In vitro SELECTION OF WINTER TRITICALE FOR THE RESISTANCE TO WATER DEFICIT

The direct and step-type in vitro selection with application of selective system based on low molecular mannitol and the selection of callus lines of winter triticale being resistant to simulated water deficit were carried out. As a result, from line 38/1296 and variety Obriy respectively, 5 and 4 resistant callus lines were identified that had a high survival rate on the selective medium with 0.6 M mannitol and maintained morphogenetic potential. From the resistant lines plant regenerants were induced and their rearing, rooting and transfer to in vivo conditions were optimized and followed by testing to water deficit tolerance. During the testing under simulated 3-weeks drought it was revealed that plant regenerants derived from resistant lines were characterized with reliably higher relative water content and free proline content as compared with non-resistant plants. A step-type in vitro selection was more effective, because resulted from the selection more resistant callus forms were identified. Evaluation of plant regenerants of triticale obtained from resistant calli showed increased level of their tolerance to water deficit.