Multivariate analysis of metal concentration in parental lines of wheat mapping populations

Wheat is a staple cereal and an important source of minerals in human diets. Mineral content in the wheat grain has a genetic basis, but the trait is also influenced by environmental factors [1]. Many efforts have been devoted to increase the content of some elements such as Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu, which have a physiological function in the organism. In particular, mapping populations and genetic linkage maps have been suggested as a useful tool in breeding programs [2]. The present work was undertaken to evaluate by ICPOES the variation in macronutrients (Ca, Mg, K), micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn) and toxic trace elements (Cd, Pb) in the whole grains of 29 wheat accessions and cultivars, representative of old and modern wheat germplasm. The wheat genotypes were grown in the experimental field of the University of Bari at Valenzano (Bari, Italy) in 2013/14 (site A) and at Policoro (Matera) in 2014/15 (site B), in a randomized complete block design with three replications and plots [3]. Multivariate Analysis (MVA) of data applied on the whole data (Figure1) showed interesting differences in the mineral content for the considered sites and harvesting seasons. Lower content of Mn and Cd and higher content of Zn, K and Cu were found in sites A and B, respectively. References [1]Re Gomez-Becerra HF, Yazici A, Ozturk L, Budak H, Peleg Z, Morgounov A, Fahima T, Saranga Y, Cakmak I. Genetic variation and environmental stability of grain mineral nutrient concentrations in Triticum dicoccoides under five environments. Euphytica 2010, 171:39-52. [2]Srinivasa J, Arun B, Mishra VK, Singh GP, Velu G, Babu R, Vasistha NK, Joshi AK. Zinc and iron concentration QTL mapped in a Triticum spelta × T. aestivum cross. Theor Appl Genet 2014, 127:1643-1651 [3]Pasqualone A, Piarulli L, Mangini G, Gadaleta A, Blanco A, Simeone R. Quality characteristics of parental lines of wheat mapping populations. Agric Food Sci 2015, 24: 118-127.