Morphological diversity of durum wheat genotypes.

This study was carried out in the sub-humid region at the Larbi Daoudi pilot farm in El Harrouch (Skikda wilaya). The main objective was to assess the specific diversity of twenty durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes by drawing up descriptive sheets in line with UPOV recommendations (2014-2017). Morphological diversity was assessed using Shannon and Weaver's relative diversity index calculated from the phenotypic frequencies observed for each trait. The results obtained reveal significant variability for several morphological parameters. The mean relative diversity index (mean H' = 0.48) indicates an intermediate level of morphological diversity between the ears of the different genotypes studied. However some characters were found to be monomorphic notably the presence distribution pigmentation and length of barbs as well as the color of the lower glume. Finally these studied traits are considered to be precursors of high yield enabling us to better exploit genotypes according to agro-ecological conditions and economic needs.