Share of positive changes in winter wheat varieties as parameter of action of a new epimutagenic agent
Abstract
The investigation of novel agents for inducing practical biodiversity in modern winter wheat varieties presents significant op portunities for developing new commercial cultivars and components for recombination breeding. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the epimutagen Nonidet P-40 (NP-40) for optimizing yield and grain quality parameters in mutant wheat forms. Eight winter wheat varieties (Perspektyva Odeska, Sonata Poltavska, Shpalivka, MIP Lada, Farell, NE 12443, Ronin, and Seilor) were exposed to NP-40 at concentrations of 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.5%, with a seed exposure period of 24 hours, adhering to established chemical mutagenesis protocols. The study identified clear patterns in epimutational processes affecting agriculturally valuable traits, thereby enhancing the predictability and reliability of mutation breeding programs. The varieties Farell, Ronin, and Perspektyva Odeska demonstrated particularly high potential for generating agriculturally valuable variability. Optimal epi mutagen concentrations (0.1% and 0.5% NP-40) produced substantial breeding variability, yielding valuable genetic material suitable for both direct commercialization and parental lines in hybridization programs. Notably, NP-40 induced epimutations with high reliability in traits such as improved microelement content, early ripeness, increased protein content, and reduced plant height. Moderately induced traits included elongated spikes, enhanced protein composition, improved productivity, and increased disease tolerance. NP-40 treatments, while highly effective overall, showed a strong dependency on genotype, suggesting targe ted variety selection is essential. Although the frequency of complex trait epimutations was relatively low, such epimutations, when present, proved highly valuable. Higher concentrations of NP-40 increased the risk of undesirable traits such as taller plants and delayed maturity, highlighting the necessity for balanced concentration management. Several promising epimutant winter wheat lines were identified as potential future commercial cultivars, exhibiting high grain productivity and superior bread-making quality, including one exceptional form noted for outstanding grain protein characteristics. Further research is planned to evaluate physiological adaptations of these new lines, particularly their resistance to abiotic stresses such as drought and winter hardiness.References
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