Several approaches for heterosis exploitation in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Heterosis is commonly associated with the superiority of the first filial generation over the parental generation. From the economic point of view it is important that the superiority could be expressed as a higher productive potential of the variety. Given the slow growth of the average grain yield of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at global and national level, the use of hybrids for production of this economically important crop, is gaining the importance. The most important condition for hybrid seed production in common wheat is cross-pollination that can be achieved by induction of male sterility. In the past, different approaches for induction of male sterility in common wheat have been proposed, for example the use of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS system) transferred from Triticum timopheevi Zhuk.. Due to its complexity, the genetic approaches have never been exercised in the practice. Today the chemical hybridizing agents allow development of hybrid varieties that can top the yield of standard inbred varieties for more than twenty percent. Transgenic approaches represent the alternative to the chemical induction of male sterility. Hybrid wheat seed production is therefore technologically complex process that depends on the level of heterosis, hybrid seed yield per area unit and the market price of wheat.