The Variability of Aluminium Tolerance among Triticale Strains and Cultivars Bred in Poland

Abstract

In order to assess the aluminium tolerance level in breeding materials of triticale approximately 200 strains and cultivars were tested in 1983 and 1993. Tested strains originated from the main triticale breeding centers in Poland and were both winter and spring types. The resistance of root apical meristems to aluminium shock applied in nutrient solution to 4-days old seedlings was used as a measure of aluminium tolerance of tested genotypes [5]. Triticale strains were tested at least twice in the independent experiments using approx. 50 seedlings of each cultivar in single experiment. Aluminium tolerance of screened genotypes was compared to two checks: Al-tolerant wheat cultivar BH 1146 and rye variety Dankowskie Zlote. Triticale strains of Al-tolerance below the level found in tolerant wheat were classified as very sensitive to aluminium, while those of Al-tolerance approaching the level of rye were regarded as very tolerant to aluminium. Two classes of intermediate tolerance were also established.

The variability of aluminium tolerance found in tested genotypes was compared to that found ten years ago among analogous material of advanced strains and new cultivars. The ranking of Triticale cultivars with respect to aluminium tolerance was compared to their performance in preliminary and official field trials.

It is concluded that very large variability exists among advanced Triticale strains with respect to aluminium tolerance: from very sensitive ones at the level of wheat cultivars up to very tolerant similar to rye. The proportion of very sensitive strains and cultivars increased during the last decade, especially among winter forms. The reasons and consequences of this shift are discussed.