Genetic diversity analysis of durum wheat collection by agro-morphological and biochemical markers [Analyse de la diversité génétique d'une collection de blé dur par les marqueurs agro-morphologiques et biochimiques]

Characterizing genetic resources is a main component of breeding. in this study,analysis and structuring of the genetic diversity of 294 durum wheat accessions,including mediterranean landraces,international lines from cimmyt and icarda,and moroccan cultivars,was achieved through the use of both new agro morphological descriptors and biochemical markers. evaluation of the genetic diversity of glutenin subunits is based on the electrophoresis technique on polyacrylamide gel in presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (sds-page). descriptive analysis showed significant phenotypic differences for all traits and,therefore,significant genetic variability. the principal component analysis showed one group representing late and tall landrace plants and two early and semi dwarf plants groups in contrast with international lines and moroccan varieties. these two last groups were characterized by higher values of yield related-traits. these data confirm the effectiveness of breeding program to improve wheat production. the analysis of the protein composition confirms the richness of the genetic diversity of local populations,by the presence of certain high molecular weight glutenins sub-units,type 13+16 and 17+7+9,recognized for high gluten strength. high genetic polymorphism is detected in the studied durum wheat germoplasm. breeding strategies have not markedly decreased diversity. however,durum wheat landraces remain a reservoir of genetic diversity and possess desirable characters related with adaptation and technological quality exploitable in breeding program.