Marker Associated Selection of wheat for High Grain Protein Content

Wheat Grain protein content (GPC) has been a major trait of interest for breeders since it has massive end use potential and marker-assisted selection (MAS) could help to develop high GPC cultivars. In the present study, the genetic diversity and biochemical characterization of 25 selected lines from “National Trials for Elite Entries (Rain-fed) 2012-13” was carried out by the use of SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) markers and biochemical analysis against high GPC.  The molecular marker analysis for high GPC, lines NRL-0707, NR 397 and PR-104 were found genetically diverse and comprised into a distinct cluster (A) in the dendrogram. The results designated the genotypes NRL-0707, 9C037 and AUP-1059 having maximum GPC and ash contents (AC). Wet and dry gluten percentages were highest in lines of NRL-0707, AUR-0809 and DN-84 while maximum moisture contents (MC) were found in NR 397 and NR-399. Likewise, 9C037 and AUP-1059 lines were encompassed into two distinct clusters named as cluster C and cluster G, respectively. This biochemical and molecular evaluation projected that quality characteristics and allelic diversity of the studied germ plasm can be utilized in improving new wheat cultivars with high quality traits.