SCREENING FOR ZINC EFFICIENCY AMONG WHEAT RELATIVES AND THEIR UTILIZATION FOR ALIEN GENE-TRANSFER

Genetic diversity for micronutrient efficiency among the most highly a dapted and advanced hexaploid and tetraploid wheat cultivars in the wo rld is limited compared with alien species of wheat or rye. Therefore, screening for zinc efficiency was conducted in greenhouse experiments under controlled conditions, and in field trials. Different varieties of hexaploid wheat, hexaploid oats and diploid rye, together with hex aploid and octoploid triticales, wheat-Agropyron, wheat-Aegilops and s everal wheat-alien chromosome addition series were studied. Considerab le differences in zinc efficiency were found between wheat and its rel atives. Individual chromosomes of Secale, Agropyron and Haynaldia were found to carry major genes for this character. The transfer of alien chromosome segments was effective, demonstrated using several wheat-ry e translocation lines. Alien genetic information was clearly expressed in the wheat genetic background. Further experimental introgressions by chromosome manipulation and marker-aided selection may efficiently contribute to wheat improvement in marginal soils.