Variations in Spike Morphology and Its Impact On Economic Traits in Wheat.

Supernumerary spikelets (SS), clavate spikes and awnless spikes are example of spike variations in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Limited knowledge on the role of non-conventional spike morphology traits on quality and agronomic traits is available. In the present research, a population of 163 RILs segregating for several spike traits was evaluated in order to determine the relationships between the agronomic and quality, and spike morphology traits. The RIL population was developed from a cross between an elite line (WCB414) with a conventional spike, and a line with supernumerary spikelets (SS), WCB617. The study included the RILs, parents, and seven checks and was grown in the field at Carrington and Prosper, ND, during 2009, 2010 and 2011. A total of 20 spike-related traits, seven agronomic traits, and nine quality traits were evaluated. The results showed that the RILs with non-conventional spikes showed reduced levels in several yield components. However, variable results were observed for quality traits. Flour extraction differs among RILs and SS had lower kernel weight, but high grain protein content and high mixogram scores in some environments. Discriminate analysis allowed us to identify among the RILs, eight promising lines. Other associations between spike’s related traits and agronomic and quality traits will be presented in this poster. These results suggest that spikes morphology traits may play a significant role in breeding programs to improve wheat agronomic and quality performance.