Characterisation of Serbian durum wheat genotypes based on UPOV-defined characteristics

Estimation of the level of durum wheat germplasm genetic diversity is important for its classification and efficient use in breeding programmes. The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity of durum wheat genotypes developed at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, Serbia, with 26 morphological characteristics based on the International Union for Protection of New Varieties of Plants guidelines. The Shannon diversity index was used as an indicator of morphological diversity and it ranged from 0.283 for glaucosity of lower side of the flag leaf blade and density of hairiness of uppermost node of the culm, to 0.950 for the ear colour, with the mean value of 0.616, indicating a medium to high level of morphological diversity. On average, the diversity was higher for traits relating to generative organs than for those associated with vegetative plant organs. The 21 morphological characteristics were sufficient to distinguish unique profiles of all durum wheat genotypes. The estimation of varietal diversity and identification of morphological characteristics with the highest discriminative power were done by multiple correspondence analysis. The traits that contributed the most to the distinction of genotypes were the ear colouration, length of beak of the lower glume, lower glume shape, ear length of awns at tip relative to ear length and colour of awns. Morphological characterization using the traits with the highest discriminative power could be a useful complementary method for durum wheat germplasm classification and diversity analysis.