Screening of the Effect of Mutation Breeding On Biotic Stress Tolerance and Quality Traits of Durum Wheat

Breeding is a promising tool to increase genetic diversity in crop plants for the selection and transfer of favorable genes. Mutation breeding techniques were considered as an evolutionary breeding tool for creating a new elite genotypes resistant to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. In this context, a total of 70 M₄ and 37 M₅ mutants selected from three levels of gamma irradiation (100, 150, and 250 Gy) were evaluated for disease resistance and quality traits. Under field conditions, M₅ selected mutants at 150 Gy showed higher diseases resistance (Septoria tritici blotch, tan spot, yellow rust, and leaf rust) as well as better grain quality parameters(thousand kernel weight, grain protein content, test weight, gluten content, and wet gluten content). Positive correlations were established for most of the considered parameters on M₅ along with a negative association with Septoria tritici blotch, yellow rust, thousand kernel weight, and test weight. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that100 Gy and 150 Gy were good gamma irradiation dose levels in improving and giving effective desirable traits,especially 150 Gy which ensures the best disease resistance and grain quality. These findings are promising tools for exploring the implication of mutation on genetic mechanisms and the transfer of complex traits on elite genotypes.