Identification of superior recombinant inbred lines for early seedling vigor traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a globally important cereal crop, and early seedling vigour plays a crucial role in ensuring rapid crop establishment, resource use efficiency, and yield stability. The present study evaluated 280 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Raj-3765 (HTG) and HD-2329 (HSG) for early seedling vigour traits. Germination percentage, coleoptile length, seedling length, and seedling dry weight using an augmented design during the Rabi season of 2023-24 at VNMKV, Parbhani. Germination percentage was uniformly high ranging 97-100% with negligible variability of 0.011 indicating limited scope for selection. Coleoptile length ranging 4.89-20.59 cm showed the greatest variability 3.65 followed by seedling length in the range of 8.58-29.08 cm with variability 2.61 and seedling dry weight ranging from 20.15-49.35 mg with showing variability of 0.85. Several RILs exhibited transgressive segregation, outperforming both parents in key vigor traits. Notably, lines L-27, L-141, L-165, L-172, L-209, L-210, and L-211 demonstrated superior coleoptile length, seedling growth and biomass accumulation, identifying them as promising donors for breeding programs aimed at enhancing early vigour and establishment under diverse environmental conditions. The findings underscore the potential of these RILs for genetic improvement of wheat to achieve better emergence, early growth and yield stability.