The effects of GpcB1 locus on high grain protein concentration introgressed into Argentinean wheat germplasm

Abstract

Wheat grain protein content (GPC) is important for human nutrition and<br />has a strong influence on the quality of pasta and bread. The objective of<br />this study was to analyse the introduction of the Gpc-B1 allele into two<br />Argentinean bread wheat cultivars. Near-isogenic lines were developed in<br />?ProINTA Oasis? and ?ProINTA Granar? using marker-assisted selection.<br />Gpc-B1 lines showed a significant (P = 0.01) increase in GPC and a significant<br />(P = 0.001) decrease in grain weight in comparison with control<br />lines without Gpc-B1. Differences in yield were not significant<br />(P = 0.49) between lines. Gpc-B1 lines significantly reduced (P = 0.02)<br />straw nitrogen concentration at maturity and significantly increased<br />(P = 0.02) the nitrogen harvest index. When data were analysed by genotype<br />and environment, differences in some analysed parameters were<br />found, indicating that Gpc-B1 expression may be affected by different<br />genetic backgrounds and environmental conditions. These results suggest<br />that the introgression of the Gpc-B1 allele into Argentinean wheat germplasm<br />could be a valuable resource for improving GPC with no detrimental<br />effect on grain yield.