Investigating Physiological and Morphological Mechanisms of Drought Tolerance in Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) Lines with 1RS Translocation

Abstract

Rye ( Secale cereale L.) chromosome translocation is reported to enhance yield attributes in common wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). We used 1RS translocations within the spring wheat cultivar “Pavon76” to measure and identify the translocation that is suitable to withstand moisture stress conditions without significant loss in yield potential. Four lines were grown under two water regimes in greenhouse environment in 2011 and 2012. The rye translocation increased root and shoot biomass in some cases, reduced plant height, and delayed maturity in some cases. The 1RS.1BL translocation produced the highest grain yield associated with the lowest root and shoot biomass under both well watered and water stressed conditions. Root and shoot biomass were recorded the highest for 1RS.1AL under well watered condition. However it produced the least biomass for both traits under water stressed conditions. In most cases, lines were not statistically differentiated for seminal root angle, abscisic acid concentration, water use efficiency, and grain yield. Results from our study show that the 1RS.1BL translocation is more suited to produce high grain yield under moisture limiting conditions.