Use of winter wheat x Triticum tauschii backcross populations for germplasm evaluation

The wild diploid goatgrass, Triticum tauschii (Coss.) Schmal., is an important source of genes for resistance to both diseases and insects in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) We have evaluated grain yield, kernel weight, protein concentration, and kernel hardness of 641 BC₂ F₁-derived families from direct crosses involving four T. aestivum cultivars and 13 T. tauschii accessions over 2 years and at two Kansas, USA, locations. On average, T. tauschii germplasm depressed grain yield and increased protein concentration, whereas kernel weight was affected either positively or negatively, depending on the T. tauschii parent. Three T. tauschii parents produced a large proportion of families with very soft endosperm. Some variation among progeny of different T. tauschii parents resulted from the segregation of genes for resistance to leaf rust (caused by Puccinia recondita Rob. ex Desm.). This study confirmed that random BC₂-derived families can be used to evaluate the effects of T. tauschii genes in the field. This methodology, although laborious, can provide useful information which is not obtainable by the screening of T. tauschii accessions themselves.Joint contribution of USDA-ARS, the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Wheat Genetics Resource Center. Contribution no. 94-242-J. Mention of a proprietary name in the article does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products