A PROGRAM TO DEVELOP BREAD WHEAT CULTIVARS VIA HYBRIDIZATION AND MUTATIONS

Abstract

This scientific program carried out during (1996-2009) at three locations (Latefiya, Twaitha, and Tikreet). Seeds (75) g of F3 generation from wheat hybrids (1)- (Lachis x Saberbeg), (2)- (Najah x Mexipak), (3)- {(Saberbeg x Mexipak) x Abughraib} (4)- (Purline of Mexipak), were irradiated with gamma rays (100Gy) for number 1, 2, and 4 hybrids and fast neutron (400 Gy) for number (3) crosses. The program involved induction of genetic variability, and selection of useful mutants to develop new varieties with better agronomic traits and suitable to local conditions. The results revealed that (1158, 1016, 1312, and 1290) variants were selected from the above irradiated hybrids respectively in (M2) generation. After process of isolation, screening, and selection to seventh generation (M7), better 10 mutants had been given new names and numbers as following: 2 mutants (335-Sali and 816) from (1) irradiated hybrid and 2 (N-35 and M-66-Alaize) from (2) and 3 (128-Tamuz-3, 324-Tamuz-2 and 512) from (3) and 3 (14, 255 and 278-Al-Iraq) from (4). All these mutants we surpassed its parents in yield and yield components. Yield potential of these new varieties were studied for three seasons (2007-2009) after registration and release, at two locations. The results revealed that new variety Alaize-66 surpassed the other in early flowering and maturity (115.6 and 146.9 days) and Tamuz-2, in number of spik/m2 (283.7), Tamuz-3 and Al-Iraq in number of kernels/spike (45.3 and 45.2), Al-Iraq and Tamuz-2 in weight of 1000 kernels (44.3 and 43.3 g) and Al-Iraq in yield (4.85 T/ha), in Latefiya location (furrow irrigation). As well as at Tikreet location (sprinkler irrigation), the same behavior had happened in the previous location almost. It should be mentioned that these new varieties were superior on its parents at three environmental locations, which refers to the genetic stability and the suitability of the local conditions.