Generation and characterization of BNI-derived wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) introgression lines
摘要
Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) trait provides a promising way to enhance NUE in wheat by reducing nitrification losses. 246 lines of F5 generation from a cross DBW-371/BNI-MUNAL were screened with the genome specific SSR marker 24_s81287 linked to BNI trait, and 35 lines were found positive. Based on nitrogen balance index and thousand-grain weight 23 lines out of 35 were selected for morphological, physiological, and quality traits evaluation under 75% and 100% of recommended nitrogen levels. Statistical analyses, showed significant genotypic variability and nitrogen effects. Traits like days to heading, days to anthesis and thousand-grain weight showed high heritability. For both grain yield and tillers per metre, genetic advance was high. Traits such as days to anthesis, spike length, grains per spike, flag leaf length, tillers per metre, biological yield, grain yield, protein, Fe, Zn content, and nitrate reductase activity were strongly impacted by nitrogen levels whereas, traits such as days to heading, days to anthesis, days to maturity, plant height, spike length and thousand-grain weight were less affected by environment. Three genotypes (Genotype-17; 15 and 07) from the cross DBW371/BNI MUNAL, demonstrated stable yield under reduced nitrogen conditions, indicating their potential for sustainable wheat production. The findings highlight the potential of BNI-enabled wheat varieties to improve NUE, lower fertilizer needs, and lessen environmental impacts.