Agronomic traits in durum wheat germplasm possessing puroindoline genes

Authors: Kiszonas, Alecia; HIGGENBOTHAM, RYAN - Washington State University; Chen, Xianming; Garland-Campbell, Kimberly; BOSQUE-PEREZ, N - University Of Idaho; PUMPHREY, MICHAEL - Washington State University; Rouse, Matthew; HOLE, DAVID - Utah State University; WEN, N - Washington State University; Morris, Craig

Submitted to: Agronomy Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/19/2019
Publication Date: 5/7/2019
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/6471194
Citation: Kiszonas, A., Higgenbotham, R., Chen, X., Garland-Campbell, K.A., Bosque-Perez, N.A., Pumphrey, M., Rouse, M.N., Hole, D., Wen, N., Morris, C.F. 2019. Agronomic traits in durum wheat germplasm possessing puroindoline genes. Agronomy Journal. 111(3):1254-1265. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2018.08.0534.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2018.08.0534

Interpretive Summary: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of puroindoline introgression on the agronomic traits of durum wheat. This objective was carried out by growing both durum and ‘soft’ durum at 14 locations across Washington State. The consistent similarity between Svevo and Soft Svevo at all locations indicates that the introgression of puroindolines had no effect on agronomic traits. Svevo was not adapted to the Pacific Northwest, and did not consistently have yields at the same level as the hard wheats with which it was grown. Despite the lower yields, the notable similarity between Svevo and Soft Svevo for all agronomic traits indicates the genetic similarity between Svevo and Soft Svevo, with the only exception being kernel hardness. Thus, the puroindoline genes could be successfully introgressed without any agronomic penalties and also do not appear to influence an agronomic traits.

Technical Abstract: Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) production is 38 mmt worldwide, compared to 722 mmt of hexaploid wheat (T. aestivum). The difference in production is due, in part, because durum has very hard kernel texture, requires specialized milling, and is more limited in its food usage. Durum wheat with a soft kernel texture was recently created. The US Pacific Northwest has had a very limited history of breeding and growing durum wheat, and soft durum has not heretofore been examined for its agronomic potential in this region. The aim of this study was to examine several soft durum varieties and lines across multiple locations and years for agronomic performance to establish a benchmark from which to identify future breeding targets. Soft durum was compared to two well-adapted commercial hard red spring wheat varieties, Buck Pronto and Alum. Soft durum lines were relatively competitive for grain yield with Buck Pronto at some location. Increasing seeding rate did not improve yield potential of soft durum. Soft durums showed no tolerance of acid soils/aluminum. Soft durums exhibited moderate-to-strong resistance to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis Westend.), with some evidence of High Temperature Adult Plant resistance. Good resistance to stem rust (Puccinia graminus), and near complete resistance to dwarf bunt (Tilletia controversa) were observed. A good level of resistance to Hessian Fly (Mayetiola destructor), and varying levels of resistance to two cereal cyst nematode (Heteroderma sp.) species were present. These studies show that there is good agronomic potential in the current soft durum lines for moderate yield and good pest resistance. Further breeding efforts and germplasm introgression will likely improve the competitiveness of soft durum wheat with currently grown hard red spring wheat.