Patterns of Diversity of Ethiopian Wheats (<em>Triticum</em> spp.) and a Gene Center for Quality Breeding.

A collection consisting of 293 entries of tetraploid and hexaploid Ethiopian wheat was investigated for diversity of endosperm texture, seed color, kernel texture, flour color, gluten quality, seed size, and protein content. All characters, except gluten quality, showed high levels of diversity. Significant differences in protein content and gluten quality occurred among districts, and among provinces. Regional differences were also observed for seed size and flour color. The average estimate of diversity of these characters for Ethiopia was high (&Hsline; = 0.77). Some of the characters showed clinical variations, and others, localized concentrations. Entries with combinations of good quality characters were observed, and their possible use as source materials in wheat breeding is discussed. A gene center for quality breeding was identified in Southern Ethiopia, and the participation of centers of diversity in the evaluation and utilization of genetic resources is considered as a very important tool in genetic conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]