Studies on DUS characteristics and their implications in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Thirty-six genetically as well as geographically diverse varieties of wheat were characterized using thirty two morphological characters being used in its DUS testing. Thirty-one characteristics were found to be polymorphic among varieties indicating their potential under DUS testing. Intra-varietal variation was not observed for any of the characteristics. The expression of all the characteristics except plant length and seed size was similar over environments, confirming their stability. Single character was not able to identify all the varieties individually; however, where used in combination, these varieties could be distinguished individually. Besides, these characters profiles could easily be utilized in maintenance breeding/seed industry and developing database for DUS testing.