Evaluation of genetic diversity in some bread wheat genotypes under drought stress conditions using germination stage indices

In order to investigate phenotypic and genotypic correlations between Characteristics affecting the germination stage and genetic variation and estimating the genetic parameters of these indices in Drought and normal conditions, 19 genotypes of bread wheat were cultivated inCompletely randomized design with three replications in the Laboratories, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding of Agricultural Research Campus Natural Resources of Razi University of Kermanshah, Iran In the germination stage was evaluated. The results of variance analysis (ANOVA) showed significant differences for the Germination Percentage (GP), coleoptile Length (KL), Mean Germination Time (MGT), Cofficent of Velocity of Germination (CVG), Average Velocity of Germination (AVG) and Vigor index (SV) under stress and normal condition indicating. The presence of a considerable genotypic variation and possibility of selection of drought tolerant genotypes. The presence of a considerable genotypic variation and possibility of selection of drought tolerant genotypes. According to the biplot obtained in the laboratory conditions (germination test) genotype (16) was located in group A. A high positive genetic and phenotypic relation was observed between GP, AVG, SV and RL, which is completely in line with results of the relation between traits by GTbiplot. High heritability and genetic gain were observed for GP, AVG and SV that reflect the additive gene action. Accordingly, the selection method for studied traits in examined genotypes effective. Cluster analysis using Ward method, based on the traits, classified the genotypes in three different groups.