Characterization for drought resistance at early stages of wheat genotypes based on survival, coleoptile length, and seedling vigor

In order to develop genotypes having a stable higher yield, it is necessary to characterize genetic resources based on drought adaptation, determine the suitable genotypes, and use them in breeding programs. This study was carried out in greenhouses, plant growth chambers, and research farms of the Faculty of Agriculture at Ataturk University: A total of 64 certified and local bread wheat genotypes were used to test survival after drought, coleoptile length, and seedling vigor. There were significant differences with respect to the selection parameters in this study. Seedling survival ranged from 18.5% to 51.1% and coleoptile lengths were 39-74 mm. Leaf width and specific leaf area were 3.27-4.71 mm and 164.4-204.2 cm(2)/g, respectively. Genotypes Lancer, Kirac 66, Gerek 79, Mizrak, Harmankaya 99, Alparslan, Dagdas 94, and Dogu 88 had stable high seedling survival rates and were tolerant to early drought with respect to seedling survival after drought. Local genotypes and old cultivars had higher coleoptile length compared to modern cultivars. Genotypes Ak Bugday, Tir, Lancer, Sert Bugday, and Conkesme, having long coleoptiles, could be used as genitors for the breeding of new genotypes with short plant height and longer coleoptile. Genotypes Kirac 66 and Mufitbey, ranked best in terms of first leaf width and specific leaf area, could adapt themselves to places where early drought is observed and could be used as parents in breeding programs.