Variation in kernel characteristics and protein molecular weight distribution of Langdon durum-wild emmer wheat chromosome substitution lines

Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccoides (DIC) provides a useful source of genes to improve agronomic and quality characteristics of durum wheat. Research was performed to identify DIC chromosomes that carry useful genes for quality improvement. Langdon-T. dicoccoides substitution lines consisting of 13 lines based on DIC accession PI 481521, 10 lines on PI 478742, and 2 lines on Israel A were evaluated for kernel characteristics and protein molecular weight distribution. DIC chromosomes 3A from PI 481521, and 1A and 7A from PI 478742 increased kernel hardness. Chromosome 2A from PI 481521 increased kernel weight, which resulted in increased semolina yield. Some substituted DIC chromosomes also affected grain protein concentration and protein molecular weight distribution. For example, chromosomes 2A, 5B, and 7B from PI 481521, and 6B from Israel A increased total protein concentration, which was primarily attributed to an increase of SDS soluble gliadins. Chromosome 6B from PI 478742 was unique in that it led to an increase in SDS insoluble high molecular weight polymeric proteins, which contributed to increased dough mixing strength. Results from this research indicated that chromosome 6B from PI 478742 is a potential gene source to improve dough characteristics of durum wheat by increasing insoluble high molecular weight polymeric protein concentration.