Characteristics of wheat-barley hybrids (X Tritordeum Ascherson et Graebner) under Central-European climatic conditions

Petr Martinek

martinek@vukrom.cz
Agricultural Research Institute Kroměříž, Czech Republic (Czechia)

Ludmila Ohnoutková

Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Experimental Botany, Olomouc, Czech Republic (Czechia)

Tomáš Vyhnánek

Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry Brno, Dept. of Botany and Physiology, Faculty of Agronomy, Brno, Czech Republic (Czechia)

Jan Bednář

Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry Brno, Dept. of Botany and Physiology, Faculty of Agronomy, Brno, Czech Republic (Czechia)

Abstract

Thirteen genotypes of hexaploid (2n = 6x = 42; AABBHchHch) tritordeum and two genotypes of octoploid (2n = 8x = 56; AABBDDHchHch) tritordeum were analysed. These genotypes were sown in 1999, 2000 and 2001 in spring with check varieties of spring wheat Sandra and Saxana. They were sown also as winter forms in 1999/00 and 2001/02 with check varieties of winter wheat Astella and Brea, and winter donors of high protein content, Nap Hal, Atlas 66 and Lancota. Tritordeum stands were not damaged due to mild winter. Spring crops produced average yields as follows: 6x tritordeum 1.99 t/ha, 8x tritordeum 0.98 t/ha, Sandra 6.75 t/ha, and Saxana 6.85 t/ha. Tritordeum sown in spring matured late and non-uniformly because of a perennial character of original H. chilense. There was a natural occurrence of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) in most tested genotypes of tritordeum sown in spring, which evidences a higher percentage of open flowering. Winter crops produced average yields as follows: 6x tritordeum 2.97 t/ha, 8x tritordeum 1.88 t/ha, Astella 8.78 t/ha, and Brea 7.45 t/ha. A mild course of the winter did not damage tritordeum stands sown in autumn, vernalisation effect limited problems with late maturing. Higher yields produced by tritordeum sown in autumn suggest that it would be useful to develop winter forms for Central-European conditions. Higher field resistance to leaf rust and leaf blotches was found in tritordeum vs. check varieties. Protein content in tritordeum sown in spring was on average in 6x forms 19.6%, in 8x 19.0%, in the varieties Sandra and Saxana 14.1%; in tritordeum sown in autumn in 6x forms 19.2%, 8x forms 18.9%, in the wheat varieties Astella 10.2% and Brea 11.9%. It was also higher than in known donors of high protein content (Nap Hal — 17.5%, Atlas 66 — 17.0%, Lancota — 16.3%). A slightly higher content of essential amino acids (Lys, Phe, Val, Leu, Ile, Met and Thr) was assessed in grain dry weight of tritordeum. It is interesting that highly significantly higher content of cystine (Cys-Cys) amino acid was found in both spring and autumn sown crops. A lower loaf volume in hexaploid tritordeum in comparison with bread wheat suggests that this crop will be used rather for feeding purposes. A high content of carotenoides in tritordeum caused yellow coloration of flour and bread-crumb. Wider use of winter forms of tritordeum, if they were developed, is assumed. Potential use of tritordeum under conditions of Central Europe is discussed.

 

Keywords:

amino acid, quality, tritordeum, yield