Salinity response in Tunisian durum wheat genotypes: genetic relationships, phenotypic variation, and SSR marker-based computational modelling
Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, vol.49, no.5, pp.807-822, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 49 Issue: 5
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.55730/1300-011x.3307
- Journal Name: Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.807-822
- Keywords: computational analyses, Durum wheat, germination, salinity tolerance, simple sequence repeat
- Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study identifies salt-tolerant durum wheat genotypes for breeding programmes by integrating phenotypic, genotypic, and computational analyses of 27 Mediterranean varieties. Cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed two distinct genetic groups: modern genotypes (high-yielding Tunisian/Italian cultivars) and ancient genotypes (traditional Tunisian landraces). Among tested cultivars, JnehKhottifa and Grécale exhibited exceptional salinity tolerance, maintaining >80% germination at 200 mM NaCl, while Om Rabiaa and Agili showed sensitivity (<50% germination). Bayesian network modelling was used to explore the probabilistic relationships between simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers (e.g., CFD40 and GWM182, PIC = 0.561) and important traits such as root length and germination rate under stress. Genetic diversity analysis (average PIC = 0.407) highlighted the potential of SSR markers for trait-marker associations. These findings establish a valuable platform for enhancing marker-assisted selection salt-tolerant durum wheat varieties, essential for securing yields in saline-prone Mediterranean regions.