Analysis of genetic profiles of winter wheats from Russia

With the aid of GRIS, the wheat genetic resources database, the retrospective analysis of winter wheat breeding programs in the ex-USSR during its existence, and modern Russia, was conducted. The dynamics of genetic diversity of released cultivars was studied. A significant tendency to reduce the use of local materials was discovered, although a stable set of original ancestors has prevailed over the last 40 years. The modern cultivar genes pool has increased as a result of the utilisation of North American semidwarf varieties. Breeding programs at different breeding centres are distinguished by varying levels of genetic diversity. The need to discover new sources of disease resistance and environmental adaptation are problems that remain. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.