Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Tolerance to preharvest sprouting and yield of wheat genotypes from different breeding programs

Tolerância à germinação na pré-colheita e produtividade de genótipos de trigo de diferentes programas de melhoramento

Abstract:

The objective of this work was to characterize the performance of elite wheat genotypes from different Brazilian breeding programs for traits associated with grain yield and preharvest sprouting. The study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 in the municipality of Capão do Leão, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Thirty-three wheat genotypes were evaluated for traits related to preharvest sprouting and grain yield. The estimate of genetic distance was used to predict potential combinations for selection of plants with high grain yield and tolerance to preharvest sprouting. The combined analysis of sprouted grains and falling number shows that the TBIO Alvorada, TBIO Mestre, Frontana, Fundacep Raízes, Fundacep Cristalino, and BRS Guamirim genotypes are tolerant to preharvest sprouting. Combinations of TBIO Alvorada and TBIO Mestre with Fundacep Cristalino show high potential for recovering superior genotypes for high grain yield and tolerance to preharvest sprouting.

Index terms:
Triticum aestivum. ear sprouting; falling number; genetic divergence; parental selection.

Resumo:

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o desempenho de genótipos elite de trigo de diferentes programas de melhoramento do Brasil, para caracteres associados à produtividade de grãos e à germinação na pré-colheita. O estudo foi conduzido em 2010 e 2011 no Município de Capão do Leão, RS, em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Foram avaliados 33 genótipos de trigo quanto aos caracteres relacionados à germinação em pré-colheita e ao rendimento de grãos. A estimativa da distância genética foi utilizada para predizer combinações potenciais na seleção de plantas com alta produtividade de grãos e tolerância à germinação na pré-colheita. A análise combinada de grãos germinados e número de queda mostra que os genótipos TBIO Alvorada, TBIO Mestre, Frontana, Fundacep Raízes, Fundacep Cristalino e BRS Guamirim apresentam tolerância à germinação em pré-colheita. As combinações de TBIO Alvorada e TBIO Mestre com Fundacep Cristalino mostram alto potencial na recuperação de genótipos superiores para elevada produtividade de grãos e tolerância à germinação em pré-colheita.

Termos para indexação:
Triticum aestivum; germinação na espiga; número de queda; divergência genética; seleção de parentais.

Introduction

High temperature and rainfall during the ripening and harvesting of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cause serious damages to grain yield and quality due to preharvest sprouting (PHS). The premature germination of seeds while still attached to the mother plant decreases flour quality, turning starch into sugars (Kulwal et al., 2012KULWAL, P.; ISHIKAWA, G.; BENSCHER, D.; FENG, Z.; YU, L.X.; JADHAV, A.; MEHETRE, S.; SORRELLS, M.E. Association mapping for pre-harvest sprouting resistance in white winter wheat. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, v.125, p.793-805, 2012. DOI: 10.1007/s00122-012-1872-0.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-012-1872-...
), which makes the flour unsuitable for the baking process (Emebiri et al., 2010EMEBIRI, L.C.; OLIVER, J.R.; MRVA, K.D.; MARES, D. Association mapping of late maturity α-amylase (LMA) activity in a collection of synthetic hexaploid wheat. Molecular Breeding, v.26, p.39-49, 2010. DOI: 10.1007/s11032-009-9375-7.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-009-9375-...
; Gavazza et al., 2012GAVAZZA, M.I.A.; BASSOI, M.C.; CARVALHO, T.C. de; BESPALHOK, F.J.C.; PANOBIANCO, M. Methods for assessment of pre-harvest sprouting in wheat cultivars. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.47, p.928-933, 2012. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2012000700008.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X201200...
). In Brazil, PHS is very severe and, in bad years, the losses could reach more than US$100 million (Bassoi & Flintham, 2005BASSOI, M.C.; FLINTHAM, J. Relationship between grain colour and preharvest sprouting-resistance in wheat. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.40, p.981-988, 2005. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2005001000006.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X200500...
).

High tolerance to PHS is directly linked to the rate of water uptake, seed dormancy levels, and the ability to reallocate storage compounds during germination (Emebiri et al., 2010EMEBIRI, L.C.; OLIVER, J.R.; MRVA, K.D.; MARES, D. Association mapping of late maturity α-amylase (LMA) activity in a collection of synthetic hexaploid wheat. Molecular Breeding, v.26, p.39-49, 2010. DOI: 10.1007/s11032-009-9375-7.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-009-9375-...
; Martynov & Dobrotvorskaya, 2012MARTYNOV, S.P.; DOBROTVORSKAYA, T.V. Resistance of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to preharvest sprouting: an association analysis. Russian Journal of Genetics, v.48, p.975-984, 2012. DOI: 10.1134/S1022795412100055.
https://doi.org/10.1134/S102279541210005...
; Zhang et al., 2014ZHANG, Y.; MIAO, X.; XIA, X.; HE, Z. Cloning of seed dormancy genes (TaSdr) associated with tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting in common wheat and development of a functional marker. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, v.27, p.855-866, 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s00122-014-2262-6.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-014-2262-...
). However, selection of plants with tolerance to PHS is difficult, due to its quantitative inheritance (Fofana et al., 2009FOFANA, B.; HUMPHREYS, D.G.; RASUL, G.; CLOUTIER, S.; BRÛLÉ-BABEL, A.; WOODS, S.; LUKOW, O.M.; SOMERS, D.J. Mapping quantitative trait loci controlling pre-harvest sprouting resistance in a red x white seeded spring wheat cross. Euphytica, v.165, p.509-521, 2009. DOI: 10.1007/s10681-008-9766-6.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-008-9766-...
) and strong environmental influence (Bassoi et al., 2006BASSOI, M.C.; FLINTHAM, J.; RIEDE, C.R. Analysis of preharvest sprouting in three Brazilian wheat populations. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.41, p.583-590, 2006. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2006000400006.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X200600...
). One of the main methods for evaluating PHS is the conventional test that simulates field conditions, in which spikes are immersed in water and kept wet for a certain period to allow the germination of sensitive genotypes. The germination index, sprouting index, and visual evaluation of sprouted seeds are also efficient in assessing tolerance to PHS. The germination index is used to measure the dormancy of isolated seeds, through the daily count of sprouted grains in ideal growing conditions of humidity and temperature in a germination chamber. The sprouting index and the visual evaluation of sprouted seeds consist of measuring seed dormancy in whole ears. For the sprouting index, the analysis is performed by simulating the wheat growing conditions, by subjecting the ears to artificial rainfall in protected environments. In the visual assessment, a grading scale from 1-9 is used to indicate the number of sprouted grains (Rasul et al., 2009RASUL, G.; HUMPHREYS, D.G.; BRÛLÉ-BABEL, A.; MCCARTNEY, C.; KNOX, R.E.; DEPAUW, R.M.; SOMERS, D.J. Mapping QTLs for pre-harvest sprouting traits in the spring wheat cross 'RL4452/AC Domain'. Euphytica, v.168, p.363-378, 2009. DOI: 10.1007/s10681-009-9934-3.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-009-9934-...
). Tolerance to PHS can also be determined by: the percentage of germinated grains on the ear, obtained by counting the number of germinated grains (Kulwal et al., 2010KULWAL, P.L.; MIR, R.R.; KUMAR, S.; GUPTA, P.K. QTL analysis and molecular breeding for seed dormancy and pre-harvest sprouting tolerance in bread wheat. Journal of Plant Biology, v.37, p.59-74, 2010.); and the measurement of α-amylase activity, expressed by the falling number on whole flour (Gooding et al., 2012GOODING, M.J.; UPPAL, R.K.; ADDISU, M.; HARRIS, K.D.; UAUY, C.; SIMMONDS, J.R.; MURDOCH, A.J. Reduced height alleles (Rht) and Hagberg falling number of wheat. Journal of Cereal Science, v.55, p.305-311, 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2012.01.003.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcs.2012.01.00...
).

The characterization of wheat cultivars in different Brazilian breeding programs for variables associated with grain yield and PHS is of paramount importance to rank the performance of elite lines. In order to identify genomic tools for the identification of genotypes tolerant to PHS, a good standardization of phenotyping methods is required. Furthermore, the measure of the genetic distances within the Brazilian gene pool enables the identification of new promising combinations for the selection of high-yielding and PHS-tolerant genotypes, aiming to change the wheat crop scenario in Brazil.

The objective of this work was to characterize the performance of elite wheat genotypes from different Brazilian breeding programs for traits associated with grain yield and preharvest sprouting.

Materials and Methods

The experiments were conducted in 2010 and 2011, in an experimental field located in the municipality of Capão do Leão, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (31º52'00"S, 52º21'24"W, at an altitude of 13.24 m), where the annual rainfall was of 1,280.2 mm (Figure 1).

Figure 1:
Rainfall and maximum temperature during the wheat vegetative cycle, in 2010 and 2011. Data obtained from the agrometeorological station of the municipality of Pelotas, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Thirty-three elite wheat genotypes were used, developed by the main breeding programs in Brazil (Table 1). The cultivar Frontana released in 1940 is considered the largest contribution of Brazilian wheat genotypes to the world, due to its resistance to leaf rust, to natural shattering, and to preharvest sprouting. The genotypes used in the present study were chosen according to the following criteria: commercially active, elite lines, and standards for tolerance (BRS 194 and Frontana) and sensitivity (BRS 220 and Valente) to preharvest sprouting in wheat.

Table 1:
Pedigree and reaction to ear sprouting of the 33 wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes evaluated(1).

Seeding was performed under a conventional system with a density of 300 viable seeds per square meter; the experimental unit consisted of five 5.0-m-length rows, spaced at 0.20 m. Two fungicide applications using Folicur (tebuconazole) were applied in both experimental years. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used, and seeding was performed in three distinct periods for all genotypes, obeying 10-day intervals. This was done so that the ear physiological maturity of the genotypes would coincide with the different cycles. Therefore, at harvest, all the ears were collected when the plants had lost their green color (physiological maturity), except for the culm nodes (Hanft & Wych, 1982HANFT, J.M.; WYCH, R.D. Visual indicators of physiological maturity of hard red spring wheat. Crop Science, v.22, p.584-587, 1982. DOI: 10.2135/cropsci1982.0011183X002200030036x.
https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci1982.0011...
).

In 2010 and 2011, ears were harvested and dried at room temperature for 7 days, placed in plastic bags, and frozen at -15°C, in order to maintain seed dormancy after harvest, until evaluation. For analyses of tolerance to PHS, germinated grains (GG, in percentage) and falling number (FN, in seconds) were scored. For the analysis of GG, a complete randomized block design with three replicates was used; each replicate was composed of ten ears. The ears were immersed in distilled water for 8 hours, and later retrieved and placed on a paper towel in order to subtract the water excess. The fungicide Vitavax-Thiram (active ingredient Carboxin + Thiram: 200 + 200 g L-1) was applied to ears in the recommended dosage. Ears were rolled up and put in a vertical position in previously-soaked germinating paper. The rolls were placed in plastic bags to avoid humidity loss and were incubated for 7 days at 20ºC±1°C in a BOD germination chamber. After 7 days of incubation, the rolls were retrieved and dried at 50ºC for 72 hours. After drying, the ears were threshed and the numbers of germinated and total grains were counted.

For the evaluation of FN, a sample containing ears was threshed and the seeds were placed at 15% humidity, whereas the grains were grinded after 24 hours in an experimental CD1 mill (Chopin Technologies, Villeneuve-la-Garenne, France). Whole-wheat flour was produced, from which 7.0 g samples were taken for the analyses. The FN test measures the effect of α-amylase and targets the grains involved before the emission of radicles or pericarp breakage. FN was determined using the 56-81B method from AACC International (1995)AACC INTERNATIONAL. Approved methods of the AACC International. 9th ed. St. Paul: AACC International, 1995., in which the lower the FN value, the higher the enzyme content and activity. In both experimental years (2010 and 2011), the evaluations of FN were performed in an automatic falling number system, model FN 1500, (Perten Instruments France, Haguenau, France).

For the analyses of traits linked to yield, the following were measured: grain yield (GY, in kg ha-1); hectoliter weight (HW, in kg hL-1); weight of a thousand grains (WTG, in grams); number of fertile tillers (NFT, in units per meter); ear grain weight (EGW, in grams); and number of grains per ear (NGE, in units). The assessment of the NFT trait was performed in the field by samplings of 1.0 m in the middle of the three central lines of each observation unit of the plot. GY, HW, WTG, EGW, and NGE evaluations were performed in the laboratory after the plots were harvested.

For the GG and FN traits, analysis of variance was performed for detection of differences between the main effects (genotype and year) and of interactions between the main factors. Afterwards, for the eight phenotypic traits evaluated, analysis of variance and comparison of means were performed using the Scott-Knott test, at 5% probability, based on the means of the traits for both experimental years. The partitioning of the interaction of traits associated with PHS uncovered four phenotypic classes for germinated grains; however, in the following year, six classes were obtained (Table 2). Considering this difference, the following scores were adopted: a, sensitive; b-c, intermediate; and d, tolerant in 2010; and a-b, sensitive; c-d, intermediate; and e-f, tolerant in 2011. The analysis of FN clustered the genotypes in eight and six phenotypic classes in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Therefore, using the same criterion as for germinated grains, the genotypes were scored as follows: a-b, tolerant; c-f, intermediate; and g-h, sensitive in 2010; and a-b, tolerant; c-d, intermediate; and e-f, sensitive in 2011.

Table 2:
Performance per se of the evaluated wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes for the traits associated with preharvest sprouting in the analysis of simple effects of genotype x year(1).

The estimate of genetic dissimilarity was determined through the overall distance of Mahalanobis (D2) between genotype pairs. From standard means, a genetic distance matrix was obtained. The relative contributions of the variables to genetic distance were obtained using the model described by Singh (1981)SINGH, D. The relative importance of characters affecting genetic divergence. The Indian Journal of Genetic and Plant Breeding, v.41, p.237-245, 1981.. The Genes software (Viçosa, MG, Brazil) was used in all procedures. A dendrogram was obtained by the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering method, using the NTSYS-pc software, version 2.1 (Rohlf, 2000ROHLF, F.J. NTSYS-pc: numerical taxonomy and multivariate analysis system. Version 2.1. Exeter Software: State University of New York, 2000. 38p.). The cophenetic coefficient was calculated through the Mantel test, and cluster significance was determined by average dissimilarity (Sokal & Rohlf, 1962SOKAL, R.R.; ROHLF, F.J. The comparison of dendrograms by objective methods. Taxonomy, v.11, p.33-40, 1962. DOI: 10.2307/1217208.
https://doi.org/10.2307/1217208....
).

Results and Discussion

Analysis of variance showed interaction between main effects (p≤0.05) for all variables. The mean square values, based on the F test, for the experimental year were higher than the genotype effect, indicating a larger influence of the environment on the phenotype. This suggests a quantitative action on the components associated with PHS and grain yield. Although genotype contribution is important for the expression of components linked to grain yield, year and location have shown a stronger influence (Chenu et al., 2011CHENU, K.; COOPER, M.; HAMMER, G.L.; MATHEWS, K.L.; DRECCER, M.F.; CHAPMAN, S.C. Environment characterization as an aid to wheat improvement: interpreting genotype-environment interactions by modelling water-deficit patterns in North-Eastern Australia. Journal of Experimental Botany, v.62, p.1743-1755, 2011. DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erq459.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erq459....
). The strong GxE interaction for yield components, such as NFT, WTG, and NGE, indicate that more than one year of evaluation is needed for an effective characterization of performance in wheat genotypes (Valério et al., 2013VALÉRIO, I.P.; CARVALHO, F.I.F. de; BENIN, G.; SILVEIRA, G. da; SILVA, J.A.G. da; NORNBERG, R.; HAGEMANN, T.; LUCHE, H. de S.; OLIVEIRA, A.C. de. Seeding density in wheat: the more, the merrier? Scientia Agricola, v.70, p.176-184, 2013. DOI: 10.1590/S0103-90162013000300006.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-9016201300...
). The strong environmental action on the dormancy and germination of wheat genotypes has been described, suggesting a quantitative inheritance (Bassoi et al., 2006BASSOI, M.C.; FLINTHAM, J.; RIEDE, C.R. Analysis of preharvest sprouting in three Brazilian wheat populations. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.41, p.583-590, 2006. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2006000400006.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X200600...
). However, it is difficult to identify steady genotypes for PHS-related traits when different growing conditions are compared (Rasul et al., 2012RASUL, G.; HUMPHREYS, G.D.; WU, J.; BRÛLÉ-BABEL, A.; FOFANA, B.; GLOVER, K.D. Evaluation of preharvest sprouting traits in a collection of spring wheat germplasm using genotype and genotype x environment interaction model. Plant Breeding, v.131, p.244-251, 2012. DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0523.2011.01931.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0523.2011...
).

The higher germination values indicate that seeds have lower accumulated dormancy, characterizing an advanced germination process (Bassoi et al., 2006BASSOI, M.C.; FLINTHAM, J.; RIEDE, C.R. Analysis of preharvest sprouting in three Brazilian wheat populations. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.41, p.583-590, 2006. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2006000400006.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X200600...
; Gelin et al., 2007GELIN, J.R.; ELIAS, E.M.; MANTHEY, F.A.; GRANT, L. Study of the relationship between sprouting score and sprout damage in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). Cereal Research Communications, v.35, p.53-61, 2007. DOI: 10.1556/CRC.35.2007.1.7.
https://doi.org/10.1556/CRC.35.2007.1.7....
). For both experimental years, the TBIO Alvorada, Fundacep Horizonte, Fundacep Campo Real, and BRS 194 genotypes were superior, presenting lower values for GG (Table 2). In 2011, a higher number of classes was obtained, showing that this year favored PHS, probably because of the heavier rains at the end of the plant cycle (Figure 1). However, the analysis of GG indicated a higher stability for the TBIO Alvorada, Fundacep Horizonte, and BRS 194 genotypes, which did not differ between years.

The FN expresses the activity of the α-amylase enzyme, in which the lower enzymatic activity in the sample is inferred from higher FN values (Hagberg, 1960HAGBERG, S. A rapid method for determining alpha-amylase activity. Cereal Chemistry, v.37, p.218-222, 1960.; Fofana et al., 2009FOFANA, B.; HUMPHREYS, D.G.; RASUL, G.; CLOUTIER, S.; BRÛLÉ-BABEL, A.; WOODS, S.; LUKOW, O.M.; SOMERS, D.J. Mapping quantitative trait loci controlling pre-harvest sprouting resistance in a red x white seeded spring wheat cross. Euphytica, v.165, p.509-521, 2009. DOI: 10.1007/s10681-008-9766-6.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-008-9766-...
). Therefore, the TBIO Pioneiro, Frontana, Fundacep Raízes, and BRS Guamirim genotypes were the ones with higher FN values. In 2010, a higher number of phenotypic classes was obtained, favored by a better harvesting condition due to reduced rainfall (Figure 1).

Variables indicative of PHS showed inconsistency when compared, i.e., genotypes with reduced germination values were not the same with higher FN values. The Frontana genotype, which is internationally recognized as a standard for tolerance to PHS, was fit when FN was analyzed. Some reports have shown low germination potential for the cultivar Frontana (Andreoli et al., 2006ANDREOLI, C.; BASSOI, M.C.; BRUNETTA, D. Genetic control of seed dormancy and preharvest sprouting in wheat. Scientia Agricola, v.63, p.564-566, 2006. DOI: 10.1590/S0103-90162006000600009.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-9016200600...
; Bassoi et al., 2006BASSOI, M.C.; FLINTHAM, J.; RIEDE, C.R. Analysis of preharvest sprouting in three Brazilian wheat populations. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.41, p.583-590, 2006. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2006000400006.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X200600...
), reassuring its use as a control for tolerance to PHS. It is important to highlight that, although in 2011 the numbers of phenotypic classes for FN were similar among the PHS detecting variables (Table 2), twice as many phenotypic classes were obtained in 2010, facilitating the analysis of genetic variability for PHS expression.

The study of wheat populations indicated the presence of tolerant genotypes and the potential for obtaining genetic gains (Bassoi et al., 2006BASSOI, M.C.; FLINTHAM, J.; RIEDE, C.R. Analysis of preharvest sprouting in three Brazilian wheat populations. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.41, p.583-590, 2006. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2006000400006.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X200600...
); however, few traits associated with tolerance to PHS have been reported. Though visual scoring (grain germination) can be relatively efficient, laboratory methods, such as FN, have shown to be more reliable in detecting the activity of enzymes linked to germination, even when seeds are not visibly germinated (Gelin et al., 2007GELIN, J.R.; ELIAS, E.M.; MANTHEY, F.A.; GRANT, L. Study of the relationship between sprouting score and sprout damage in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). Cereal Research Communications, v.35, p.53-61, 2007. DOI: 10.1556/CRC.35.2007.1.7.
https://doi.org/10.1556/CRC.35.2007.1.7....
). PHS evaluations using GG and FN are considered consistent and precise in wheat (Rasul et al., 2012RASUL, G.; HUMPHREYS, G.D.; WU, J.; BRÛLÉ-BABEL, A.; FOFANA, B.; GLOVER, K.D. Evaluation of preharvest sprouting traits in a collection of spring wheat germplasm using genotype and genotype x environment interaction model. Plant Breeding, v.131, p.244-251, 2012. DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0523.2011.01931.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0523.2011...
). A high correlation between GG and FN has been observed (Gelin et al., 2007GELIN, J.R.; ELIAS, E.M.; MANTHEY, F.A.; GRANT, L. Study of the relationship between sprouting score and sprout damage in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). Cereal Research Communications, v.35, p.53-61, 2007. DOI: 10.1556/CRC.35.2007.1.7.
https://doi.org/10.1556/CRC.35.2007.1.7....
; Rasul et al., 2012RASUL, G.; HUMPHREYS, G.D.; WU, J.; BRÛLÉ-BABEL, A.; FOFANA, B.; GLOVER, K.D. Evaluation of preharvest sprouting traits in a collection of spring wheat germplasm using genotype and genotype x environment interaction model. Plant Breeding, v.131, p.244-251, 2012. DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0523.2011.01931.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0523.2011...
). However, Fofana et al. (2008)FOFANA, B.; HUMPHREYS, G.; RASUL, G.; CLOUTIER, S.; SOMERS, D. Assessment of molecular diversity at QTLs for preharvest sprouting resistance in wheat using microsatellite markers. Genome, v.51, p.375-386, 2008. DOI: 10.1139/G08-022.
https://doi.org/10.1139/G08-022....
found similar results to those of the present study, showing some inconsistency between variables and leaning towards the use of FN as a more reliable trait.

The expression of the α-amylase enzyme and its occurrence at high levels in mature wheat grains have adverse consequences for processing by end users to produce value-added high quality wheat products. The accumulation of the α-amylase enzyme is usually observed in two situations: when there is late maturity α-amylase (LMA) activity and preharvest sprouting (Tan et al., 2010TAN, M.K.; VERBYLA, A.P.; CULLIS, B.R.; MARTIN, P.; MILGATE, A.W.; OLIVER, J.R. Genetics of late maturity α-amylase in a doubled haploid wheat population. Crop and Pasture Science, v.61, p.153-161, 2010. DOI: 10.1071/CP09239.
https://doi.org/10.1071/CP09239....
). LMA eventually affects all genotypes and affects FN, but not the percentage of GG. Therefore, differences in the associations between FN and GG may be determined by the LMA activity present in some genotypes, which may be also partly attributable to the presence and expression of LMA in genotypes used in different experiments (Mares & Mrva 2008MARES, D.; MRVA, K. Late-maturity α-amylase: low falling number in wheat in the absence of preharvest sprouting. Journal of Cereal Science, v.47, p.6-17, 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2007.01.005.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcs.2007.01.00...
; Tan et al., 2010TAN, M.K.; VERBYLA, A.P.; CULLIS, B.R.; MARTIN, P.; MILGATE, A.W.; OLIVER, J.R. Genetics of late maturity α-amylase in a doubled haploid wheat population. Crop and Pasture Science, v.61, p.153-161, 2010. DOI: 10.1071/CP09239.
https://doi.org/10.1071/CP09239....
).

The joint analysis of wheat genotype performance for traits related to PHS and grain yield, and the combined analysis of GG and FN indicated a higher tolerance to PHS of the TBIO Alvorada, TBIO Mestre, Frontana, Fundacep Raízes, Fundacep Cristalino, and BRS Guamirim genotypes (Table 3). Therefore, these genotypes have reduced germination values and higher FN. TBIO Alvorada, Frontana, and Fundacep Raízes also had higher tolerance to PHS in the trait specification analysis in each experimental year (Table 2). Among the cultivars with high PHS, TBIO Alvorada, TBIO Mestre, and Fundacep Cristalino had high grain yield. None of the tolerant cultivars showed high HW and high WTG. However, TBIO Sinuelo 'S', CEP 06-167, and CEP 07-31 showed high HW, whereas Valente showed the highest WTG. TBIO Mestre was the only one with tolerance to PHS, high grain yield, and high NFT. Although the ear traits, such as weight and number of grains, were superior in a large number of genotypes, only two phenotypic classes were detected, suggesting a narrow genetic variability for these variables (Table 3). However, the variables FN, GY, HW, and NFT allowed ranking of genotypes by providing at least three distinct phenotypic classes. WTG displayed the highest number of phenotypic classes for all variables. This reassures the differential relative contribution of variables on total variability with WTG, followed by FN and HW, contributing to the major differences found in the genetic distance cluster (Figure 2).

Table 3:
Performance per se of the evaluated wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes and relative contribution for total variability associated with preharvest sprouting and grain yield(1).

Figure 2:
Dendrogram depicting the analysis of 33 wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes obtained by the joint analysis of the 2010 and 2011 crop seasons based on eight phenotypic traits: germinated grains; falling number; grain yield; hectoliter weight; weight of a thousand grains; number of fertile tillers by linear meter; main ear grain weight; and number of grains of the main ear, obtained by the UPGMA clustering method and using the Mahalanobis distance as a measure of genetic distance. The cophenetic correlation coefficient (r) is 0.73, and the average distance is 28.6. I, group I; II, group II; III, group III; and IV, group IV.

A detailed estimate of wheat genetic divergence was obtained by the analysis of genetic distance, through the overall distance of Mahalanobis, based on the traits associated with PHS and GY (Figure 2). The analysis allowed the formation of four distinct groups. Group I was formed by the larger number of genotypes, whereas group IV by the smallest, consisting of only two individuals (Valente and Frontana). The joint analysis for tolerance to PHS (Table 3) indicated that, from the six superior genotypes, only TBIO Alvorada, TBIO Mestre, and Fundacep Cristalino had high grain yield. This shows the great potential of the combination of TBIO Mestre and Fundacep Cristalino (group I) with TBIO Alvorada (group II); these genotypes have high performance per se and are found in distinct groups (Figure 2).

Genetically distant genotypes with high performance per se are very promising to increase the genetic variability of superior recombinant genotypes (Bertan et al., 2009BERTAN, I.; CARVALHO, F.I.F. de; OLIVEIRA, A.C. de; BENIN, G.; VIEIRA, E.A.; VALÉRIO, I.P. Morphological, pedigree, and molecular distances and their association with hybrid wheat performance. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.44, p.155-163, 2009. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2009000200007.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X200900...
). The simultaneous analysis is an efficient tool to identify superior genotypes for the selection of high potential combinations for many traits. In white seed genotypes, these analyses were important for choosing potential parents and increasing tolerance to PHS (Malik et al., 2013MALIK, R.; TIWARI, R.; ARORA, A.; KUMAR, P.; SHEORAN, S.; SHARMA, P.; SINGH, R.; TIWARI, V.; SHARMA, I. Genotypic characterization of elite Indian wheat genotypes using molecular markers and their pedigree analysis. Australian Journal of Crop Science, v.7, p.561-567, 2013.).

Performance was studied for the selection of high tillering ability in wheat (Valério et al., 2009VALÉRIO, I.P.; CARVALHO, F.I.F. de; OLIVEIRA, A.C. de; BENIN, G.; SOUZA, V.Q. de; MACHADO, A. de A.; BERTAN, I.; BUSATO, C.C.; SILVEIRA, G. da; FONSECA, D.A.R. Seed density in wheat genotypes as a function of tillering potential. Scientia Agricola, v.66, p.28-39, 2009. DOI: 10.1590/S0103-90162009000100004.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-9016200900...
). In traits related to PHS and GY, the analysis of performance was efficient to discriminate the variability of wheat cultivars (Fofana et al., 2009FOFANA, B.; HUMPHREYS, D.G.; RASUL, G.; CLOUTIER, S.; BRÛLÉ-BABEL, A.; WOODS, S.; LUKOW, O.M.; SOMERS, D.J. Mapping quantitative trait loci controlling pre-harvest sprouting resistance in a red x white seeded spring wheat cross. Euphytica, v.165, p.509-521, 2009. DOI: 10.1007/s10681-008-9766-6.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-008-9766-...
; Gooding et al., 2012GOODING, M.J.; UPPAL, R.K.; ADDISU, M.; HARRIS, K.D.; UAUY, C.; SIMMONDS, J.R.; MURDOCH, A.J. Reduced height alleles (Rht) and Hagberg falling number of wheat. Journal of Cereal Science, v.55, p.305-311, 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2012.01.003.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcs.2012.01.00...
). The relative contribution of traits for genetic distance complements performance studies, since traits of reduced contribution would not be the ideal target because they decrease selection efficiency (Scheffer-Basso et al., 2014SCHEFFER-BASSO, S.M.; FAVARETTO, A.; FELINI, V.; GOMES, C.C.; CARNEIRO, L.E.; CECCHIN, K. Genetic divergence among accessions of Axonopus jesuiticus x A. scoparius based on morphological and agronomical traits. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, v.86, p.475-483, 2014. DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201420130047.
https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-37652014201...
).

TBIO Alvorada showed superior tolerance to PHS in the analyses for each year and for both years (Tables 2 and 3), indicating a higher effectivity among the tolerant genotypes. However, not even the cultivar Frontana, which has been recognized as a control for tolerance to PHS, expresses the same yield potential when compared with current genotypes. Therefore, even if it is included in combinations for backcrosses, the quantitative expression of tolerance to PHS makes it difficult to obtain a larger genetic gain (Fofana et al., 2009FOFANA, B.; HUMPHREYS, D.G.; RASUL, G.; CLOUTIER, S.; BRÛLÉ-BABEL, A.; WOODS, S.; LUKOW, O.M.; SOMERS, D.J. Mapping quantitative trait loci controlling pre-harvest sprouting resistance in a red x white seeded spring wheat cross. Euphytica, v.165, p.509-521, 2009. DOI: 10.1007/s10681-008-9766-6.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-008-9766-...
). The results obtained for the best combinations can greatly contribute to Brazilian wheat breeding programs, as an important step in cultivar development with favorable alleles for grain yield combined with tolerance to PHS. Moreover, the validation of phenotyping assays will pave the way for future mapping studies of genes tolerant to PHS in the Brazilian germplasm.

Conclusions

  1. The TBIO Alvorada, TBIO Mestre, Frontana, Fundacep Raízes, Fundacep Cristalino, and BRS Guamirim Brazilian wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes show tolerance to preharvest sprouting, through the combined analysis of sprouted grains and falling number.

  2. Combinations of TBIO Alvorada and TBIO Mestre with Fundacep Cristalino show high potential of recovering superior genotypes for high grain yield and tolerance to preharvest sprouting.

Acknowledgments

To Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, process 407860/2012-6), for financial support; and to CNPq, to Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes), and to Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (Fapergs), for scholarships awarded.

References

  • AACC INTERNATIONAL. Approved methods of the AACC International. 9th ed. St. Paul: AACC International, 1995.
  • ANDREOLI, C.; BASSOI, M.C.; BRUNETTA, D. Genetic control of seed dormancy and preharvest sprouting in wheat. Scientia Agricola, v.63, p.564-566, 2006. DOI: 10.1590/S0103-90162006000600009.
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-90162006000600009.
  • BASSOI, M.C.; FLINTHAM, J. Relationship between grain colour and preharvest sprouting-resistance in wheat. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.40, p.981-988, 2005. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2005001000006.
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X2005001000006.
  • BASSOI, M.C.; FLINTHAM, J.; RIEDE, C.R. Analysis of preharvest sprouting in three Brazilian wheat populations. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.41, p.583-590, 2006. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2006000400006.
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X2006000400006.
  • BERTAN, I.; CARVALHO, F.I.F. de; OLIVEIRA, A.C. de; BENIN, G.; VIEIRA, E.A.; VALÉRIO, I.P. Morphological, pedigree, and molecular distances and their association with hybrid wheat performance. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.44, p.155-163, 2009. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2009000200007.
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X2009000200007.
  • CHENU, K.; COOPER, M.; HAMMER, G.L.; MATHEWS, K.L.; DRECCER, M.F.; CHAPMAN, S.C. Environment characterization as an aid to wheat improvement: interpreting genotype-environment interactions by modelling water-deficit patterns in North-Eastern Australia. Journal of Experimental Botany, v.62, p.1743-1755, 2011. DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erq459.
    » https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erq459.
  • EMEBIRI, L.C.; OLIVER, J.R.; MRVA, K.D.; MARES, D. Association mapping of late maturity α-amylase (LMA) activity in a collection of synthetic hexaploid wheat. Molecular Breeding, v.26, p.39-49, 2010. DOI: 10.1007/s11032-009-9375-7.
    » https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-009-9375-7.
  • FOFANA, B.; HUMPHREYS, D.G.; RASUL, G.; CLOUTIER, S.; BRÛLÉ-BABEL, A.; WOODS, S.; LUKOW, O.M.; SOMERS, D.J. Mapping quantitative trait loci controlling pre-harvest sprouting resistance in a red x white seeded spring wheat cross. Euphytica, v.165, p.509-521, 2009. DOI: 10.1007/s10681-008-9766-6.
    » https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-008-9766-6.
  • FOFANA, B.; HUMPHREYS, G.; RASUL, G.; CLOUTIER, S.; SOMERS, D. Assessment of molecular diversity at QTLs for preharvest sprouting resistance in wheat using microsatellite markers. Genome, v.51, p.375-386, 2008. DOI: 10.1139/G08-022.
    » https://doi.org/10.1139/G08-022.
  • GAVAZZA, M.I.A.; BASSOI, M.C.; CARVALHO, T.C. de; BESPALHOK, F.J.C.; PANOBIANCO, M. Methods for assessment of pre-harvest sprouting in wheat cultivars. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.47, p.928-933, 2012. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2012000700008.
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X2012000700008.
  • GELIN, J.R.; ELIAS, E.M.; MANTHEY, F.A.; GRANT, L. Study of the relationship between sprouting score and sprout damage in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). Cereal Research Communications, v.35, p.53-61, 2007. DOI: 10.1556/CRC.35.2007.1.7.
    » https://doi.org/10.1556/CRC.35.2007.1.7.
  • GOODING, M.J.; UPPAL, R.K.; ADDISU, M.; HARRIS, K.D.; UAUY, C.; SIMMONDS, J.R.; MURDOCH, A.J. Reduced height alleles (Rht) and Hagberg falling number of wheat. Journal of Cereal Science, v.55, p.305-311, 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2012.01.003.
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcs.2012.01.003.
  • HAGBERG, S. A rapid method for determining alpha-amylase activity. Cereal Chemistry, v.37, p.218-222, 1960.
  • HANFT, J.M.; WYCH, R.D. Visual indicators of physiological maturity of hard red spring wheat. Crop Science, v.22, p.584-587, 1982. DOI: 10.2135/cropsci1982.0011183X002200030036x.
    » https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci1982.0011183X002200030036x.
  • KULWAL, P.; ISHIKAWA, G.; BENSCHER, D.; FENG, Z.; YU, L.X.; JADHAV, A.; MEHETRE, S.; SORRELLS, M.E. Association mapping for pre-harvest sprouting resistance in white winter wheat. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, v.125, p.793-805, 2012. DOI: 10.1007/s00122-012-1872-0.
    » https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-012-1872-0.
  • KULWAL, P.L.; MIR, R.R.; KUMAR, S.; GUPTA, P.K. QTL analysis and molecular breeding for seed dormancy and pre-harvest sprouting tolerance in bread wheat. Journal of Plant Biology, v.37, p.59-74, 2010.
  • MALIK, R.; TIWARI, R.; ARORA, A.; KUMAR, P.; SHEORAN, S.; SHARMA, P.; SINGH, R.; TIWARI, V.; SHARMA, I. Genotypic characterization of elite Indian wheat genotypes using molecular markers and their pedigree analysis. Australian Journal of Crop Science, v.7, p.561-567, 2013.
  • MARES, D.; MRVA, K. Late-maturity α-amylase: low falling number in wheat in the absence of preharvest sprouting. Journal of Cereal Science, v.47, p.6-17, 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2007.01.005.
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcs.2007.01.005.
  • MARTYNOV, S.P.; DOBROTVORSKAYA, T.V. Resistance of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to preharvest sprouting: an association analysis. Russian Journal of Genetics, v.48, p.975-984, 2012. DOI: 10.1134/S1022795412100055.
    » https://doi.org/10.1134/S1022795412100055.
  • RASUL, G.; HUMPHREYS, D.G.; BRÛLÉ-BABEL, A.; MCCARTNEY, C.; KNOX, R.E.; DEPAUW, R.M.; SOMERS, D.J. Mapping QTLs for pre-harvest sprouting traits in the spring wheat cross 'RL4452/AC Domain'. Euphytica, v.168, p.363-378, 2009. DOI: 10.1007/s10681-009-9934-3.
    » https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-009-9934-3.
  • RASUL, G.; HUMPHREYS, G.D.; WU, J.; BRÛLÉ-BABEL, A.; FOFANA, B.; GLOVER, K.D. Evaluation of preharvest sprouting traits in a collection of spring wheat germplasm using genotype and genotype x environment interaction model. Plant Breeding, v.131, p.244-251, 2012. DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0523.2011.01931.x.
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0523.2011.01931.x.
  • ROHLF, F.J. NTSYS-pc: numerical taxonomy and multivariate analysis system. Version 2.1. Exeter Software: State University of New York, 2000. 38p.
  • SCHEFFER-BASSO, S.M.; FAVARETTO, A.; FELINI, V.; GOMES, C.C.; CARNEIRO, L.E.; CECCHIN, K. Genetic divergence among accessions of Axonopus jesuiticus x A scoparius based on morphological and agronomical traits. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, v.86, p.475-483, 2014. DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201420130047.
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765201420130047.
  • SINGH, D. The relative importance of characters affecting genetic divergence. The Indian Journal of Genetic and Plant Breeding, v.41, p.237-245, 1981.
  • SOKAL, R.R.; ROHLF, F.J. The comparison of dendrograms by objective methods. Taxonomy, v.11, p.33-40, 1962. DOI: 10.2307/1217208.
    » https://doi.org/10.2307/1217208.
  • TAN, M.K.; VERBYLA, A.P.; CULLIS, B.R.; MARTIN, P.; MILGATE, A.W.; OLIVER, J.R. Genetics of late maturity α-amylase in a doubled haploid wheat population. Crop and Pasture Science, v.61, p.153-161, 2010. DOI: 10.1071/CP09239.
    » https://doi.org/10.1071/CP09239.
  • VALÉRIO, I.P.; CARVALHO, F.I.F. de; BENIN, G.; SILVEIRA, G. da; SILVA, J.A.G. da; NORNBERG, R.; HAGEMANN, T.; LUCHE, H. de S.; OLIVEIRA, A.C. de. Seeding density in wheat: the more, the merrier? Scientia Agricola, v.70, p.176-184, 2013. DOI: 10.1590/S0103-90162013000300006.
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-90162013000300006.
  • VALÉRIO, I.P.; CARVALHO, F.I.F. de; OLIVEIRA, A.C. de; BENIN, G.; SOUZA, V.Q. de; MACHADO, A. de A.; BERTAN, I.; BUSATO, C.C.; SILVEIRA, G. da; FONSECA, D.A.R. Seed density in wheat genotypes as a function of tillering potential. Scientia Agricola, v.66, p.28-39, 2009. DOI: 10.1590/S0103-90162009000100004.
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-90162009000100004.
  • ZHANG, Y.; MIAO, X.; XIA, X.; HE, Z. Cloning of seed dormancy genes (TaSdr) associated with tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting in common wheat and development of a functional marker. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, v.27, p.855-866, 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s00122-014-2262-6.
    » https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-014-2262-6.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Aug 2015

History

  • Received
    29 Jan 2015
  • Accepted
    10 June 2015
Embrapa Secretaria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento; Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira Caixa Postal 040315, 70770-901 Brasília DF Brazil, Tel. +55 61 3448-1813, Fax +55 61 3340-5483 - Brasília - DF - Brazil
E-mail: pab@embrapa.br