The genetic diversity and variation in crude protein content of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) promising cultivars for breeding in Albania

The genetic diversity and variation in crude protein content among eleven wheat genotypes, comprising three elite local genotypes and eight wheat genotypes of foreign origin were investigated in the present study. Variability was evidenced in grain protein content estimated by biuret test, it ranged from 9.5 to 13.9% with mean of 11.58%. Comparative analysis between local and introduced wheat genotypes revealed that the local genotypes had lower protein content than those of foreign origin. Fourteen polymorphic RAPD markers were used to assess genetic diversity among selected wheat varieties. The mean similarity among wheat genotypes was 67%. Genetic similarity among local wheat varieties was higher (83%) than among those of foreign origin (66%). The wheat genotypes were grouped into two main clusters on UPGMA dendrogram constructed based on Dice similarity coefficients. A clear clustering of genotypes according to the origin wasobserved. This clustering was also supported by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) results. There was no observed clustering based on the protein content. The data revealed that local wheat genetic had narrow genetic diversity, however the wheat genotypes of foreign origin constitute a promising material to be employed in breeding programs aiming the increase of wheat protein content and genetic diversity.