 had a significantly higher value in the yield comparison test (0.88 t ha–1) than those with allele d. The mean overwintering score was higher for lines possessing alleles at GluB1d (1.18). Protein content and sedimentation value were higher in the group of lines possessing GluB1d (0.78% and 5.84 ml). Hectolitre weight was also found to be higher (31.2 g) for the lines possessing GluB1d alleles. Lines with GluB1c alleles were more resistant to take-all (by 1.06 score). The locus GluA1 had a lesser effect on the agronomic traits. The highest effect was determined for autumnal growth habit, plant visual thriftiness and sedimentation value (1.30 score, 1.05 score and 6.31 ml, respectively). All these traits were positively influenced by allele GluA1a. The alleles studied did not correlate with common bunt incidence, starch content, heading date and plant lodging. Keywords: winter wheat, GluA1, GluB1, agronomic traits, correlation