Genetic variation for carotenoid pigment content in the amphiploid Hordeum chilense x Triticum turgidum conv. durum

Hexaploid tritordeum, the amphiploid Hordeum chilense x Triticum turgidum conv. durum has a higher grain carotene content than durum wheat, In order to decide strategies for introgressing this character into durum wheat, the effect on the carotene content of tritordeum synthesized with H. chilense and durum wheat differing in carotene content was analysed. Carotene content was evaluated in 35 primary tritordeum lines and their parents, 27 H. chilense accessions and 19 durum wheat cultivars. Some amphiploids have either one barley or wheat parent in common. In general, the influence of H. chilense is more important than that of wheat in the amphiploid carotene content. Nevertheless, the interactions between both parents on the amphiploid carotene content are also important.