Biplot Analysis of Agronomic and Fusarium Head Blight Resistance Traits in Spring Wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, is one of the most devastating wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) diseases. To effectively create wheat cultivars that possess optimal agronomic and FHB resistance levels, an understanding of trait relationships is needed. The objectives of this research were: (i) to use genotype x trait (GT) biplot analysis to determine associations among several agronomic and FHB resistance traits, and (ii) to compare and select genotypes based on agronomic and FHB performance using a collection of widely grown cultivars and elite experimental breeding lines. Genotype x trait biplots were constructed using data from 2004, 2005, and across the two years. In general, biplots revealed that desirable levels of agronomic performance were highly associated with desirable levels of FHB resistance. Through observing GT biplots and genotype grand means for 13 traits, we were unable to identify genotypes that produced the most grain and/or had the highest grain volume weight, which were also universally among the most resistant to FHB. However, nine genotypes with promising trait combinations were identified. This suggests that through additional cycles of parental recombination and line derivation, the development of cultivars with enhanced levels of both agronomic performance and FHB resistance levels should occur.