Vol. 11, Issue 4 (2022)

Author(s):
Shabir H Wani, Adil Naik, Mehdi Rahimi, Zahoor A Dar, M Ashraf Ahanger, IA Jehangir, Abid H Lone, JA Lone, MS Dar, Saba Mir, Musharib Gull, Qadrul Nisa, Roaf Ahmad Rather, Shakir Ayoub and Audil Gull

Abstract:
Genotype of a cultivar is very important for the expression of quality attributes and the actual grain yield. In the present study, 101 elite wheat genotypes were examined using RCBD for 17 qualitative traits under temperate conditions to explore genetic variation among genotypes. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the kinship of the studied genotypes and their grouping based on important qualitative traits, which revealed 23.82% and 16.87% for the first two principal components that were further used to draw the GT bi-plot based on each genotype and each trait by plotting the PC1 score on the PC2. Positive correlation was observed for plant growth habit with flag leaf plant parts whereas negative correlation was observed between plant growth habit and flag leaf length. The overall PC analysis evaluated that maximum difference between waxes in plant parts such as Waxy Ear, Wax Lower Shaller, Waxy Blade and Waxy Peduncle with descriptors selected on each PC. Based on this study, it can be suggested that the important morphological traits could be effective phenotypic markers while practicing selection for good quality and high yielding wheat varieties that these traits include waxiness on plant parts, flag leaf shape and growth habit.