Durum Wheat Varieties Research Articles

Study of the initial material and its use in winter durum wheat breeding for resistance to the Rostov population of the smut pathogen

The current paper has presented the study results of the resistance of winter durum wheat varieties to the causative agent of smut under infectious background conditions. The purpose of the study was to identify new sources of smut resistance of winter durum wheat under conditions of artificial inoculation and their use in breeding programs. In the period from 2010–2022 there were studied annually more than 100 varieties and samples. According to the results of 2010, practically resistant varieties of Competitive (CVT) and Interstation Variety Testing (IVT) amounted to 1.4 and 6.7 % of those studied. The bulk has been represented by moderately susceptible and susceptible varieties. By 2015, among the selection samples, practically resistant and slightly susceptible ones amounted to 12.5 and 15.0 %. In 2022, the number of practically resistant ones increased to 26.9%, and weakly susceptible ones raised to 27.9 %. There have been identified the sources of resistance to the Rostov population of the smut pathogen. After introducing into the breeding process such sources of resistance as ‘Delta Odesskaya’, ‘Perlina Odesskaya’, ‘Dnepryana’, ‘Kermen’, etc., there have been developed the varieties ‘Agat Donskoy’, ‘Lazurit’, ‘Kremona’, ‘Oniks’ with practical resistance to the pathogen at the ARC “Donskoy”. Subsequently, when updating the initial material, there have been studied the new varieties of MSI and there have been identified such smut-resistant varieties as ‘Poseidon’, ‘Pributkova’, ‘Andromeda’, ‘Zhivitsa’, ‘Prikumskaya 142’, ‘Kharkovskaya 32’, etc. Using several of them in hybridization, because of many years of selection, there have been developed new winter durum wheat varieties with practical resistance, weak and medium susceptibility to smut, such as ‘Yubilyarka’, ‘Zoloto Dona’, ‘Lakomka’, ‘Dinas’, ‘Solntsedar’, ‘Karotinka’, ‘Grafit’, etc. Among the CVT samples there have been also identified such lines with smut resistance as ‘1273/19’, ‘335/20’, ‘893/20’, ‘1383/20’, etc. The identified sources and the developed pathogen-resistant varieties are recommended for use in breeding programs for winter durum wheat.

Multispectral Vegetation Indices and Machine Learning Approaches for Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Yield Prediction across Different Varieties

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is one of the most widely cultivated cereal species in the Mediterranean basin, supporting pasta, bread and other typical food productions. Considering its importance for the nutrition of a large population and production of high economic value, its supply is of strategic significance. Therefore, an early and accurate crop yield estimation may be fundamental to planning the purchase, storage, and sale of this commodity on a large scale. Multispectral (MS) remote sensing (RS) of crops using unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a powerful tool to assess crop status and productivity with a high spatial–temporal resolution and accuracy level. The object of this study was to monitor the behaviour of thirty different durum wheat varieties commonly cultivated in Italy, taking into account their spectral response to different vegetation indices (VIs) and assessing the reliability of this information to estimate their yields by Pearson’s correlation and different machine learning (ML) approaches. VIs allowed us to separate the tested wheat varieties into different groups, especially when surveyed in April. Pearson’s correlations between VIs and grain yield were good (R2 > 0.7) for a third of the varieties tested; the VIs that best correlated with grain yield were CVI, GNDVI, MTVI, MTVI2, NDRE, and SR RE. Implementing ML approaches with VIs data highlighted higher performance than Pearson’s correlations, with the best results observed by random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) models.

Mapping biochemical and nutritional changes in durum wheat due to spoilage during storage

Synchrotron X-ray imaging and spectroscopy techniques were used for studying changes during post-harvest storage of food grains. Three varieties (AAC Spitfire, CDC Defy, and AAC Stronghold) of the Canada Western Amber Durum (CWAD) wheat class were stored for five weeks at 17 % moisture content (wb). Control (dry) and stored moistened seeds were analyzed for biochemical and nutritional changes using synchrotron bulk X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SR-XRF), X-ray fluorescence imaging (SR-XFI), and mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy at the Canadian Light Source (CLS), Saskatoon, SK. All varieties of durum wheat were spoiled at the end of five week, and AAC Spitfire and CDC Defy varieties were most affected in nutritional composition and their distribution than AAC Stronghold. Variable response to changes in biochemical and nutrition were found in all three spoiled varieties of the same durum wheat class.

Valorizing Traditional Greek Wheat Varieties: Phylogenetic Profile and Biochemical Analysis of Their Nutritional Value

Research has highlighted the nutritional benefits of ancient grains, especially emmer (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccum) and einkorn (Triticum monococcum), compared to modern varieties of common and durum wheat, focusing on their higher levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals. In this study, grains from old Greek landraces of einkorn, emmer, durum and common wheat were compared to modern wheat cultivars, as well as barley, oats and rye grains, to investigate their unique genetic profile and nutritional properties. Genotyping of Triticum species was performed using SSR markers, which allowed differentiation up to cultivar level. Nutritional factors like the total content of bound and free polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and fatty acid profile were assessed. The results showed that emmer and einkorn had the highest total polyphenol, flavonoid and mono-unsaturated fatty acids content, as well as higher antioxidant activity than common and durum wheat. Local landraces of common and durum wheat also exhibited higher values than commercial cultivars. The results of this study demonstrate the high nutritional value of ancient wheat varieties. Many of these cultivars have been put aside by more productive, yet with lower qualitative characteristics, commercial cultivars, underlining the importance of maintaining sustainable agricultural practices to ensure their continued cultivation.

Lutein esterification increases carotenoid retention in durum wheat grain. A step further in breeding and improving the commercial and nutritional quality during grain storage

Carotenoid esterification is a common mechanism for carotenoid sequestration, accumulation and storage in plants. Carotenoids are responsible for the bright yellow colour of pasta. Therefore, carotenoid retention during storage is of great importance in the durum wheat food chain.In this work, we investigated the role of carotenoid esterification on carotenoid retention in durum wheat using two consecutive storage experiments. Firstly, we compared two landraces and two durum wheat varieties as a preliminary work. We then compared individuals derived from the BGE047535בAthoris’ cross contrasting for esterification ability.Our results show that carotenoid esterification leads to a higher carotenoid retention during storage in durum wheat. Thus, the use of the carotenoid esterification would be useful as an extra strategy to ongoing efforts to improve carotenoid retention in the durum wheat food chain.

Effect of red food bean flour on the rheological properties of pasta

Legumes, in particular beans, differ significantly from cereals in protein content, amino acids, micro- and macroelements, so it can be argued that the addition of beans to the composite mixture will improve the nutrient composition and use the final products (pasta or bakery products) as specialized with increased protein content. The purpose of the work is to study the effect of red bean flour on the rheological properties of dough from a composite mixture based on durum wheat grits, as well as to confirm the possibility of using this product for the production of pasta with high protein content. The influence of beans has been determined by establishing a correlation between the qualitative characteristics of the components of the composite mixture and the rheological properties of the dough based on them. The objects of research are grains of durum wheat variety Krasnokutka-13, whole-ground flour from red food beans and composite mixtures based on them in a percentage ratio: 90 : 10, 80 : 20, 70 : 30, 60 : 40, 50 : 50, 40 : 60, 30 : 70, 20 : 80, and 10 : 90, as well as pasta from composite mixtures. The expediency of using bean flour for the production of pasta has been confirmed. The data obtained are applicable for the preparation and conduct of clinical trials of universal mixtures with high protein content based on bean flour in patients with diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

Estimation of grain resistance of various wheat types to corn bug Eurygaster L. (Hemiptera, Scutelleridae)

In Russia wheat is a strategically important food and export grain crop, but despite the expansion of sown areas and the growth of gross yields, yield quality remains low. A significant decrease in the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the wheat grain productivity is caused by corn bug Eurygaster L. Planting resistant varieties is one of the most environmentally friendly and effective ways to reduce the number and harmfulness of corn bug. Unfortunately, modern wheat varieties are often not characterized by corn bug resistance, although this is of paramount importance for grain production and breeding programs. The purpose of the current study was to compare the damage caused by corn bugs to grain of different wheat types and varieties. In accordance with GOST 33538-2015 “Plant protection. Methods for identifying and accounting for damaged grains by corn bug”, there has been conducted an estimation of wheat samples for their damage by corn bug. There has been shown that corn bug Eurygaster L. equally damages grain of different wheat types, varieties, and forms. Among the 108 studied wheat varieties, only 16 varieties were characterized by a low degree of grain damage. Absolutely resistant varieties to damage by corn bug have not been identified. The least mean grain damage by corn bug was found in such varieties (up to 5.0 %) as ‘Utrish’, ‘Yunion’, ‘Altaiskaya zhnitsa’. There has been established that the largest number of grain samples slightly damaged by corn bug was found among spring durum wheat varieties (up to 50.0 %). There has been determined that under different agroclimatic conditions of cultivation, the most studied wheat samples had the same level of grain damage by corn bug.

The spring durum wheat variety ‘Bezenchuksky Podarok’

The purpose of the current study was to determine the main economically valuable traits of the new spring durum wheat variety ‘Bezenchuksky podarok’, to establish its significance in the system of durum wheat varieties and to describe the main approbation traits. The variety was developed by individual selection from the hybrid population F9 746D-39/Pamyati Chekhovicha. Its pedigree includes such varieties as ‘Kharkovskaya 46’, ‘Bezenchuksky yantar’, ‘Saratovskaya zolotistaya’, ‘CIMMYT – Altar 84’, ‘Ahninga’, intermediate breeding lines ‘92D-4’, ‘2125D-4’, ‘746D-18’ of the Samara RIA and the breeding line ‘358s-94’ of the RIA of the South-East. Field trials, phenological observations and estimations in the competitive and ecological variety trials were carried out in accordance with the requirements of the methodology of the State Commission for Variety Testing and Protection of Breeding Achievements. The variety belongs to the Volga steppe ecological group, middle-maturing biotype, having a medium-sized stem (with the height reduction gene RhtAhng). Over the years of study (2018–2022), in the competitive variety testing, a new variety with a mean grain productivity of 2.36 t/ha exceeded the standard variety ‘Bezenchukskaya 210’ on 0.15 t/ha and the variety ‘Bezenchukskaya zolotistaya’, which is widespread in the Volga region and the Urals, on 0.19 t/ha. In the ecological variety testing in the Samara SAU (Kinel) and in the RIA of the South-East (Saratov), the excess over local standards was 1.05 t/ha and 0.06 t/ha, respectively. In the competitive variety testing (2018–2022), the new variety was the best in its responsiveness to environmental conditions (the regression coefficient bi was 1.06, the standard variety’s coefficient was 1.00), and its resistance to stem rust pathogens and leaf spots (Alternaria sp., Fusarium sp.). The new variety was the best in terms of gluten quality with the parameters of SDS (52 ml), and IG (94.0 %), which makes it possible to attribute it to the class of durum wheat varieties with excellent gluten. Thus, gluten quality and production capabilities of the variety ‘Bezenchuksky Podarok’ have enhanced the diversification of the durum wheat varietal system in the Middle Volga region.

Genotype-by-environment interaction for grain yield and quality traits in durum wheat: Identification of ideotypes adapted to the Spanish region of Castile and León

Understanding how environmental conditions affect grain yield and quality in the Mediterranean basin, characterised by high interannual climate variations, is essential for the successful selection of durum wheat varieties better adapted to local agro-environments. We evaluated the effects of the genotype-by-environment interaction on grain yield and quality traits in a multi-environment field trial, across five consecutive growing seasons, to identify the varieties with consistently specific and broader adaptation to prevailing and limiting conditions in the Spanish region of Castile and León. Fourteen commercial varieties were tested in thirteen environments, including different management practises (irrigation, late sowing and nitrogen fertilisation). AMMI, Finlay-Wilkinson and GGE models were used to study the genotype-by-environment interaction, showing that the environment was the main factor affecting yield and grain quality traits. The genotypic and genotype-by-environment interaction effects were also significant for most traits. We identified the varieties with higher grain yield and quality or greater stability across environments. However, there are no varieties that perform better for all traits. We found the yellow pigment concentration as heritable trait, while δ13C, grain yield and vitreousness had the lowest genetic control. We conclude that the Castile and León region is a suitable agro-environment for durum wheat under current and limiting climatic conditions, although the selection of varieties and management practises is necessary to maximise profitability depending on the final end-use of the grain. This study provides relevant information for future durum wheat breeding programmes that take into account crop's stability and resilience to multiple environmental factors.

Durum-21: A New High-Yielding and Good Quality Durum Wheat Variety Suitable for Pasta Production

Durum-21 (D-21) is a high-yielding, disease resistant with better-quality traits variety, developed by Wheat Research Institute Faisalabad. This variety is mainly developed for industrial purposes for pasta production. Worldwide, durum wheat is utilized for pasta production; but in Pakistan, due to a lack of research work and non-availability of quality seeds of durum wheat, bread wheat is being utilized for pasta production. D-21 is developed with the breeding code of D-21 having parentage of FKN/3/2*FR//KAD/GB/4/BB/CHA/5/AS-2002 with pedigree as PB20733-1a-2a-2a-0a-0a-19a-0a. The candidate line D-21 was developed by crossing a germplasm accession with approved bread wheat variety AS-02. The genotype was further evaluated over multiple locations in Punjab Pakistan for yield and yield-related attributes in the station, provincial, and national uniform durum yield trials executed by Wheat Research Institute (WRI), Faisalabad during 2015-20. The promising line out yielded the two commercial check varieties D-97 and Fsd-2008 by 1.42 % in the provincial yield trial and 4.2 % in the national yield trial. D-21 had desirably medium to tall plant height (96-100 cm) without anthocyanin pigment. It has erected to semi-erect growth habit at the seedling stage. Its color is green with medium waxiness on stem and yellowish-white at maturity. Its 1000-grain weight ranged from 38.9 to 39 g while the test weight remained from 69 to 78.5 g. The protein contents were 13.1 to 14.95 %; which is higher than the two checks (D-97 and Fsd-2008). Due to its better grain yield and promising nutritional and quality parameters, it was approved in the year 2021 for cultivation all over the country.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE TECHNOLOGY OF DURUM WHEAT CULTIVATION IN THE ZONE OF THE CHERNOZEM SOUTHERN IN THE LOWER VOLGA REGION

The conducted research allowed us to identify new approaches in the technology of improving the cultivation of durum wheat in the southern chernozem zone, which are aimed not only at increasing the yield and quality characteristics of this crop, but also to show new ways to preserve and increase soil fertility. In experimental surveys, both zoned varieties of spring (Krasnokutka 13 - control, Don elegy) and winter (Aksinite and Agate of the Don) durum wheat were studied. The experimental part was carried out in 2018...2021 on the territory of the farm "Eliseev A.N.", which is located in the chernozem zone of the southern Mikhailovsky district of the Volgograd region. The norms of mineral nutrition for yields of 2.00, 4.00 and 6.00 t/ha were calculated. The long-term experience has shown that biofertilizers (Benefit +, Gumi 20) can compete with mineral nutrition to obtain a given yield of durum wheat. The use of biofertilizer Gumi 20 contributed to a yield of 3.11 t / ha in the Don Elegia variety, and in winter durum wheat Axinite up to 3.73 t / ha. The highest yield level has Axinite), which amounted to 5.96 t/ha (with a planned yield of 6.00 t/ha). On the spring durum wheat variety, the maximum yield was achieved in the Don Elegia variety (5.03 t/ha) on the Gumi 20+N221P87K135 variant.

The Effect of Different Lime Forms on Cadmium Uptake of Durum Wheat Varieties

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in durum wheat (Triticum durum L.) and its human transport with food chain is a major environmental issue worldwide. The research was based on a pot experiment conducted on fifteen durum wheat cultivars, grown on acid soil pH 5.2. The effect of application of two different lime form (lime1=CaO; Calcium oxide and lime2=CaCO3; limestone) and on shoot dry weight and shoot concentrations of cadmium (Cd). Durum wheat cultivars were grown in strongly acid soil pH 5.2 treated with control (lime0), lime1 (CaO3 g kg-1 soil), lime2 (5.36 g CaCO3) and Cd (5 and 10 mg kg-1 soil) and harvested after 62 days of growth under greenhouse conditions. Durum wheat cultivars without lime fertilization caused decrease in shoot growth, in all durum wheat cultivars and at high Cd treatment. On the other hand, application of lime to the soil resulted in an increase in dry matter yield at both Cd5 and Cd10 doses. While average shoot dry matter yield of lime0 conditions of cadmium 10 dose was 47 mg plant-1, this yield increased to 120 mg plant-1 in lime1 application and to 111 mg plant-1 in lime2 application. Shoot Cd concentrations of durum wheat varieties caused a statistically significant decrease with lime1 and lime2 applications, whereas lime0 and lime2 applications of Cd5 dose caused 46% and 30% decrease in average Cd concentrations, respectively. The results indicated that all durum wheat cultivars were more susceptible to both without lime and Cd toxicity as compared to lime treatment. Cadmium toxicity in the shoot was relieved by lime1 and lime2 treatment. The results indicate that lime protects plants from Cd toxicity in durum wheat cultivars.

Acceptance and utilization efficiency of a purple durum wheat genotype by Sitophilus granarius (L.)

The granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.) is a major primary pest of stored cereals throughout the world. Among the major classes of plant secondary metabolites, flavonoids can affect insect feeding behaviour and their growth rate. In this study, the susceptibility of an anthocyanin-rich purple durum wheat genotype (T1303) to the granary weevil was evaluated in comparison with two yellow durum (Ofanto) and bread (Mec) wheat varieties. The feeding response and food utilisation efficiency by adult insects was also investigated by calculating nutritional indices in whole flour disk bioassays. Different levels of susceptibility to granary weevil emerged among genotypes tested. The mean food consumption by an insect, F1 progeny, and female parental offspring calculated for the T1303 genotype were significantly lower than those of yellow kernel wheat varieties. Moreover, T1303 genotype induced deterrence in the adult insects as demonstrated by the positive values of the food deterrence index. Besides, relative grow rate and efficiency conversion of ingested food indices were negative for T1303 and positive for both yellow wheat varieties indicating respectively a decrease and an increase of insect body weight during the bioassays. Finally, a higher mortality rate was recorded for insects fed on T1303 flour disks compared to disks obtained from yellow wheat varieties. These results provide evidence for the antifeedant and toxic effects of anthocyanins present in the T1303 pericarp against the granary weevil. Overall, this study contributes new insights into the mechanisms of host acceptance and food utilization by S. granarius and would be useful to identify antifeedant flavonoids as well as to develop varietal resistance-based strategies against this pest.

Gelişmiş Güvenlik ve Besin Değeri için Makarnalık Buğday Islahı: Alüminyum Alımıyla Mücadelede Bir GWAS Yaklaşımı

The importance of producing safe and high-quality food is on the rise, and developing durum wheat varieties with low aluminum content is crucial in meeting this demand. Breeders can achieve this goal by developing new varieties that are more resistant to aluminum uptake. To reach this purpose, aluminum levels in a diverse collection of durum wheat genotypes were evaluated, including Turkish-released cultivars and local landraces, by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used. The results revealed that genotypes ranged from 0.9 to 24.6 mg kg-1, with an average of 3.31 mg kg-1, while 93.1% of them had a low content of ≤ 5 mg kg-1. A genome-wide association study is a robust method for uncovering genetic variations linked to specific traits. In this study, two marker-trait associations were identified on chromosomes 2A and 3A, which explained a phenotypic variation of 14 and 71%. These findings highlight the need for continued monitoring to ensure safe and healthy food for consumers and suggest that collaborative genome-wide association studies and marker-assisted selection can accelerate the development of new durum wheat varieties with reduced aluminum levels. However, further research is necessary to confirm and validate the genetic factors contributing to aluminum content variation among different durum wheat genotypes, although the study's methodology was robust.

Identification of the Solid Stem Suppressor Gene Su-TdDof in Synthetic Hexaploid Wheat Syn-SAU-117.

Lodging is one of the most important factors affecting the high and stable yield of wheat worldwide. Solid-stemmed wheat has higher stem strength and lodging resistance than hollow-stemmed wheat does. There are many solid-stemmed varieties, landraces, and old varieties of durum wheat. However, the transfer of solid stem genes from durum wheat is suppressed by a suppressor gene located on chromosome 3D in common wheat, and only hollow-stemmed lines have been created. However, synthetic hexaploid wheat can serve as a bridge for transferring solid stem genes from tetraploid wheat to common wheat. In this study, the F1, F2, and F2:3 generations of a cross between solid-stemmed Syn-SAU-119 and semisolid-stemmed Syn-SAU-117 were developed. A single dominant gene, which was tentatively designated Su-TdDof and suppresses stem solidity, was identified in synthetic hexaploid wheat Syn-SAU-117 by using genetic analysis. By using bulked segregant RNA-seq (BSR-seq) analysis, Su-TdDof was mapped to chromosome 7DS and flanked by markers KASP-669 and KASP-1055 within a 4.53 cM genetic interval corresponding to 3.86 Mb and 2.29 Mb physical regions in the Chinese Spring (IWGSC RefSeq v1.1) and Ae. tauschii (AL8/78 v4.0) genomes, respectively, in which three genes related to solid stem development were annotated. Su-TdDof differed from a previously reported solid stem suppressor gene based on its origin and position. Su-TdDof would provide a valuable example for research on the suppression phenomenon. The flanking markers developed in this study might be useful for screening Ae. tauschii accessions with no suppressor gene (Su-TdDof) to develop more synthetic hexaploid wheat lines for the breeding of lodging resistance in wheat and further cloning the suppressor gene Su-TdDof.

The influence of water-soluble secretions of saffron seed on the germination of seeds of soft winter wheat varieties

Due to climate change, there is a need to introduce new crops into agricultural production in Ukraine, among which Crocus sativus L., a herbaceous perennial tuberous plant, whose allopathic properties have been insufficiently studied, can take a leading place. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of water-soluble flower secretions and their individual elements on the initial stages of seed germination of two winter durum wheat varieties (Vidrada and Koshova). In the course of the study, generally accepted methods were used: laboratory research, analysis, synthesis and statistical. It was found that water-soluble extracts of flowers of different states and elements of C. sativus flowers do not have a significant effect on the morphometric and quality parameters of wheat kernels during germination. Water-soluble secretions of flowers of different states have an inhibitory effect on the development of the root system; secretions of the bud and the bloomed flower inhibit the growth of coleoptiles. The effect of water-soluble secretions of sowing saffron flowers elements has varietal peculiarities: for winter wheat seedlings of Vidrada variety, the petals have a stimulating effect on the total length of roots and their weight; for seedlings of Koshova variety, the opposite effect is observed. The water-soluble secretions of petals and stamens have a stimulating effect on the coleoptile of Vidrada plants, and the water-soluble secretions of petals have a stimulating effect on Koshova seedlings. The correlation between the length of roots and coleoptile under the influence of watersoluble secretions of flowers of different states and their elements, as well as the index of allelopathy have varietal characteristics. The obtained scientific results will contribute to the development of agrotechnical measures for the cultivation of saffron in Ukraine, selection of winter wheat varieties for joint cultivation and use of plant residues as biological stimulants

Physiological Response and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity of New Durum Wheat Varieties under Heat Stress

Physiological Response and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity of New Durum Wheat Varieties under Heat Stress

Sustainable management practices for durum wheat production: Analyzing specific agronomic interventions on productivity, grain micronutrient content, and quality

As compared with single agronomic crop management practices during grain formation, knowledge about integrated agronomic management practices on grain mineral composition and grain technological properties in durum wheat is limited. This knowledge is important for determining management strategies aimed at increasing grain yield without affecting grain nutritional quality. Integrated agronomic practices such as foliar nutrient application × seeding rate × varieties combined with growing locations were investigated to evaluate the dynamics of yield and grain quality traits. Two durum wheat varieties, three-level of micronutrients (i.e. control, FeSO4, and ZnSO4), and four levels of seeding rate (i.e. 100, 125, 150, and 175 kg ha−1) were arranged in split-split plot design under two different growing locations (environments). The main plots were assigned to the varieties, subplots to micronutrients, and sub-sub plots to the seeding rate treatments. Zinc and iron were applied in a form of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 at the early flowering stage, both at a rate of 25 kg ha−1. Results showed a linear increment in biomass (21.5%) and grain yield (23.5%) under a high seeding rate, even though the 1000-grain weight, the number of grains spike−1, spike length, and the number of grains spike−1 were decreased. Higher varietal and environmental response of seeding rate was observed between varieties. The grain protein content, gluten, and zeleyn index decreased as the seeding rate increased. Grain micronutrient content was significantly influenced by seeding rate and varietal difference. The grain protein content was higher in a dryland environment than in a wet environment. A combined use of density-tolerant varieties, high seeding rate, and foliar-based iron application can improve the grain yield from 2.01 to 3.20 t ha−1 under a potential environment. Hence, all stakeholders should consider the genotype (G), environment (E), management (M), and their synergies, as far as grain yield and quality are considered simultaneously.

Effect of Supplemental Irrigation on Wheat Performance Grown in Semi-Arid Environment

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different supplemental irrigation (SI) treatments on yield, yield components, and some drought-related traits in eight wheat varieties grown in the semi-arid environment of Jordan. Two SI treatments were used in addition to the control (i.e. rainfed treatment with 262.8mm accumulated rains): partially SI treatment (PSI=262.8mm rains+220mm irrigation at anthesis stage) and continuous SI treatment (CSI= 262.8mm rains + 377.5mm at 2-3 weeks intervals during different stages of wheat growth). Seven durum wheat varieties; namely Sham1, Omqais, Acsad65, Bani Suef6, Bani Suef4, Horani Nawawi, and Dairalla6 in addition to one bread wheat variety (Ammon) were included in this study. Yield and yield components were significantly increased and the time required to anthesis and maturity were delayed by SI. PSI treatment significantly increased grain yield by 50.2%, while CSI increased yield by 121% as compared to the control treatment. Considerable variations among varieties were observed under different irrigation treatments. Sham1 (2266.7 kg ha-1), Omqais (2253.3 kg ha-1), and Acsad65 (1963.3 kg ha-1) gave the highest grain yield under control treatment with low drought susceptibility indices, implying their low grain yield losses under control as compared with SI treatments with high genetic potentials for drought tolerance. The top-yielding varieties under CSI were Acsad65 (4716.7 kg ha-1), Dairalla6 (4586.7 kg ha-1), Bani Suef6 (4460 kg ha-1), and Omqais (4360 kg ha-1). Under PSI, Sham1 (3303 kg ha-1) followed by Dairalla6 (3193.3 kg ha-1), Horani Nawawi (3130 kg ha-1), and Bani Suef6 (3026.7 kg ha-1) gave the highest grain yield. All yield components (number of kernels per spike, number of tillers, and grain size) significantly contributed to increasing grain yield under SI. In conclusion, SI under rainfed conditions improves yield-attributing traits, which led to a substantial increase in grain yield. It would be possible to increase GY by more than 3 and 4 tonnes ha-1 with PSI and CSI, respectively.

Performance and Stability Analysis of Selected Durum Wheat Genotypes Differing in Their Kernel Characteristics.

Breeding of high-yielding and stable durum wheat varieties with improved kernel characteristics is needed for dry regions around the globe. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance and stability of eight durum wheat genotypes varying in their kernel characteristics across 15 contrasting environments. The tested material included three recombinant inbred lines (NUR-072, NUR-106 and NUR-238) derived from a cross between Norsi, a Jordanian landrace with special kernel characteristics and UC1113 Yr36+Gpc-B1, an elite line from USA. Field trials were carried out for three constitutive growing seasons under rainfed conditions, except for three environments where supplementary irrigation was provided. After the harvest, grain yield (GY), total yield (TW), and harvest index (HI) were recorded. Additionally, several kernel-related traits, including thousand kernel weight (TKW), kernel area (KA), kernel width (KW), kernel length (KL), kernel circularity (KC), and kernel length-width ratio (KL:KW) were evaluated. Analysis of variance for all tested traits revealed high significant variations (p ≤ 0.01) between the genotype (except for TW) and the genotype × environment (G × E) interaction. Genotype effect contributed to substantial percentage of variation (>75%) for KA, KL, KC and KL:KW, whereas KW showed a lower percentage similar to GY. Regarding the G × E effect, explained variation was highest for the TW (67.79%), and lowest for KL (6.47%). For GY, Norsi produced significantly the lowest mean value (249.99 g.m-2) while, Bolenga produced the highest mean value (377.85 g.m-2) although no significant differences were observed with the remaining genotypes. On the other hand, Norsi, NUR-072 and NUR-106 showed best performance for TKW and kernel-related traits with NUR-106 producing the highest mean value for KL (9.07 mm). The GGE biplot and AMMI analysis of GY identified Bolenga, Um Qais and NUR-106 as good performers across several environments, while Norsi exhibited the poorest performance. For TKW, Norsi was the best performer across different environments followed by NUR-106, which showed excellent performance under irrigated and saline conditions. For stability analysis, NUR-106 emerged as the most stable genotype in this study for GY and several kernel-related traits, particularly for KL and KC. In conclusion, the results of this study offer valuable insights for durum wheat breeders seeking to develop high-yielding and stable varieties with special kernel characteristics suitable for cultivation in dry areas.