Abstract
Given the substantial variation in global wheat yield, insufficient research in cultivar selection for climate change, and the lack of suitable germplasm in sustainable agroecosystems, there is a requisite for soft wheat genotypes, with stable grain yield as well as quality parameters. The present study was aimed at genotype evaluation (GGE biplot for “mean performance versus stability”) not only for yield, but also for technological, phytosanitary and functional quality parameters of 24 Triticum aestivum L. genotypes (eight landraces, old and modern varieties, respectively) within a single organic farm location (Argelato, Emilia-Romagna, Italy) over three consecutive years. Overall, high yield stability was shown for the landraces and old varieties. In particular, the landraces Piave and Gamba di Ferro, as well as the old variety Verna, showed high stability with above-average means for numerous quality parameters of interest. Additionally, relative stability combined with above-average mean for quality parameters was also demonstrated for the high-yielding Gentil Bianco and Guà 113. Aside from Verna, these “unrecognized” resilient genotypes were also shown to meet the requisites for suitable germplasm in sustainable agroecosystems. Future potential utilization of these more stable landraces in addressing climate change would also ultimately facilitate the survival of valuable genetic resources.
Highlights
90 to 95% of wheat production worldwide is comprised of common or bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. 2n = 6x = 42, genome AABBDD), constituting one of the key staple crops for global food security [1]
Given the need for soft wheat genotypes adapted to changing environmental conditions, with stable grain yield and quality parameters, this study was aimed at genotype evaluation (GGE biplot for mean performance versus stability) of 24 soft wheat genotypes, on an organic farm at a single location (Emilia-Romagna, Italy) over multiple years to encompass seasonal variation
Using the “mean performance versus stability” feature of the GGE biplot analysis, high yield stability was shown for the landraces and old varieties in the environmental location of Podere Santa Croce in Emilia-Romagna over three consecutive years
Summary
Food security is inextricably linked to climate change, which was shown to account for approximately. 32–39% of the annual yield variability in global wheat production, mostly cultivated under rainfed conditions. Climate change was shown to account for 31–51% of the yield variability in Western Europe [3]. Within the European context, the large genetic yield gap [4] and the decline in climate resilience of European wheat [5] amidst future projected climate changes [6] are testimony to the challenges facing wheat cultivation. Climate-change induced wheat yields are projected to decrease by up to 49% by 2050 in Southern Europe [6], evidencing the insufficient preparation of wheat breeding programs and cultivar selection for climatic uncertainty and variability [5]. Despite being the world’s most widely cultivated crop, research investments in wheat lag behind those in other crops [9]
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