A computer-aided approach to the evaluation of wheat grain and flour quality

Abstract

Evaluation of analytical data on wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) grain and flour is crucial for the interpretation of end-use quality of experimental breeding lines, and therefore, the successful selection and release of improved wheat cultivars. We have developed a user-friendly, menu-driven computerized grading system which facilitates the rapid and unbiased evaluation of numerous discrete wheat grain and flour quality analytical values, so that consistent evaluation criteria are applied. The system is based on the use of check cultivars of known quality and historically derived limits of statistically meaningful differences. Individual experimental breeding lines are graded using these limits on a nursery-by-nursery basis. Consequently, the major sources of environmental variation (locations and years) are accounted for, while other sources of error variance are incorporated into the pre-defined limits. This approach provides a reasonable and sound evaluation strategy for unreplicated trials. The grading system is part of a larger personal computer-based software system for the management of wheat quality data. Resulting grades and nursery statistics are optionally printed in the form of a quality report.