SELECTION FOR QUALITY IN EARLY GENERATION BASED ON THE HMW SUBUNITS OF GLUTENIN IN BREADWHEAT

Abstract

The D genome encoded high molecular weight (HMW) subunits of glutenin 5 + 10 (Glu-l score 4) from high grain-protein stock TW·l and cv. Shera were transferred to cv. Kalyan Sona with allelic subunits 2 + 12 (Glu-l score 2) using backcrosses. Selections in the BC2Fs and BCtFs generations, homozygous for HMWsubunits 5 + 10 or 2 + 12 were analysed for SDS sedimentation volume. Family means of selections carrying subunits 5 + 10 showed higher sedimentation volume than those with subunits 2 + 12. Thirteen selections were numerically superior to the recurrent parent Kalyan Sona in sedimentation volume, 12 of these carried subunits 5 + 10. These selections resembled Kalyan Sona in the A and B genome codedHMWsubunits of glutenin, grain protein content, grain yield and plant type. Transfer of desirableHMW subunits of glutenin for modifying Glu·l score and quality of cultivars using backcrossing and SDS-PAGE of half grains is demonstrated.