Comparison of agronomical performance of Serbian wheat cultivars and NILs with different Ppd alleles

Abstract

Photoperiod response (Ppd) genes are very important for adaptation of wheat to different agro-climatic conditions, but also have influence on crop yield. The aim of this study was to compare agronomic traits of 10 Serbian wheat cultivars and 54 NILs of cv. Paragon with single, double and triple doses of Ppd-1 alleles. The results showed that the NILs with introgressed single early Ppd-1 alleles (Set 2), as well as the NILs with introgressed Ppd-1 null alleles, knock-outs and late alleles (Set 4) had significantly longer stems and spikes then Serbian cultivars (Set 1). The lines with introgressed double early Ppd-1 alleles (Set 3) were very similar to the Serbian cultivars. Some promising lines with good potential for breeding programs were identified.