Breeding Potential For High Yield and Fe/Zn Biofortification in Wheat

Abstract

A collection of 85 wheat genotypes was evaluated to determine the genetic diversity regarding iron and zinc content in grains alongwith yield and yield contributing traits. Correlation, principal component and cluster analyses were carried out to find the interactions and components of variation on the basis of similarities and dissimilarities. So, screened material was further utilized to estimate the general and specific combining ability of parents and their cross combinations to identify the gene action involved in the transfer of performance of traits. Evaluation of hybrid vigor was also the component of this research. This study was carried out in the experimental field of Plant Breeding and Genetics, the Department of University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The research was completed focusing the evaluation of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content in grains, days to heading, days to maturity, Plant height, spike length, fertile tillers per plant, flag leaf area, peduncle length, spikelets per spike, spike density, grains per spike, 1000 grain weight and grain yield per plant. Ten lines along with five testers were crossed under line into tester mating design. BFT11, BFT72 and BFT3 proved to be the best general combiners and showed additive type of gene action. Fifty crosses were evaluated and BFT11 X BFT24, BFT72 X BFT24 and BFT65 X BFT3 proved to be best specific combiners and exhibited significant heterosis in evaluated traits. Non additive type of gene action was observed for these crosses. These parents and their hybrids are useful in providing a good input for further breeding programs.