The influence of d(r) substitutions on plant dry matter and root size in hexaploid triticale

Teresa Oracka

Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, Radzików, 05-870 Błonie, Poland (Poland)

Bogusław Łapiński

Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, Radzików, 05-870 Błonie, Poland (Poland)

Abstract

Two sets of disomic substitution lines, derived from the cultivars ‘Presto’ and ‘Rhino’ of triticale, with rye chromosome pairs replaced by their wheat D-genome homoeologues, were tested in hydroponic culture. The size of root system (dry matter, length, number of seminal and adventitious roots) was investigated together with total plant dry matter. The results were influenced mainly by the growth stage and interaction between homoeology group of exchanged chromosomes and varietal background. In relation to the controls (unchanged cultivars), only the ‘Rhino’ 2D(2R) showed a significant increase of plant dry matter. No significant negative effect on plant mass was stated for the 3D(3R) in ‘Presto’ and the both 1D(1R) substitutions. Tolerance of the 4D(4R), and 5D(5R) disomic substitutions was poor; 7D(7R) was absent as not able to survive. The majority of changes noticed for the root system parameters were parallel to the changes in plant dry matter. Besides, some effects specific to root system were found in adult plants. Relationships are discussed between the obtained results and the earlier ones on disomic rye additions to hexaploid wheat.

Keywords:

chromosome substitution, root system, rye, triticale, wheat