Genetic variation among einkorn genotypes based on gene targeted functional markers and its possible relationship with drought tolerance at seed germination stage

Background Einkorn wheat is one of the first primary genetic resources for discovery of new alleles related to biotic and abiotic stress tolerances for further genetic improvements while it became more popular especially for its native grain status as healthy food resources. Therefore, this study aims to determine germination parameters of 32 local einkorn ( Triticum monococcum ) genotypes collected from Kastamonu and its vicinity, Turkey under drought stress conditions, and to reveal the genetic relationship of those genotypes based on drought related gene targeted functional markers (GTFMs). Methods and results Germination test was conducted at 20 ± 0.5 °C in darkness with randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Seeds placed on double filter papers in a covered glass petri dishes (80 × 15 mm) were treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000 ) with a -0.23 MPa. The final germination percentages (FGPs), speed and span of germination parameters were determined. Drought stress severely worsened all germination parameters measured. The genotypes SG24 and SG12 were the most drought tolerant and sensitive genotypes based on 21.1% and 64.8% of reduction rates in FGPs, respectively. Twelve GTFMs produced a total of 32 bands and 26 of them were polymorphic. The mean polymorphism ratio of the markers and average band per marker were determined as 86.31% and 2.66, respectively. The highest polymorphism information content (PIC) was obtained from AIB1 gene marker (0.875). Conclusions This study revealed that there was a significant genetic variation for drought tolerance levels of local einkorn wheat genotypes at germination stage and drought related GTFMs can be used not only to reveal genetic variation but also to distinguish the drought tolerant genotypes.