Evaluation of physical and chemical characteristics of newly evolved wheat cultivars

Abstract

AbstractEvaluation of quality characteristics of wheat provides significant feedback to breeders for selection/evolution of the most suitable varieties. Seven advanced wheat cultivars and two commercial varieties were studied for 11 physicochemical characteristics. These cultivars showed significant differences for all parameters except ash content, which showed no significant variation. Test weight ranged between 75.6 kg hl−1 (NRL‐2005) and 80.5 kg hl−1 (NRL‐2017). Kernel weight and volume were highest (4.0 g and 3.2 ml) for NRL‐9822 and lowest (3.3 g and 2.6 ml) for NRL‐2005. Biological yield was highest (14 040 kg ha−1) for NRL‐9822 and lowest (12 380 kg ha−1) for Takbeer variety. Grain yield varied between 4717 kg ha−1 (NRL‐01‐7) and 4042 kg ha−1 (NRL‐9736), non‐grain biomass between 9708 and 8083 kg ha−1, protein yield between 614.3 and 480.8 kg ha−1 and harvest index between 34.8 and 30.8%. Moisture content ranged from 7.46 to 9.07%. Gluten and protein contents were highest (39.69 and 13.81%) in NRL‐9736 and lowest (29.78 and 12.70%) in NRL‐9822. Test weight was positively correlated with kernel weight and volume and negatively associated with moisture, protein and gluten contents. Protein and gluten contents had a negative association with kernel weight and volume. Gluten content had a highly positive correlation with protein content. Grain yield was positively correlated with biological yield. Protein yield had a positive relationship with biological and grain yields and a negative association with harvest index. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry