Hard Red Winter Wheat Varieties Research Articles

Hard Red and Soft Red Winter Wheat Variety Testing - 2023

This is a summary of the winter wheat production conditions in southeast Kansas in 2021-2022 and the results of the winter wheat variety testing. Wheat production in 2022 benefited from dry conditions at flowering and harvest. Overall yields of hard red wheat were above multi-year averages, while soft red wheat yields were below the 15-year average. As in previous years, soft red winter wheat out-yielded hard red winter wheat varieties, but the extent was not as dramatic as in previous years.

Southeast Kansas Winter Wheat Variety Test Results - 2021

This is a summary of the winter wheat production conditions in southeast Kansas in 2020-2021 and the results of the winter wheat variety testing. Wheat production in 2021 benefited from dry conditions at planting and harvest. Overall yields were above multi-year averages. As in previous years, soft red winter wheat out-yielded hard red winter wheat varieties.

Comparison of Sensitivity to Fusarium Head Blight in Soft Red and Hard Red Winter Wheat Varieties

Fusarium head blight (scab) is a problem for wheat production in high rainfall areas. This is a report of research examining the response of wheat varieties on disease susceptibility and wheat yield and quality. Hard red wheat varieties had more disease than the soft red wheat varieties in 2021. Wheat yield was correlated with disease severity.

Triple null mutations in starch synthase SSIIa gene homoeologs lead to high amylose and resistant starch in hexaploid wheat

BackgroundLack of nutritionally appropriate foods is one of the leading causes of obesity in the US and worldwide. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) provides 20% of the calories consumed daily across the globe. The nutrients in the wheat grain come primarily from the starch composed of amylose and amylopectin. Resistant starch content, which is known to have significant human health benefits, can be increased by modifying starch synthesis pathways. Starch synthase enzyme SSIIa, also known as starch granule protein isoform-1 (SGP-1), is integral to the biosynthesis of the branched and readily digestible glucose polymer amylopectin. The goal of this work was to develop a triple null mutant genotype for SSIIa locus in the elite hard red winter wheat variety ‘Jagger’ and evaluate the effect of the knock-out mutations on resistant starch content in grains with respect to wild type.ResultsKnock-out mutations in SSIIa in the three genomes of wheat variety ‘Jagger’ were identified using TILLING. Subsequently, these loss-of function mutations on A, B, and D genomes were combined by crossing to generate a triple knockout mutant genotype Jag-ssiia-∆ABD. The Jag-ssiia-∆ABD had an amylose content of 35.70% compared to 31.15% in Jagger, leading to ~ 118% increase in resistant starch in the Jag-ssiia-∆ABD genotype of Jagger wheat. The single individual genome mutations also had various effects on starch composition.ConclusionsOur full null Jag-ssiia-∆ABD mutant showed a significant increase in RS without the shriveled grain phenotype seen in other ssiia knockouts in elite wheat cultivars. Moreover, this study shows the potential for developing nutritionally improved foods in a non-GM approach. Since all the mutants have been developed in an elite wheat cultivar, their adoption in production and supply will be feasible in future.

Changes in Bread Quality, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Acid Composition of Wheats During Early-Stage Germination.

This study reported changes in baking properties, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and phenolic acid composition of three hard red winter wheat varieties during the early stage of seed germination. The wheats were sprouted at 30 °C and 95% relative humidity to achieve different germination levels based on falling number ranges (550s for control flour; 350s [low], 250s [medium], and 120s [high] for sprouted flours, respectively). Average germination times were 7, 8, and 10hr for the low, medium, and high germinated samples, respectively. Most baking properties of sprouted whole flour were comparable to the control flour. However, TPC, flavonoid content, phenolic acids, and antioxidant activity of sprouted flour were lower than the control flour. To our knowledge, this is the first study that reported both baking properties and antioxidant potential of sprouted whole wheat flour from early-stage germination. The study deepens the understanding of seed germination and the potential use of sprouted flour in baking industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study evaluates the baking quality and nutraceutical value of sprouted whole wheat flour, which are key factors determining the application of sprouted flour in the baking industry. The results will contribute to the production of quality bakery products with enhanced nutraceutical benefits.

Phenolic acid composition and antioxidant activity of hard red winter wheat varieties

Whole wheat consumption is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. This study determined total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), free radical scavenging activities, metal chelating activity, and phenolic acid composition of 12 hard red winter wheat varieties. TPC, TFC, antioxidant activity, and metal chelating activity varied significantly among different varieties. Trans-ferulic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were detected and quantified in free, conjugated, and bound fractions. Overall, LCS Mint and WB Grainfield varieties have higher phenolic and flavonoid content. Everest, SY Monument and T158 varieties have stronger antioxidant activity. Positive correlations were obtained between total phenolic acid content and antioxidant activity. Our result suggested that phenolic acid composition and antioxidant activity of hard wheat are highly dependent on their genotypes. Practical applications The health benefits of whole grain products are in part attributed to their unique antioxidant activities. Phenolic compounds, especially phenolic acids, are believed to be one of the major contributors to the antioxidant activity of cereal grains. The breeders and food industry can be benefited by a comprehensive understanding of phenolic compositions and antioxidant activities of different wheat varieties. Identifying wheat varieties with significant levels of phenolic content and strong antioxidant activity has the potential not only to promote the value-added cultivation and use of wheat rich in these factors, but also to provide health benefit to consumers, thereby enhancing wheat profitability, agricultural economy, and public health.

Mapping of a major QTL associated with protein content on chromosome 2B in hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling wheat grain protein content (GPC) and flour protein content (FPC) was identified using doubled haploid (DH) lines developed from a cross between the hard red winter wheat variety ‘Yumechikara’ with a high protein content used for bread making, and the soft red winter wheat ‘Kitahonami’ with a low protein content used for Japanese white salted noodles. A single major QTL, QGpc.2B-yume, was identified on the short arm of wheat chromosome 2B for both the GPC and FPC over 3 years of testing. QGpc.2B-yume was mapped on the flanking region of microsatellite marker Xgpw4382. The DH lines grouped by the haplotype of the closest flanking microsatellite marker Xgpw4382 showed differences of 1.0% and 1.1% in mean GPC and FPC, respectively. Yield-component-related traits were not affected by the haplotype of QGpc.2B-yume, and major North American hard red winter wheat varieties showed the high-protein haplotype. Unlike Gpc-B1 derived from tetraploid wheat, QGpc.2B-yume has no negative effects on yield-component-related traits and should be useful for wheat breeding to increase GPC and FPC.

Susceptibility of Selected Perennial Small Grain Cultivars, to Greenbug,Schizaphis graminum(Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract. Twelve perennial small grain cultivars were examined for eight characteristics favorable to management of greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani). A greenbug-susceptible variety of hard red winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L., and a greenbug-resistant hard red winter wheat variety were used as checks. Eight of the 12 perennial small grain cultivars (including X Triticosecale spp. / Thinopyrum intermedium // X Triticosecale spp., X Triticosecale spp. / Thinopyrum ponticum // X Triticosecale spp., Thinopyrum ponticum / Triticum aestivum var. Eltan, X Agrotriticum spp. (PI550715) / Tripsacum dactyloides var. Spitzer, and Hordeum vulgare var. MT2 / Tripsacum dactyloides var. Spitzer) had at least one favorable greenbug management characteristic. Cultivars that included X Triticosecale spp. and either Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey or T. ponticum wheatgrass in their genetic background had the most favorable characteristics.

Economics of foliar fungicides for hard red winter wheat in the USA southern Great Plains

Grain yields of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the southern Great Plains are often reduced by the presence of foliar diseases. This study was conducted to determine whether the application of foliar fungicides is an economically optimal management strategy. The effects of fungicide treatment on commercially available hard red winter wheat varieties with differing levels of genetic resistance (i.e., resistant, intermediate, and susceptible) to foliar diseases were investigated at two locations, Apache and Lahoma, OK, USA, for the harvest years 2005–2012. Two fungicides were rotated between the two locations and applied at approximately Feekes growth stage 9–10.5. When averaged across years, plots to which fungicide was applied generated greater average net returns than plots that did not receive fungicide for susceptible varieties at Apache, and for resistant, intermediate, and susceptible varieties at Lahoma. However, foliar fungicide application was not economical in every year at either location suggesting fungicide use should be reassessed each year given that profitability depends on year specific yield potential, prices, and foliar disease conditions. At both locations high disease incidence occurred in all but one site-year when the average March through May relative humidity exceeded 65%. Additional research would be required to determine the relationship between weather, including relative humidity, and disease incidence, and to develop an economic threshold for treatment decision aid.

Dual‐Purpose Wheat Grain Yield as Affected by Growth Habit and Simulated Grazing Intensity

ABSTRACTCattle stocking density and variety selection influence dual‐purpose winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and grain yield. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of growth habit and simulated grazing intensity on dual‐purpose, hard red winter wheat canopy closure, fertile spike number, and grain yield. Experiments were conducted during the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 wheat production seasons at Stillwater and Lahoma, OK. Grazing intensity was simulated by mowing two hard red winter wheat varieties with differing growth habits (prostrate or erect) to 3‐, 7.5‐, and 12‐cm heights at approximately 4‐wk intervals. Mowing was initiated in early November and terminated at first hollow stem (Feekes 5–6) in the spring, which correspond to typical cattle (Bos taurus) placement and removal from wheat pasture in the region. Simulated grazing to a 12‐cm height did not affect winter wheat grain yield at either location, but the 3‐cm mowing height reduced grain yield of winter wheat compared with the nondefoliated treatment regardless of growth habit or variety. Fractional canopy closure of at least 0.53 before winter dormancy (Feekes 3–4) or 0.62 at grazing termination was required to obtain 95% of asymptotic yield potential within an early‐sown, dual‐purpose production system. Grazing to a height of 3 cm significantly reduced wheat ability to achieve these critical values and grazing at a 12‐cm height generally ensured that these critical fractional canopy closure values would be maintained.

Historical shifts in the seed mineral micronutrient concentration of US hard red winter wheat germplasm

AbstractThe yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) has greatly improved through breeding, but it is not known how this has affected seed micronutrient content. In the present study, the iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) content of seed of 14 US hard red winter wheat varieties from production eras spanning more than a century was measured. The seed that was analyzed was obtained from a replicated field trial conducted at two locations in Kansas. The Fe, Zn, and Cu content was obtained by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICPES) and Se content was obtained by hydride‐generated atomic absorption spectrometry (HG‐AAS). Significant effects of location on micronutrient content of seed were observed. Similarly, depending on the micronutrient, significant differences in seed micronutrient content between varieties were detected at one or both locations. A significant negative regression of seed Zn content on both yield and variety release date was observed at both locations, while seed Fe content exhibited a significant negative regression on yield and variety release date at one location. Regression of seed Se content on variety release date was significant and negative at one location. These results suggest that genetic gains in the yield of US hard red winter wheat have tended to reduce seed Fe, Zn, and Se concentrations. However, the extent to which this effect manifests itself is influenced by environmental effects. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

A comparison of forage yield and quality in a simulated graze-out for twelve varieties of hard red and white winter wheat (2005)

Six hard white winter wheat varieties (Burchett, Lakin, NuFrontier, NuHills, NuHorizon, and Trego) and six hard red winter wheat varieties (2137, Jagalene, Jagger, OK101, Stanton, and Thunderbolt) were planted in two southwestern Kansas counties, Clark and Stanton, to compare simulated graze-out forage yield and quality. Four replicated plots were planted in September 2003 for each variety at each location. Forage samples were collect from each plot during December 2003, March 2004, and April or May 2004. Dry matter content, dry matter yield, crude protein, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total digestible nutrients (TDN), net energy (NEm, NEg), relative feed value (RFV), and nitrate nitrogen were determined. Significant location-byvariety interactions were observed for most factors. Although significant differences in crude protein and energy were detected, it is unlikely that the performance of stock cattle would differ when grazing each of the varieties because the lowest crude protein concentration would support excellent gain, and because the differences in energy were relatively small.

Protein Distributions Among Hard Red Winter Wheat Varieties as Related to Environment and Baking Quality

ABSTRACTPrevious size‐exclusion high‐performance liquid chromatography (SEHPLC) studies of hard red spring (HRS) wheat proteins reported correlations of amounts of certain gliadin and glutenin fractions with general score, a quality descriptor based on loaf volume, mixing time, and other parameters. We now extended these studies to 12 hard red winter (HRW) wheats, each grown at six Midwestern locations. Gliadin and reduced glutenin fractions were isolated and fractionated by SE‐HPLC. Amounts of fractions corresponding to specific molecular weight (MW) ranges, determined by integrating peaks from SE‐HPLC elution profiles, were statistically correlated with various baking quality parameters. Amounts of one fraction rich in γ‐gliadins correlated well with loaf volume; correlations were better than found previously for HRS wheats. Correlations adjusted for overall protein (partial correlations) were >0.5 for 10 of the 12 samples, and >0.84 for six samples when estimated among samples, among locations, among samples at each location, and among locations for each sample. Because γ‐gliadins appeared well correlated to loaf volume, the gliadin fraction was also analyzed by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC), which provides better separations. Correlations of γ‐gliadin peak areas from RP‐HPLC with loaf volume were then 0.93–0.99 for different varieties grown in different locations. Narrow‐bore columns with shorter run times gave slightly higher correlations than did standard RP‐HPLC columns. It is evident that both genetics and environment affect the relationship of quantitative protein distribution to loaf volume.

Minerals and Protein in Four Hard Red Winter Wheat Varieties and Fractions Derived Therefrom

ABSTRACTWhole grain wheat from hard red winter wheat cultivars (Scout 66, Vona, TAM101, and TAM105) and six ground fractions separated according to particle size were analyzed for 25 elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The apparent concentrations established in the grain for As, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Hf, La, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th and U were below the detection limit. However, for the four varieties, average concentrations in the whole grain (μg/g on a dry weight basis) were as follows: Br 6.55; Ca 609; Cl 651; Fe 43.3; K 4090; Mg 1460; Mn 38.5; Na 17.7; Rb 2.26; Se 0.56; and Zn 20.7. Mercury was also detected in cultivar TAM101 at a concentration of 97 ng/g. The correlation between the elements appeared to depend on the particle size distribution.

Forage and grain yields of wheat and barley

Plots were grown at the Animal Science and Industry Farm near Manhattan in 1973-74 and 1974-75 and at the South Central Kansas Experiment Field at Hutchinson in 1974-75. Hard red winter wheat varieties used were Parker, Eagle and Sage; soft red winter wheats were Arthur-71 and Blue Boy II. Three winter barley varieties were Paoli, Jefferson and Kanby. All cereals were harvested for forage in boot, milk and dough stages of plant growth and each treatment was replicated four times. A 60-sq.-ft. area was mowerclipped from each plot at each stage of growth to measure forage yields. Approximately 1 to 2 inches of stubble remained. A 12-sq.-ft. area was taken to determine grain yield.

Yield‐Protein Relationships in Wheat Grain, as Affected by Nitrogen and Water1

AbstractHighly significant inverse yield‐protein relationships in wheat grain were found at each level of applied N in an irrigation‐N rate experiment on hard red winter wheat over a 3‐year period at North Platte, Nebraska. The chief effect of applied N with adequate water was to increase yields, while the chief or entire effect with severe water deficits was to increase protein content. In intermediate situations, N increased both yield and protein content.In dryland experiments in 1966 and 1967 showing significant grain yield response to applied N, protein content also increased. Where little or no yield response occurred, N mainly increased protein content. Content of NO3−N in the soil to a depth of 180 cm was also important in yield‐protein relationships.Average protein contents of about 20 hard red winter wheat varieties at different locations in Nebraska in 1966 and 1967 were also negatively related to grain yields. Protein contents varied more widely among locations than among varieties at each location.

Estimates of Heterosis and Combining Ability in Winter Wheat1

From a seven‐parent diallel cross, using soft red, soft white, and hard red winter wheat varieties, 10 of the 21 F1 hybrids yielded significantly more grain than the better parent in a space‐planted experiment. The average yield of all hybrids was 24% greater than the better parent in each cross. Specific combining ability effects were significant for grain yield, kernel weight, pearling index, spike number, plant height in one year only, and heading date, but not significant for flour yield or micro‐alkaline water retention capacity (AWRC). General combining ability effects were significant for all of these characters. Tenn. 9 had good combining ability for grain yield but Morion did not. Soft red X soft red and soft red X hard red hybrids gave similar heterosis values, indicating that interclass diversity is not necessary for heterosis. Hybrids with early and late maturing parents produced greater heterosis for grain yield than hybrids with both early parents or both late parents. Milling and baking quality prediction tests indicated that hard X soft hybrids did not have desirable soft wheat quality. Pearling index, flour yield, and micro‐ AWRC were generally equal to the midparent values.

Regression Analysis of General Adaptation in Hard Red Winter Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) 1

The general adaptation of 12 hard red winter wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in regional performance nurseries was studied by regression analyses. Nursery mean yield was utilized as an index of environment. Linear regression coefficients were computed from yields of individual varieties on nursery mean yields at each location in each year. The regressions permitted comparisons of predicted varietal performance over a range of environments. Substantial progress in developing varieties with both improved stability of performance and high yield potential in the Central and Southern Plains could be shown. Less progress could be demonstratedin winter varieties for the Northern Plains. Some varieties whose mean yields, in regional tests were nearly equal, exhibited, sharply different yields when the levels of productivity (environments) were specified.

Quality Tests on Six Substitution Lines Involving ‘Cheyenne’ Wheat Chromosomes1

Mixing curves and baking tests were obtained for four substitution lines involving chromosomes 2A (XIII), 2B (II), 2D, and 7A of the hard red winter wheat variety Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell (aestivum group) ‘Cheyenne’ after four backcrosses to the ‘Chinese Spring’ variety. At the time of a previous report these lines had not had sufficient backcrosses. Tests also were made for the parental varieties, and for Cheyenne substitution lines 4B, which resembled Cheyenne, and 3D, which resembled Chinese Spring, in previous tests. Lines 2A, 2B, 2D and 7A were similar to Chinese Spring in mixing curve and baking characteristics, indicating that these Cheyenne chromosomes do not demonstrate any genetic control over the Cheyenne flour properties, at least when isolated from the rest of the complement.

Nitrogen Relations During Spring Growth in Varieties of Triticum aestivum L. Differing in Grain Protein Content1

Field‐grown hard red winter wheat varieties harvested at weekly intervals differed in plant nitrogen content, but the differences were not associated with the protein content of their grain. Plants of ‘Warrior,’ a low grain protein variety, were consistently higher in nitrogen thanhigher grain protein varieties. High protein derivatives of ‘Atlas 66’ ✕ ‘Comanche’ were intermediate or comparatively low in plant nitrogen. Their grain was significantly higher in nitrogen content than the low protein varieties throughout the grain development period. Nitrogen content of the grain first decreased from an initially high level, then increased during the last 3 weeks of grain maturation. In the high protein varieties the decrease was less pronounced and the subsequent increase more rapid than in the low protein varieties.