Systems of initial development control in modern cereal breeding specimens at PBGI – NCSCI

Abstract

Aims. To evaluate breeding lines and cultivars on their vernalization requirement duration and photosensitivity level. Methods. Heading date registration after various duration of artificial vernalization and planting in long and short daylength. Results. The majority of modern winter bread wheat lines showed lowered vernalization requirement and weak photosensitivity, possibly relating to higher yield. And only solitary stocks revealed stronger reactions, although they relate to frost resistance improvement. The lines of alternative barley revealed very strong photoreactions which compensate their losses in autumn initial development delay due to almost full absence of vernalization requirement. The last characteristic was expressed (even pronounced – more than 40 days) in typical winter stocks, what allows to expect sufficient frost resistance when it is followed by strong photosensitivity, although the last was revealed in rare winter lines yet. Conclusions. Leading breeders of cereals are again interested in evaluation of physiological systems influencing initial development as having adaptive value.

Keywords: Winter wheat and barley, modern breeding lines, vernalization requirement duration, level of photosensitivity.