Synthetic Wheats: Output for Sustainable Agriculture.
(C08-villareal387730-poster)
Authors:
R.L. Villareal* - CIMMYT A. Mujeeb-Kazi - CIMMYT
Abstract:
An important component of CIMMYT’s strategy on sustainable agriculture is on disease and stress tolerance research using synthetic hexaploids (Triticum turgidum x Aegilops tauschii) aimed at protecting yield potential in farmers’ fields. It will also protect the environment and farmers’ incomes, by reducing dependence on pesticides for disease and pest control. Screening work against biotic (Fusarium head scab, septoria tritici blotch, spot blotch and Karnal bunt) and abiotic (salt toxicity, waterlogging and drought) stresses were conducted over the years in various locations in Mexico using elite primary synthetic hexaploids.Wide diversity of resistance and tolerance in the various synthetics was observed when subjected to different biotic and abiotic stress pressures. Results indicated that the synthetically derived wheats were in most instances significantly superior for biotic/abiotic resistance/tolerance when compared to their durum progenitors and the tolerant hexaploid checks. These results show that the synthetic amphiploids possessed the genetic diversity for disease and stress tolerance of the diploid donor species used in their synthesis since the durum cultivars were susceptible. They are spring types, highly crossable to advanced bread wheats, and may be used easily in breeding. Transfer of this
resistance/tolerance to elite bread wheat cultivars is the pre-breeding step that is currently underway for several stresses.
Speaker Information: Reynaldo Villareal, CIMMYT, CIMMYT, Apdo.Postal 6-641, Col. Juarez, Mexico, D.F., MX 06600; Phone: 52-55-5804-2004; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Wednesday, November 5, 2003, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM Presentation Start: 4:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 436)
Keywords: Bread wheat; synthetic wheat; synthetic hexaploid; Triticum aestivum
