**3. Results and discussion**

In the current study, GPC showed considerable variation from 12.60 to 14.73% with a mean of 13.62 ± 0.60% (**Figure 1**). It identified 11 advanced M<sup>5</sup> mutant lines (37.7%), of which 5 lines were from 100-Gy gamma-irradiated lines, which demonstrated significant differences from the parent up to 5.7–11.0% GPC higher.

The screening of mutant lines (*n* = 90) for Fe concentration (GIC) showed great variations in this grain quality parameter (**Figure 2**). The GIC varied from 13.49 to 65.53 mg/kg with a mean

promising approach. Varieties and lines with high GIC and GZnC can be used to reduce the

Mutant Resources of Spring Wheat to Improve Grain Quality and Morphology

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.75706

The key basis of crops improvement is the range of their genetic variability. These ranges of values define the genetic variability that exists in the pooled parent and gamma-irradiated M5 lines under one set of environmental conditions. We revealed that 19 M5 mutant lines (63%) of which 14 lines were from 100 Gy treatment had significantly higher GZnC by 1.24-3.62 times than that of the parent variety. The great variation in GIC and GZnC among wheat mutant lines suggests that it is possible to identify and develop cultivars with high metal concentration. These grain metal accumulations can occur without adversely affecting plant biochemical and physiological functions and they indicate the potential to induce mutations in genes involved in mineral homeostasis processes. The advantage of wild emmer over cultivated wheat for higher grain nutrient concentrations has been previously consistently demonstrated [28]. However, because of sexual incompatibility between the crop and its wild relative, it may require embryo rescue or use tissue culture

The results of comparison of mutant lines with significantly enhanced grain Fe and Zn con-

tion 26.7%, the same number for each) had concomitant increase in both GIC and GZnC (**Figures 4** and **5**). Identification of genetically determined high GIC and GZnC in mutant germplasm and afterward development of Fe and Zn biofortified varieties is very important and promising approach. Resources with high GIC and GZnC can be used to reduce the

The effect of gamma irradiation on averages of GIC and GZnC of 100- and 200-Gy-dosed M<sup>5</sup> mutant wheat lines indicated that irradiation treatment of 100-Gy induced greater variations

(genera-

171

mutant lines

centrations pointed out that eight lines of 100- and 200-Gy-gamma-irradiated M5

**Figure 3.** Frequency distribution for wheat grain Zn concentration (GZnC) in 100-and 200-Gy-dosed M5

human nutrition deficiencies in Fe, Zn, and other micronutrients [34, 35].

human nutrition deficiencies in iron, zinc, and other micronutrients [34, 35].

to recover fertile embryos.

and parent cv. Eritrospermum-35.

**Figure 1.** Frequency distribution for range of GPC in 100-Gy- and 200-Gy-dosed M5 wheat mutant lines and parent cv. Eritrospermum-35.

of 44.95 ± 13.95 mg/kg. The 16 M5 lines (53%) had significantly enhanced GIC with regard to cv. Eritrospermum-35 such that it exceeds the parent by 1.3 to 1.9 times. The highest values of GIC were revealed in 200-Gy mutant germplasm.

Considerable increase in GIC of mutant lines if compared to parent is the useful tool for further crop improvement.

The ranges of GZnC in mutant lines (n=90) were more higher comparing with that of GIC, from 25.97 to 106.23 mg/kg with a mean of 65.73±26.39 mg/kg (**Figure 3**).

Therefore, identification of genetically determined high GIC and GZnC in mutant germplasm and afterward development of iron and zinc biofortified varieties is a very important and

**Figure 2.** Frequency distribution for wheat grain Fe concentration (GIC) in 100- and 200-Gy-dosed M5 wheat mutant lines and parent cv. Eritrospermum-35.

promising approach. Varieties and lines with high GIC and GZnC can be used to reduce the human nutrition deficiencies in iron, zinc, and other micronutrients [34, 35].

The key basis of crops improvement is the range of their genetic variability. These ranges of values define the genetic variability that exists in the pooled parent and gamma-irradiated M5 lines under one set of environmental conditions. We revealed that 19 M5 mutant lines (63%) of which 14 lines were from 100 Gy treatment had significantly higher GZnC by 1.24-3.62 times than that of the parent variety. The great variation in GIC and GZnC among wheat mutant lines suggests that it is possible to identify and develop cultivars with high metal concentration. These grain metal accumulations can occur without adversely affecting plant biochemical and physiological functions and they indicate the potential to induce mutations in genes involved in mineral homeostasis processes. The advantage of wild emmer over cultivated wheat for higher grain nutrient concentrations has been previously consistently demonstrated [28]. However, because of sexual incompatibility between the crop and its wild relative, it may require embryo rescue or use tissue culture to recover fertile embryos.

The results of comparison of mutant lines with significantly enhanced grain Fe and Zn concentrations pointed out that eight lines of 100- and 200-Gy-gamma-irradiated M5 (generation 26.7%, the same number for each) had concomitant increase in both GIC and GZnC (**Figures 4** and **5**). Identification of genetically determined high GIC and GZnC in mutant germplasm and afterward development of Fe and Zn biofortified varieties is very important and promising approach. Resources with high GIC and GZnC can be used to reduce the human nutrition deficiencies in Fe, Zn, and other micronutrients [34, 35].

of 44.95 ± 13.95 mg/kg. The 16 M5

ther crop improvement.

lines and parent cv. Eritrospermum-35.

Eritrospermum-35.

170 Global Wheat Production

GIC were revealed in 200-Gy mutant germplasm.

lines (53%) had significantly enhanced GIC with regard to

wheat mutant lines and parent cv.

wheat mutant

cv. Eritrospermum-35 such that it exceeds the parent by 1.3 to 1.9 times. The highest values of

Considerable increase in GIC of mutant lines if compared to parent is the useful tool for fur-

The ranges of GZnC in mutant lines (n=90) were more higher comparing with that of GIC,

Therefore, identification of genetically determined high GIC and GZnC in mutant germplasm and afterward development of iron and zinc biofortified varieties is a very important and

from 25.97 to 106.23 mg/kg with a mean of 65.73±26.39 mg/kg (**Figure 3**).

**Figure 2.** Frequency distribution for wheat grain Fe concentration (GIC) in 100- and 200-Gy-dosed M5

**Figure 1.** Frequency distribution for range of GPC in 100-Gy- and 200-Gy-dosed M5

The effect of gamma irradiation on averages of GIC and GZnC of 100- and 200-Gy-dosed M<sup>5</sup> mutant wheat lines indicated that irradiation treatment of 100-Gy induced greater variations

**Figure 3.** Frequency distribution for wheat grain Zn concentration (GZnC) in 100-and 200-Gy-dosed M5 mutant lines and parent cv. Eritrospermum-35.

**Figure 4.** Comparison of 100 Gy-dosed M5 wheat mutant lines and parent (cv. Eritrospermum-35) with simultaneous enhancement of grain Fe and Zn concentrations.

for GZnC in comparison to GIC, and there is significant difference in GZnC between the dose of irradiation (**Figure 6**).

Grain length (GL) of 100- and 200-Gy-dependent mutant lines varied from 6.81 to 9.37 mm

**Figure 6.** The effect of gamma irradiation on averages of grain Fe and Zn concentrations of 100 Gy and 200-Gy-dosed M5

Mutant Resources of Spring Wheat to Improve Grain Quality and Morphology

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173

The GW data of 100- and 200-Gy-dosed mutant lines ranged from 3.24 to 4.77 mm with 4.06 ± 0.26 mm and from 3.65 to 4.79 mm (*n* = 225) with a mean of 4.43 ± 0.27, respectively. With the exception of four 100-Gy-dependent radiation mutant lines (26.67%), most of them had significantly lower GW than the parent cv. Eritrospermum-35. Opposite, in 200-Gy-dosed

tion with 100- and 200-Gy doses and the parent сv. Eritrospermum-35 are shown in **Figure 8**.

lines, 12 lines (80.0%) showed significant wider grains by 12.9–13.5% than the parent.

**Figure 7.** Phenotypic screening grain area (GA) (A) and grain length (GL) (B) of 100- and 200-Gy-dosed M5

lines (77.0%), showed

lines and the

mutant lines generated by gamma irradia-

with a mean of 8.68 ± 0.21 mm (*n* = 90) (**Figure 7B**). The majority, 21 M5

significantly longer grains by intervals of 12.09% and 28.0%.

The means of GW, GL, GL/GW ratio, and GA of M5

and the parent cv. Eritrospermum-35.

parent cv. Eritrospermum-35.

Spring wheat mutant lines generated by irradiation treatments were characterized by grain morphometric parameters, namely grain area (GA), grain length (GL), grain width (GW), and the grain length to width ratio (GL:GW ratio) with comparison to the parent. The GA of 100 and 200-Gy-treated mutant lines from 16.74 to 23.46 mm2 and from 19.65 to 23.31 mm2 with means of 19.68 ± 2.31 mm2 (*n* = 45) and 21.27 ± 1.28 mm2 (*n* = 45), respectively (**Figure 7A**). Among 20 genotypes (67%), mostly 200-Gy-treated lines had significantly higher GA than that of the parent on intervals between 10.95% and 34.4%.

**Figure 5.** Comparison of 200 Gy-dosed M5 wheat mutant lines and parent (cv. Eritrospermum-35) with significantly enhanced grain Fe and Zn concentrations.

**Figure 6.** The effect of gamma irradiation on averages of grain Fe and Zn concentrations of 100 Gy and 200-Gy-dosed M5 and the parent cv. Eritrospermum-35.

Grain length (GL) of 100- and 200-Gy-dependent mutant lines varied from 6.81 to 9.37 mm with a mean of 8.68 ± 0.21 mm (*n* = 90) (**Figure 7B**). The majority, 21 M5 lines (77.0%), showed significantly longer grains by intervals of 12.09% and 28.0%.

for GZnC in comparison to GIC, and there is significant difference in GZnC between the dose

Spring wheat mutant lines generated by irradiation treatments were characterized by grain morphometric parameters, namely grain area (GA), grain length (GL), grain width (GW), and the grain length to width ratio (GL:GW ratio) with comparison to the parent. The GA of 100-

Among 20 genotypes (67%), mostly 200-Gy-treated lines had significantly higher GA than

(*n* = 45) and 21.27 ± 1.28 mm2

and from 19.65 to 23.31 mm2

wheat mutant lines and parent (cv. Eritrospermum-35) with simultaneous

wheat mutant lines and parent (cv. Eritrospermum-35) with significantly

(*n* = 45), respectively (**Figure 7A**).

with

and 200-Gy-treated mutant lines from 16.74 to 23.46 mm2

that of the parent on intervals between 10.95% and 34.4%.

of irradiation (**Figure 6**).

172 Global Wheat Production

**Figure 4.** Comparison of 100 Gy-dosed M5

enhancement of grain Fe and Zn concentrations.

means of 19.68 ± 2.31 mm2

**Figure 5.** Comparison of 200 Gy-dosed M5

enhanced grain Fe and Zn concentrations.

The GW data of 100- and 200-Gy-dosed mutant lines ranged from 3.24 to 4.77 mm with 4.06 ± 0.26 mm and from 3.65 to 4.79 mm (*n* = 225) with a mean of 4.43 ± 0.27, respectively. With the exception of four 100-Gy-dependent radiation mutant lines (26.67%), most of them had significantly lower GW than the parent cv. Eritrospermum-35. Opposite, in 200-Gy-dosed lines, 12 lines (80.0%) showed significant wider grains by 12.9–13.5% than the parent.

The means of GW, GL, GL/GW ratio, and GA of M5 mutant lines generated by gamma irradiation with 100- and 200-Gy doses and the parent сv. Eritrospermum-35 are shown in **Figure 8**.

**Figure 7.** Phenotypic screening grain area (GA) (A) and grain length (GL) (B) of 100- and 200-Gy-dosed M5 lines and the parent cv. Eritrospermum-35.

**Genotypes Grain number per** 

mutant lines

mutant lines

100-Gy-dosed M5

200-Gy-dosed M5

spikes/plants.

**main spike**

**Grain weight per main spike**  **Grain weight per plant (g)**

Mutant Resources of Spring Wheat to Improve Grain Quality and Morphology

**1000 Grain weight (g)**

175

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.75706

**(g)**

сv. Eritrospermum-35 30.33 ± 8.21 1.55 ± 0.52 1.94 ± 0.07 34.12 ± 1.17

105(1) 38.33 ± 7.51 2.26 ± 1.25 2.34 ± 0.71 41.86 ± 1.02 108(1) 37.33 ± 5.13 1.69 ± 0.27 2.42 ± 0.51 42.17 ± 2.05 113(1) 43.67 ± 7.37 2.01 ± 0.34 2.72 ± 0.56 39.63 ± 0.78 113(5) 43.00 ± 4.36 2.22 ± 0.33 3.28 ± 1.39 45.34 ± 0.82 118(1) 40.33 ± 8.01 1.42 ± 0.53 2.70 ± 0.27 39.32 ± 1.74 118(2) 44.67 ± 1.16 2.20 ± 0.07 2.85 ± 0.34 49.97 ± 0.84\*\* 118(3) 46.33 ± 6.25\* 2.70 ± 0.47 3.61 ± 0.72\* 49.88 ± 0.58\*\* 135(1) 56.33 ± 4.47\*\*\* 2.64 ± 0.45 6.53 ± 0.52\*\*\* 58.54 ± 1.49\*\*\* 136(1) 42.33 ± 6.11 2.53 ± 0.12 6.13 ± 0.18\*\*\* 53.54 ± 2.27\*\*\* 138(6) 45.66 ± 5.06 2.05 ± 0.49 6.37 ± 0.63\*\*\* 50.11 ± 2.83\*\*\* 140(2) 56.67 ± 3.61\*\*\* 2.77 ± 0.67 4.01 ± 0.73\*\* 57.23 ± 1.78\*\*\* 140(3) 40.00 ± 2.03 1.91 ± 0.16 3.13 ± 1.04 56.94 ± 2.16\*\*\* 140(4) 42.33 ± 4.93 1.88 ± 0.17 3.68 ± 0.32\* 48.51 ± 2.38\*\*\* 232(1) 30.33 ± 5.51 1.46 ± 0.38 2.48 ± 0.46 27.64 ± 1.56 242(2) 47.67 ± 7.02\*\* 2.27 ± 0.49 2.61 ± 0.23 43.98 ± 2.32

144(1) 44.33 ± 3.79 2.22 ± 0.21 4.32 ± 2.28\*\*\* 49.67 ± 1.89\*\* 144(2) 41.10 ± 3.52 1.80 ± 0.03 1.84 ± 0.41 33.58 ± 2.49 149(2) 55.34 ± 2.31\*\*\* 2.63 ± 0.04 5.37 ± 0.64\*\*\* 57.18 ± 1.23\*\*\* 150(7) 52.34 ± 3.65\*\*\* 2.29 ± 0.38 3.01 ± 0.23 49.89 ± 1.24\*\* 152(1) 47.33 ± 6.66\*\* 2.37 ± 0.35 3.75 ± 0.42\* 46.21 ± 2.75\* 152(3) 43.33 ± 1.53 2.12 ± 0.53 2.59 ± 0.96 39.85 ± 2.16 152(4) 42.00 ± 3.01 1.88 ± 0.30 2.48 ± 0.60 46.86 ± 2.33\* 152(5) 50.43 ± 4.04\*\* 2.43 ± 0.12 4.28 ± 0.96\*\*\* 51.77 ± 1.39\*\*\* 152(6) 42.67 ± 4.62 2.22 ± 0.16 3.07 ± 0.21 49.18 ± 2.42 152(7) 41.33 ± 1.53 1.92 ± 0.04 2.24 ± 0.65 45.59 ± 1.88 152(8) 38.00 ± 4.58 1.73 ± 0.23 3.14 ± 0.47 43.23 ± 1.68 153(4) 39.67 ± 2.52 1.83 ± 0.07 3.22 ± 0.23 45.87 ± 1.42 153(5) 58.67 ± 4.02\*\*\* 2.87 ± 0.58 4.43 ± 0.87\*\*\* 53.77 ± 1.86\*\*\* 153(6) 51.75 ± 3.42\*\* 2.48 ± 0.78 5.97 ± 1.37\*\*\* 54.56 ± 1.38\*\*\* 153(7) 44.30 ± 3.69 2.07 ± 0.32 5.03 ± 0.74\*\*\* 54.17 ± 2.36\*\*\* 153(8) 51.00 ± 3.84\*\* 2.21 ± 0.49 4.16 ± 1.16\*\*\* 49.79 ± 1.86

\*, \*\*, and \*\*\* denote significance at 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001 probability levels, respectively. The lines are significantly different from parent line. Grain number and weight per main spike, grain weight per plant are a means of 15 randomly selected

mutant lines developed using 100 Gy and

**Table 1.** Comparing yield-associated traits of advanced spring wheat M5

200 Gy and the parent сv. Eritrospermum-35.

**Figure 8.** Phenotypic variation in grain morphometric parameters (GW, GL, ratio of GL/GW, and GA) of M5 mutant lines generated by irradiation with 100- and 200-Gy doses and the parent сv. Eritrospermum-35. Means of GL, GW, GL/GW, and GA with standard error bars.

These results indicate that among grain morphometric parameters of mutation resources, phenotypic variation in GA and to a lesser degree GL were the most variable phenotypic traits. Variations in GW and the GL:GW ratio were moderate and less variable. Moreover, most of the longer and wider grains were found in lines developed by 200-Gy dose treatment. We did not find out the dose-dependent pattern for all grain morphometric parameters. Meanwhile, in our previous study with mutant germplasm generated on the base of cv. Almaken, we revealed that GW is a dose-dependent pattern and the 200-Gy gamma irradiation induced significant higher variation in this shape-characterizing parameter [33].

The generated by 100Gy and 200Gy treatments on the base of the cv. Eritrospermum-35 mutant lines were evaluated on the following yield-associated parameters: grain weight per plant (GWP), grain number per main spike (GNS), and grain weight per main spike (GWS) (**Table 1**). Among these productivity components, TGW of mutant lines showed the highest number of genotypes with significantly greater means in comparison to the parent (total 17 lines) and followed by a GWP trait (total 14 lines). The TGW in the 100- and 200-Gy-treated germplasm varied from 27.64 to 58.54 g with mean of 46.98 ± 8.27 (*n* = 225) and from 33.58 to 57.18 g with mean of 46.98 ± 8.27 (*n* = 225), respectively.

Another productivity element such as GWP in mutant lines was the most variable trait (**Table 1**). Its range was from 2.34 to 6.53 g in the 100-Gy-dosed lines with 8 genotypes (53.3%), having significant higher GWP in comparison to the parent. The variability in GWP of 200-Gy-dosed germplasm was from 1.84 to 5.37 g with mean of 3.75 ± 1.18 (*n* = 225). The 14 lines (47.0%) were identified as those which had significant higher GWP by 1.86–3.36 times than that of the parent.

The GNS means were 46.98 ± 8.27 and 48.69 ± 5.95 (*n* = 225) in the 100- and 200-Gy-dosed mutant lines with their ranges of 30.33–56.67 and of 38.58–58.67, respectively (**Table 1**). When compared to parent and other mutant lines, 11 lines of 100- and 200-Gy-generated lines were identified as those having significant high GNS. Concerning the GWS trait, the differences were not significant between each of M<sup>5</sup> lines and the parent cv. Eritrospermum-35.


These results indicate that among grain morphometric parameters of mutation resources, phenotypic variation in GA and to a lesser degree GL were the most variable phenotypic traits. Variations in GW and the GL:GW ratio were moderate and less variable. Moreover, most of the longer and wider grains were found in lines developed by 200-Gy dose treatment. We did not find out the dose-dependent pattern for all grain morphometric parameters. Meanwhile, in our previous study with mutant germplasm generated on the base of cv. Almaken, we revealed that GW is a dose-dependent pattern and the 200-Gy gamma irradiation induced

generated by irradiation with 100- and 200-Gy doses and the parent сv. Eritrospermum-35. Means of GL, GW, GL/GW,

mutant lines

**Figure 8.** Phenotypic variation in grain morphometric parameters (GW, GL, ratio of GL/GW, and GA) of M5

The generated by 100Gy and 200Gy treatments on the base of the cv. Eritrospermum-35 mutant lines were evaluated on the following yield-associated parameters: grain weight per plant (GWP), grain number per main spike (GNS), and grain weight per main spike (GWS) (**Table 1**). Among these productivity components, TGW of mutant lines showed the highest number of genotypes with significantly greater means in comparison to the parent (total 17 lines) and followed by a GWP trait (total 14 lines). The TGW in the 100- and 200-Gy-treated germplasm varied from 27.64 to 58.54 g with mean of 46.98 ± 8.27 (*n* = 225) and from 33.58 to 57.18 g with

Another productivity element such as GWP in mutant lines was the most variable trait (**Table 1**). Its range was from 2.34 to 6.53 g in the 100-Gy-dosed lines with 8 genotypes (53.3%), having significant higher GWP in comparison to the parent. The variability in GWP of 200-Gy-dosed germplasm was from 1.84 to 5.37 g with mean of 3.75 ± 1.18 (*n* = 225). The 14 lines (47.0%) were identified as those which had significant higher GWP by 1.86–3.36 times

The GNS means were 46.98 ± 8.27 and 48.69 ± 5.95 (*n* = 225) in the 100- and 200-Gy-dosed mutant lines with their ranges of 30.33–56.67 and of 38.58–58.67, respectively (**Table 1**). When compared to parent and other mutant lines, 11 lines of 100- and 200-Gy-generated lines were identified as those having significant high GNS. Concerning the GWS trait, the differences

lines and the parent cv. Eritrospermum-35.

significant higher variation in this shape-characterizing parameter [33].

mean of 46.98 ± 8.27 (*n* = 225), respectively.

were not significant between each of M<sup>5</sup>

than that of the parent.

and GA with standard error bars.

174 Global Wheat Production

\*, \*\*, and \*\*\* denote significance at 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001 probability levels, respectively. The lines are significantly different from parent line. Grain number and weight per main spike, grain weight per plant are a means of 15 randomly selected spikes/plants.

**Table 1.** Comparing yield-associated traits of advanced spring wheat M5 mutant lines developed using 100 Gy and 200 Gy and the parent сv. Eritrospermum-35.

Comparing yield-associated traits of Eritrospermum-35 spring wheat M5 mutant lines generated by treatments of 100 Gy and 200 Gy showed that 8 lines numbered by 118(3), 135(1), 140(2), 149(2), 152(1), 152(5), 153(5), 153(6) and accounting for 26.7% of the total number of mutated genotypes had simultaneous significant higher GNS, GWP, and TGW than the parent (**Table 1**). In our previous study with mutant germplasm developed on cv. Almaken, we were able to generate only three lines which had high GNS, GWP, and TGW [33]. This number is less than the Eritrospermum-35 mutant lines.

**GWS (g)**

cv. Eritrosperumum-35

**GWP (g)**

**TGW (g)**

\*, \*\*, and \*\*\* denote significance at 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001 probability levels, respectively.

parent and 100 Gy-(orange) and 200-Gy-(gray) M5

**Table 2.** R2 correlation between yield-associated traits (TWG, GNS, GWS, and GWP) grain protein content and microelements concentrations, and grain morphometric parameters (GA, GL, GW, and GL:GW ratio) in cv. Eritrospermum-35

mutant lines.

**GPC (%) GIC (mg/kg) GZnC (mg/g) GL (mm) GW** 

Mutant Resources of Spring Wheat to Improve Grain Quality and Morphology

GNS 0.003 0.115 0.171\* 0.056 0.001 0.012 0.011 0.006 0.008 GWS 0.089 0.021 0.007 0.000 0.000 0.078 0.142\* 0.004 GWP 0.155 0.005 0.000 0.007 0.120 0.042 0.096 TGW 0.011 0.003 0.065 0.008 0.163\*\* 0.000 GPC 0.021 0.008 0.004 0.001 0.000 GIC 0.000 0.001 0.014 0.008 GZnC 0.030 0.045 0.008 GL 0.115 0.017 GW — 0.008 *GNS 0.470\*\*\* 0.176\*\* 0.051 0.093 0.000 0.001 0.003 0.043 0.036 GWS) 0.099 0.002 0.038 0.000 0.017 0.019 0.073 0.110 GWP 0.030 0.098 0.083 0.002 0.062 0.071 0.087 TGW 0.050 0.033 0.044 0.010 0.046 0.079 GPC 0.025 0.031 0.063 0.107\* 0.020 GIC 0.417\*\*\* 0.000 0.006 0.064 GZnC 0.000 0.025 0.038 GL 0.211\* 0.048 GW 0.181\** GNS 0.870\*\*\* 0.070 0.018 0.048 0.014 0.038 0.011 0.074 0.016 GWS 0.071 0.064 0.011 0.011 0.050 0.088 0.028 0.020 GWP 0.004 0.043 0.072 0.122 0.021 0.006 0.002 TGW 0.059 0.034 0.000 0.018 0.006 0.015 GPC 0.251\* 0.036 0.019 0.002 0.144 GIC 0.224\* 0.035 0.004 0.000 GZnC 0.045 0.000 0.044 GL 0.400\*\*\* 0.451\*\*\* GW 0.503\*\*\*

**(mm)**

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.75706

**GA (mm2 )** 177

Thus, the radiation doses of 100 Gy and 200 Gy had generated mutations with respect to components of productivity such as GWS, GWP, and TGW in comparison to the parent, with the greatest variation being for GWP and TGW. High GWP and TGW of these mutant populations indicate that genetic background of variety selected for irradiation treatment is of great importance to generate broad and valuable variability in productivity traits (**Table 1**).

One of the important outputs revealed in the present study was the correlation between concentrations of grain nutrients, grain characteristics, and plant productivity. Parent variety showed a significant correlation of TGW with GNS and grain morphometric parameter of GW with yield-associated components such as TGW and GWS (**Table 2**). There was no relation between grain quality characteristics (GPC, GIC, and GZnC) and plant productivity and grain morphometry.

In 100-Gy-dosed M5 mutant lines, there was significant correlation of productivity components such as GNS with GWS, GNS with GWP (**Table 2**). Both grain metals, namely GZnC and GIC, were related to each other indicating that metal accumulation may be controlled by the same loci. These results which describe positive correlation between grain Zn and Fe concentrations are similar to those which were observed in domesticated wheat and synthetic hexaploids [31]. This fact suggested that the alleles for Zn and Fe deposition co-segregate or are pleiotropic effect and therefore grain metal concentrations possibly improve metals accumulation simultaneously. It was also found that another nutritional value parameter such as GPC was significantly correlated with one of the grain morphometric parameter such as GW.

This finding suggests that this grain quality character may be genetically linked to grain morphometry. In our studies reported for Almaken mutant lines such kind of relation was revealed for GA, GL, and GW at 200-Gy gamma irradiation treatment [33]. Concerning correlations between parameters characterizing grain size and shape, we determined that there was a high relation of GA with GL and GW for 200-Gy-gamma irradiated population.

Similar to 100-Gy-dosed M5 mutant germplasm, GNS was significantly related to GWS with high r2 mean as well as grain metals, GZnC and GIC, were correlated to each other in 200-Gy-dosed M5 mutant lines (**Table 2**). The interesting fact, which was only revealed for these lines, is that GIC except GZnC significantly related to GPC. Thus, in mutant populations, both metals, GIC and GZnC, are associated with each other. For parameters characterizing grain morphometry, we revealed that there were high correlations of GW with GA and GL.


\*, \*\*, and \*\*\* denote significance at 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001 probability levels, respectively.

Comparing yield-associated traits of Eritrospermum-35 spring wheat M5

ber is less than the Eritrospermum-35 mutant lines.

(**Table 1**).

176 Global Wheat Production

grain morphometry.

In 100-Gy-dosed M5

metric parameter such as GW.

Similar to 100-Gy-dosed M5

with high r2

and GL.

200-Gy-dosed M5

ated by treatments of 100 Gy and 200 Gy showed that 8 lines numbered by 118(3), 135(1), 140(2), 149(2), 152(1), 152(5), 153(5), 153(6) and accounting for 26.7% of the total number of mutated genotypes had simultaneous significant higher GNS, GWP, and TGW than the parent (**Table 1**). In our previous study with mutant germplasm developed on cv. Almaken, we were able to generate only three lines which had high GNS, GWP, and TGW [33]. This num-

Thus, the radiation doses of 100 Gy and 200 Gy had generated mutations with respect to components of productivity such as GWS, GWP, and TGW in comparison to the parent, with the greatest variation being for GWP and TGW. High GWP and TGW of these mutant populations indicate that genetic background of variety selected for irradiation treatment is of great importance to generate broad and valuable variability in productivity traits

One of the important outputs revealed in the present study was the correlation between concentrations of grain nutrients, grain characteristics, and plant productivity. Parent variety showed a significant correlation of TGW with GNS and grain morphometric parameter of GW with yield-associated components such as TGW and GWS (**Table 2**). There was no relation between grain quality characteristics (GPC, GIC, and GZnC) and plant productivity and

ponents such as GNS with GWS, GNS with GWP (**Table 2**). Both grain metals, namely GZnC and GIC, were related to each other indicating that metal accumulation may be controlled by the same loci. These results which describe positive correlation between grain Zn and Fe concentrations are similar to those which were observed in domesticated wheat and synthetic hexaploids [31]. This fact suggested that the alleles for Zn and Fe deposition co-segregate or are pleiotropic effect and therefore grain metal concentrations possibly improve metals accumulation simultaneously. It was also found that another nutritional value parameter such as GPC was significantly correlated with one of the grain morpho-

This finding suggests that this grain quality character may be genetically linked to grain morphometry. In our studies reported for Almaken mutant lines such kind of relation was revealed for GA, GL, and GW at 200-Gy gamma irradiation treatment [33]. Concerning correlations between parameters characterizing grain size and shape, we determined that there was a high relation of GA with GL and GW for 200-Gy-gamma irradiated population.

these lines, is that GIC except GZnC significantly related to GPC. Thus, in mutant populations, both metals, GIC and GZnC, are associated with each other. For parameters characterizing grain morphometry, we revealed that there were high correlations of GW with GA

mutant lines, there was significant correlation of productivity com-

mutant germplasm, GNS was significantly related to GWS

mean as well as grain metals, GZnC and GIC, were correlated to each other in

mutant lines (**Table 2**). The interesting fact, which was only revealed for

mutant lines gener-

**Table 2.** R2 correlation between yield-associated traits (TWG, GNS, GWS, and GWP) grain protein content and microelements concentrations, and grain morphometric parameters (GA, GL, GW, and GL:GW ratio) in cv. Eritrospermum-35 parent and 100 Gy-(orange) and 200-Gy-(gray) M5 mutant lines.
