Triticum ispahanicum Heslot: a genetic resource for improving the species T. aestivum L.

Background. Studying Triticum ispahanicum Heslot (Ispahan emmer wheat) to improve Triticum aestivum L. is relevant and promising, since Ispahan emmer is rarely used in programs to increase the genetic diversity of the bread wheat gene pool.

Materials and methods. As part of the study, the GEN2021-512 spring bread wheat line was studied. This line was obtained by crossing cv. ‘Dobrynya’ with an accession of T. ispahanicum var. ispahanorufum Udachin. Genetic, phenological, phytopathological and breadmaking analyses were performed using conventional methods.

Results. The GEN2021-512 line is resistant to leaf rust due to a combination of the Lr19 gene and an unidentified Lr gene from T. ispahanicum and surpasses ‘Dobrynya’ and T. ispahanicum in ear productivity, ear length, and 1000-grain weight. The line’s duration of the period from germination to ear emergence is 3 days longer than that of ‘Dobrynya’. Its grain productivity is at the level of the recipient cultivar, but the line has higher protein and gluten content. Dough and bread quality is not lower than in the recipient cultivar. The study demonstrated that the genetic variability of bread wheat might be expanded through Ispahan emmer.

Conclusion. Combining the genetic material of T. ispahanicum var. ispahanorufum with spring bread wheat cv. ‘Dobrynya’ resulted in the GEN2021-512 line. This line demonstrated a combination of resistance to the leaf rust pathogen and high breadmaking quality. It is promising for breeding and genetic research as a genetic resource to improve spring bread wheat cultivars.

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