Response of Some Beard Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes to Vernalization

Response of some bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines and cultivars to vernalization was studied in cereal physiology laboratory and glass house, Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran, in 2006-2007. Twenty nine bread wheat lines and cultivars and 9 levels of vernalization duration including; 0, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50 and 57 days at 3±0.5 ºC were evaluated using randomized complete block design with three replications. Imbibed seeds were planted in pots and exposed to different vernalization treatments. Results showed that bread wheat lines and cultivars responded differently to vernalization treatments and varied from true spring (Kavir) to facultative (Sharyar, Sisson, C-18-14 and C-80-6) and true winter (Gascogne, MV17, Bezostaya and C-80-4). However, the majority of genotypes showed facultative response. The minimum duration of vernalization requirement, based on days to heading, was two weeks for Sharyar, three weeks for Gascogne, C-80-4, C-80-6 and four weeks for Sisson, MV17 and C-81-14, in 3±0.5 ºC.