Productivity of aluminum tolerant wheat (Triticum aestivum (L.) Thell)

Abstract

Aluminum (Al) tolerance linked to limited wheat productivity has been affirmed for many years. Such statement was based on results of breeding programs relating progress in Al tolerance with a corresponding limitation in yield potential. In order to elucidate this question, Al tolerance was incorporated into cultivars with known yield potential. This tolerance was incorporated, through backcrossing, into Jupateco 73 and Trigo BR 12-Aruanã. Lines derived from these recurrent parents were evaluated for Al tolerance, in nutrient solution as well as in soil conditions. The productivity of Al tolerant lines was evaluated in irrigated trials, with fungicide treatment, in soil without Al toxicity. In general, the lines yielded at least as much as the respective recurrent parent. The results indicated that Al tolerance is not linked to low grain yield in wheat germplasm.