Prospects of creating Indian dwarf wheat varieties Triticum sphaerococcum Perciv. based on samples endemic to the Hindustan peninsula

Abstract

Pre-breeding study of five spring samples of Triticum sphaerococcum (Perciv.) endemic to the Hindustan Peninsula was carried out in the Middle Volga Region of Russia in 2011–2018. The study demonstrated that all the samples were highly susceptible to powdery mildew disease, with infection up to 90% on infected leaf surface. Maximum yield was observed in sample k-33748 of T. sphaerococcum and did not exceed 2.25 t/ha as compared to 4.83 t/ha yield of the standard bread wheat variety Simbircit. Sample k-45738 of T. sphaerococcum, was crossed with T. aestivum and the wheat lines with significantly high yield and 1000-grain weight as well as better powdery mildew resistance as compared to Indian dwarf wheat were obtained. The selected lines resembles T. sphaerococcum with the spherical grain shape, the ratio between length and width of grain characteristics and other species-specific traits, such as compact head, short erect leaves, and short firm stem.