Improve Wheat Grain Research Articles

Multi‐Environment Analysis of Nutritional and Grain Quality Traits in Relation to Grain Yield Under Drought and Terminal Heat Stress in Bread Wheat and Durum Wheat

ABSTRACTHeat and drought are two important constraints to global wheat productivity; understanding the genotypic responses for quality parameters under harsh production conditions (drought and heat) is very important for developing nutrient‐dense wheat varieties. A set of 15 modern bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) cultivars were tested in nine environments, including three different production conditions (normal, heat and drought) during 2020–21. Genotype stability performance for yield, nutrition and quality parameters is assessed using multienvironment trials through AMMI and GGE Biplot analysis. We discovered intriguing stress dynamics in grain zinc content (Zn) and grain iron content (Fe). Under heat stress, zinc concentration increases but decreases under drought stress, while iron does the opposite. Selecting zinc, starch and kernel weight under terminal heat stress can boost yield. Protein content and yield are inversely related, making it difficult for breeders to optimise both traits. G × E interactions and stability indices across all environments have found genotypes with high‐yielding stable genotypes, G12 (MP1358) (42.09 ppm) and G5 (HI1544) (42.41 ppm) have high Fe content. G12 (MP1358) (14.98%) ranked highest in protein concentration. Meanwhile, for Zn content, G11 (MACS 4058) (45.23 ppm) and G15 (WH730) (42.44 ppm) were top performers across environments. G7 (HI 1636) and G12 (MP1358) stand out as a win‐win genotype for their high potential and stability in yield, protein, Zn and Fe content. Our study shows the complex relationships and possible suggestions for targeted breeding programmes under heat and drought stress conditions to improve wheat grain quality and micronutrient profiles without yield loss.

Preferentially expressed endosperm genes reveal unique activities in wheat endosperm during grain filling

BackgroundBread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) endosperm contains starch and proteins, which determine the final yield, quality, and nutritional value of wheat grain. The preferentially expressed endosperm genes can precisely provide targets in the endosperm for improving wheat grain quality and nutrition using modern bioengineering technologies. However, the genes specifically expressed in developing endosperms remain largely unknown.ResultsIn this study, 315 preferentially expressed endosperm genes (PEEGs) in the spring wheat landrace, Chinese Spring, were screened using data obtained from an open bioinformatics database, which reveals a unique grain reserve deposition process and special signal transduction in a developing wheat endosperm. Furthermore, transcription and accumulation of storage proteins in the wheat cultivar, XC26 were evaluated. The results revealed that 315 PEEG plays a critical role in storage protein fragment deposition and is a potential candidate for modifying grain quality and nutrition.ConclusionThese results provide new insights into endosperm development and candidate genes and promoters for improving wheat grain quality through genetic engineering and plant breeding techniques.

Improving wheat grain composition for human health by constructing a QTL atlas for essential minerals

Wheat is an important source of minerals for human nutrition and increasing grain mineral content can contribute to reducing mineral deficiencies. Here, we identify QTLs for mineral micronutrients in grain of wheat by determining the contents of six minerals in a total of eleven sample sets of three biparental populations from crosses between A.E. Watkins landraces and cv. Paragon. Twenty-three of the QTLs are mapped in two or more sample sets, with LOD scores above five in at least one set with the increasing alleles for sixteen of the QTLs being present in the landraces and seven in Paragon. Of these QTLs, the number for each mineral varies between three and five and they are located on 14 of the 21 chromosomes, with clusters on chromosomes 5A (four), 6A (three), and 7A (three). The gene content within 5 megabases of DNA on either side of the marker for the QTL with the highest LOD score is determined and the gene responsible for the strongest QTL (chromosome 5A for Ca) identified as an ATPase transporter gene (TraesCS5A02G543300) using mutagenesis. The identification of these QTLs, together with associated SNP markers and candidate genes, will facilitate the improvement of grain nutritional quality.

Introgression of chromosome 5P from Agropyron cristatum enhances grain weight in a wheat background.

A grain weight locus from Agropyron cristatum chromosome 5P increases grain weight in different wheat backgrounds and is localized to 5PL (bin 7-12). Thousand-grain weight is an important trait in wheat breeding, with a narrow genetic basis being the main factor limiting improvement. Agropyron cristatum, a wild relative of wheat, harbors many desirable genes for wheat improvement. Here, we found that the introduction of the 5P chromosome from A. cristatum into wheat significantly increased the thousand-grain weight by 2.55-7.10g, and grain length was the main contributor to grain weight. An increase in grain weight was demonstrated in two commercial wheat varieties, indicating that the grain weight locus was not affected by the wheat background. To identify the chromosome segment harboring the grain weight locus, three A. cristatum 5P deletion lines, two wheat-A. cristatum 5P translocation lines and genetic populations of these lines were used to evaluate agronomic traits. We found that the translocation lines harboring the long arm of A. cristatum chromosome 5P (5PL) exhibited high grain weight and grain length, and the genetic locus associated with increased grain weight was mapped to 5PL (bin 7-12). An increase in grain weight did not adversely affect other agronomic traits in translocation line 5PT2, which is a valuable germplasm resource. Overall, we identified a grain weight locus from chromosome 5PL and provided valuable germplasm for improving wheat grain weight.

Impacts of long-term chemical nitrogen fertilization on soil quality, crop yield, and greenhouse gas emissions: With insights into post-lime application responses

The improvement in the agricultural production through continuous and heavy nutrient input like nitrogen fertilizer under the upland red soil of south China deteriorates soil quality, and this practice in the future could threaten future food production and cause serious environmental problems in China. This research is initiated with the objectives of evaluating the impacts of long-term chemical nitrogen fertilization on soil quality, crop yield, and greenhouse gas emissions, with insights into post-lime application responses. Compared to sole application of chemical nitrogen fertilization, combined application with lime increased soil indicators (pH by 6.30 %–7.76 %, Ca2+ by 90.06 %–252.77 %, Mg2+ by 184.47 %–358.05 %, available P by 5.05 %–30.04 %, and soil alkali hydrolysable N by 23.49 %–41.55 %. Combined application of chemical nitrogen fertilization with lime (NPCa (0.59), NPKCa (0.61), and NKCa (0.27) significantly improved soil quality index compared to the sole application of chemical nitrogen fertilization (NP (0.31), NPK (0.36), and NK (0.16). Compared to sole application of chemical nitrogen fertilization, combined application with lime increased grain yield by 48.36 %–61.49 %. Structural equation modeling elucidated that combined application of chemical nitrogen fertilization and lime improved wheat grain yield by improving soil quality. Exchangeable Ca2+, exchangeable Mg2+, pH, and exchangeable Al3+ were the most influential factors of wheat grain yield. Overall, the combined application of chemical nitrogen fertilization and lime decreased global warming potential (calculated from N2O and CO2) by 16.92 % emissions compared to the sole application of chemical nitrogen fertilization. Therefore, liming acidic soil in upland red soil of South China is a promising management option for improved soil quality, wheat grain yield, and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Adoption of Cereal–Legume Double Cropping toward More Sustainable Organic Systems in the Mediterranean Area

Environmental benefits can be achieved by organic farming systems; however, weed pressure and timely crop nutrition remain important drawbacks for many field crops. Agroecological practices, such as double cropping (e.g., intercropping and relay cropping), using forage legume species can provide nitrogen (N) to the companion crop through biological N fixation and tackle weed issues by competing for light, water and land. The present study investigated the effect of intercropping (IC) and relay-cropping (RC) systems of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn) and forage legumes (Trifolium subterraneum L., Medicago polymorpha L., and Lotus corniculatus L.) by varying organic N fertilization with the aim to reduce N-requirement and weed pressure and increase wheat grain yield and grain protein content in Mediterranean organic farming systems. N fertilizer significantly improved wheat grain yield and grain protein, while a null effect on legume and weed biomass yields was found. Double cropping (T. durum-M. polymorpha, and T. durum-L. corniculatus) enhanced wheat grain yield as compared to the control and the T. durum-T. subterraneum. IC significantly improved legume yield, grain protein and the land equivalent ratio (LER) and reduced weed dry biomass as compared with the RC and the control. Among legume species, T. subterraneum outperformed the others and was less affected by the wheat’s competitive performance. Nonetheless, M. polymorpha was as effective as T. subterraneum in controlling weeds. Weed dry biomass was linearly reduced by increasing legume yield; the relationship improved by cumulating wheat grain yield to legume yield. Overall, this study indicated that double cropping, especially IC, can be a suitable agroecological practice to tackle weed issues and reduce N-requirement in Mediterranean organic cereal-based systems.

Biofortification of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes with zinc and manganese lead to improve the grain yield and quality in sandy loam soil

IntroductionMicronutrients particularly Zn and Mn play a vital role in agricultural plants as well as human beings. Categorization of existing genotypes in wheat toward Zn and Mn application is extremely important to select the most efficient Zn as well as Mn genotype with higher yield and quality.MethodsIn this study, the differentiation of 14 genotypes was done for nutrient use efficiency characteristics through two methods to identify the most efficient Zn and Mn wheat genotypes. The categorization of genotypes was done based on efficiency and responsiveness under control and Zn + Mn treated conditions.Results and discussionThe mean values of plant growth parameters, crop yield, nutrient concentration (Zn, Mn, N, P and K), quality parameters (crude fiber and protein content) and nutrient utilization efficiency were considerably greater in Zn + Mn treated plots signifying the higher response of traits toward Zn and Mn application. The interaction between genotype and Zn + Mn indicated that the application of Zn + Mn significantly affected the studied genotypes for different characteristics. The results of the study indicated that genotypes PBW-824, BWL-8855, PBW-872, PBW-869 and PBW Zn1 were efficient in terms of crop yield. Based on the quality parameters, genotypes PBW-824 and PBW-869 were the highest ranked among the studied genotypes. The identified Zn + Mn efficient genotypes would be valuable resources for higher crop production along with improved wheat grain quality.

Porous Minerals Improve Wheat Shoot Growth and Grain Yield through Affecting Soil Properties and Microbial Community in Coastal Saline Land

Soil salinization has become a major environmental factor severely threatening global food security. The application of porous minerals could significantly ameliorate soil fertility and promote plant productivity under salt stress conditions. However, the effects of porous minerals on improving the salt resistance of grain crops in coastal saline soils is not fully studied. In this work, the shoot growth and grain yield of wheat plants grown in coastal saline fields, respectively amended with the four naturally available porous minerals, diatomite, montmorillonite, bentonite and zeolite, were assessed. The application of porous minerals, especially zeolite, significantly improved the biomass and grain yield of wheat plants under saline conditions, as demonstrated by the augmented plant fresh mass (14.8~61.2%) and increased seed size (3.8~58.8%) and number (1.4~57.5%). Soil property analyses exhibited that porous-mineral amendment decreased soil sodium content and sodium absorption ratio, and increased soil nutrients in both the rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere of wheat plants. Further quantitative-PCR and 16S high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that porous-mineral application also remarkably increased the abundance of bacterial 16S rRNA (0.8~102.4%) and fungal 18S rRNA (89.2~209.6%), and altered the composition of the soil microbial community in the rhizosphere of wheat. Our findings suggest that zeolite could be used as an ideal salt soil amendment, and the changes in soil properties and microorganisms caused by the application of porous minerals like zeolite improved the salt resistance of wheat plants in coastal saline land, leading to increased shoot growth and seed production.

TaSPL17s act redundantly with TaSPL14s to control spike development and their elite haplotypes may improve wheat grain yield.

Wheat is a staple crop for the world's population, and there is constant pressure to improve grain yield, which is largely determined by plant architecture. SQUAMOSA promotor-binding protein-like (SPL) genes have been widely studied in rice, including their effects on plant architecture, grain development, and grain yield. However, the function of SPL homologous genes in wheat has not been well investigated. In this study, TaSPL14s and TaSPL17s, wheat's closest orthologous of OsSPL14, were functionally investigated using gene-editing assays, revealing that these genes redundantly influence plant height, tiller number, spike length, and thousand-grain weight (TGW). Bract outgrowth was frequently observed in the hexa-mutant, occasionally in the quintuple mutant but never in the wild type. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of many spike development-associated genes was altered in taspl14taspl17 hexa-mutants compared to that in the wild type. In addition, we analyzed the sequence polymorphisms of TaSPL14s and TaSPL17s among wheat germplasm and found superior haplotypes of TaSPL17-A and TaSPL17-D with significantly higher TGW, which had been positively selected during wheat breeding. Accordingly, dCAPS and KASP markers were developed for TaSPL17-A and TaSPL17-D, respectively, providing a novel insight for molecular marker-assisted breeding in wheat. Overall, our results highlight the role of TaSPLs in regulating plant architecture and their potential application for wheat grain yield improvement through molecular breeding.

Nutrient management: as a panacea to improve the caryopsis quality and yield potential of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) under the changing climatic conditions.

The increasing human population and the changing climate, which have given rise to frequent drought spells, pose a serious threat to global food security, while identification of high-yielding drought-tolerant genotypes coupled with nutrient management remains a proficient approach to cope with these challenges. An increase in seasonal temperature, recurring drought stress, and elevated atmospheric CO2 are alarmingly affecting durum wheat production, productivity, grain quality, and the human systems it supports. An increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide can improve wheat grain yield in a certain amount, but the right amount of nutrients, water, and other required conditions should be met to realize this benefit. Nutrients including nitrogen, silicon, and sulfur supply could alleviate the adverse effects of abiotic stress by enhancing antioxidant defense and improving nitrogen assimilation, although the effects on plant tolerance to drought stress varied with nitrogen ionic forms. The application of sewage sludge to durum wheat also positively impacts its drought stress tolerance by triggering high accumulation of osmoregulators, improving water retention capacity in the soil, and promoting root growth. These beneficial effect of nutrients contribute to durum wheat ability to withstand and recover from abiotic stress conditions, ultimately enhance its productivity and resilience. While these nutrients can provide benefits when applied in appropriate amounts, their excessive use can lead to adverse environmental consequences. Advanced technologies such as precision nutrient management, unmanned aerial vehicle-based spraying, and anaerobic digestion play significant roles in reducing the negative effects associated with nutrients like sewage sludge, zinc, nanoparticles and silicon fertilizers. Hence, nutrient management practices offer significant potential to enhance the caryopsis quality and yield potential of durum wheat. Through implementing tailored nutrient management strategies, farmers, breeders, and agronomists can contribute to sustainable durum wheat production, ensuring food security and maintaining the economic viability of the crop under the changing climatic conditions.

Effect of deficit saline irrigation, tillage and rice straw mulch in wheat‐sorghum cropping system on yield and nutritive value of rainfed forage sorghum in salt‐affected soils

AbstractSoil and groundwater salinity associated with limited rainfall are the challenges for checking salinity build‐up in semi‐arid regions. This field experiment was conducted to test the impact of deficit saline irrigation (DSI) (in winter) with mulching and tillage on salinity build‐up, yield and nutritive value of rainfed‐forage sorghum. Tillage (reduced, conventional and zero), saline water (8.0 dS m−1) irrigation (100%, 80% and 60% of water requirement [WR] in wheat) and mulch were allocated following split factorial layout. DSI with mulching produced at par wheat and sorghum yield compared with 100WR irrigation with harvested rainwater. Mulching improved wheat grain yield and the soil water content by ~13% throughout the cropping season. Forage sorghum yield was increased by DSI and mulching in the previous season compared with irrigation with 100WR saline water. Reduced tillage declined the neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) with an increase in cell soluble constituents. DSI and mulching also increased the digestible nutrient, crude protein (CP), ash and reduced ADF of sorghum. Soil salinity showed a negative correlation with CP, positive correlation with ADF, ADL and cellulose. Therefore, it is recommended that DSI and reduced tillage with mulching can be a reliable option for productive use of saline soils and water by cropping system intensification. These results also showed the potential for achieving 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals as well as targets of land degradation neutrality in salt‐affected soils by savings irrigation, doubling cropping intensity and preventing salinity build‐up.

Improving Wheat Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency by Optimizing the Fertigation Frequency Using Center Pivot Irrigation System

High efficient nitrogen (N) application method and proper N management strategies can further reduce the losses and enhance N use efficiency. Field experiments were conducted in the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 growing seasons to evaluate the effects of four fertigation frequencies treatments (FT-1: all the topdressing N was applied at the jointing stage; FT-2: 67% and 33% of the topdressing N was applied at the jointing and filling stages; FT-3: 33%, 50% and 17% of the topdressing N was applied at the regreening, jointing and filling stages; FT-4: 33%, 33%, 17% and 17% of the topdressing N were applied at the regreening, jointing, anthesis and filling stages) on wheat yield, water use efficiency (WUE), partial productivity of N fertilizer (PFPN) and N harvest index (NHI). In addition, one-time topdressing by surface broadcasting at the jointing stage was set up as a control (BC-1). The results showed that FT-3 and FT-4 supplied sufficient NO3−-N in the 0–40 cm soil layer, which reduced the risk of soil NO3−-N leaching to the deeper layers. FT-4 had the highest grain yield, WUE, PFPN and NHI, with average values of 9153.4 kg ha−1, 2.1 kg m−3, 0.74 kg kg−1 and 31.3 kg kg−1, respectively, followed by these values corresponding to the FT-3 in two years. These findings suggest that topdressing N split with 3–4 times, that is to say applying approximately 16.7% of topdressing N in anthesis and filling stages, respectively by the center pivot fertigation method can significantly improve yield, WUE, PFPN and NHI.

Selenate and Selenite Induced Differential Morphophysiological Modifications to Mitigate Arsenic Toxicity and Uptake by Wheat

ABSTRACT This study (pot experiment) investigated and compared the effectiveness of Se(VI) and Se(IV) application at a rate of 1.25 mg Se kg−1 soil on growth, physiology, yield and As uptake by spring wheat on an uncontaminated and As-contaminated (1.5 mg kg−1) soil. Selenate improved wheat grain yield, relative water contents, membrane stability index, total chlorophylls, and antioxidant activities up to 43%, 18.6%, 9.5%, 16.4% and 15–46%, respectively, compared to control under As-contaminated soil. As compared to Se(IV), in accordance with above results, Se(VI) application resulted in 5-fold higher grain Se concentration and 4.4-fold higher grain Se uptake, which are partially explained by 1.3-fold higher root to grain Se translocation factor in Se(VI)-fed plants under As-contaminated soil. Concomitantly, Se(VI) offered a stronger competitive effect on As uptake thereby reducing its concentration in grains by 11% and in shoots by 44%. Translocation factor of As from root to shoots and to grains was 33% and 14.2%, respectively lesser in Se(VI)-fed plants. Thus, it is concluded that Se(VI) application, through its beneficial effects on root morphological traits, improvement in antioxidant activity and physiological behavior, is highly effective in reducing As toxicity on yield and As accumulation in wheat grains.

Normalized difference vegetation index sensor-based nitrogen management in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Nutrient uptake, use efficiency, and partial nutrient balance.

The present experiment was conducted to assess the impact of fixed and variable doses (using a normalized difference vegetation index-sensor) of nitrogen (N) on wheat yields, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil nitrogen balance through the optimization of nitrogen dose. There were 10 treatments based on fixed and variable doses with different splits, and each treatment was replicated three times under a randomized complete block design. The treatments comprised fixed doses of 120 and 150kgNha-1 with different splits; variable doses based on sensor readings after application of 60, 90, and 120kgNha-1; 225kgNha-1 as a nitrogen-rich control; and no application of nitrogen as the absolute control. It was revealed that the application of a basal dose of 60kgNha-1 and another 60kgNha-1 at the crown root initiation stage followed by a sensor-guided N application significantly improved wheat grain yields and grain nitrogen uptake. However, straw nitrogen uptake was highest in N-rich plots where 225kgNha-1was applied. It was found that any curtailment in these doses at basal and crown root initiation stages followed by nitrogen application using a normalized difference vegetation index sensor later could not bring about higher crop yields. On average, wheat crops responded to 152-155kgNha-1 in both years of the study. Partial factor productivity along with agronomic and economic nitrogen use efficiency showed a declining trend with an increased rate of N application. Apparent N recovery values were comparable between normalized difference vegetation index sensor-based N application treatments and treatments receiving lesser N doses. Soil N status decreased in all the treatments except the nitrogen-rich strip, where there was a marginal increase in soil N status after the wheat crop harvest in the rotation. Partial nitrogen balance was negative for all the treatments except the control. From these 2-year field trials, it can be concluded that applying a normalized difference vegetation index sensor could be an essential tool for the rational management of fertilizer nitrogen in wheat grown in eastern sub-Himalayan plains.

Identification of genetic loci for grain yield-related traits in the wheat population Zhongmai 578/Jimai 22

The identification of stable quantitative trait locus (QTL) for yield-related traits and tightly linked molecular markers is important for improving wheat grain yield. In the present study, six yield-related traits in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the Zhongmai 578/Jimai 22 cross were phenotyped in five environments. The parents and 262 RILs were genotyped using the wheat 50K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. A high-density genetic map was constructed with 1 501 non-redundant bin markers, spanning 2 384.95 cM. Fifty-three QTLs for six yield-related traits were mapped on chromosomes 1D (2), 2A (9), 2B (6), 2D, 3A (2), 3B (2), 4A (5), 4D, 5B (8), 5D (2), 7A (7), 7B (3) and 7D (5), which explained 2.7–25.5% of the phenotypic variances. Among the 53 QTLs, 23 were detected in at least three environments, including seven for thousand-kernel weight (TKW), four for kernel length (KL), four for kernel width (KW), three for average grain filling rate (GFR), one for kernel number per spike (KNS) and four for plant height (PH). The stable QTLs QKl.caas-2A.1, QKl.caas-7D, QKw.caas-7D, QGfr.caas-2B.1, QGfr.caas-4A, QGfr.caas-7A and QPh.caas-2A.1 are likely to be new loci. Six QTL-rich regions on 2A, 2B, 4A, 5B, 7A and 7D, showed pleiotropic effects on various yield traits. TaSus2-2B and WAPO-A1 are potential candidate genes for the pleiotropic regions on 2B and 7A, respectively. The pleiotropic QTL on 7D for TKW, KL, KW and PH was verified in a natural population. The results of this study enrich our knowledge of the genetic basis underlying yield-related traits and provide molecular markers for high-yield wheat breeding.

Assessing performance and stability of yellow rust resistance, heat tolerance, and agronomic performance in diverse bread wheat genotypes for enhancing resilience to climate change under Egyptian conditions.

Yellow rust and heat stress adversatively impact the growth and production of bread wheat in particular under rising adverse environmental conditions. Stability of grain yield is a pivotal purpose of plant breeders to improve wheat production and ensure global food security especially under abrupt climate change. The objective of this study was to assess the performance and stability of diverse bread wheat genotypes for yellow rust resistance, heat stress, and yield traits. The studied genotypes were evaluated in two different locations under two sowing dates (timely and late sowing) during two growing seasons. The obtained results displayed significant differences among the tested locations, sowing dates, and genotypes for most measured traits. The yellow rust measurements evaluated under the field conditions including final rust severity (FRS), the average coefficient of infection (ACI), and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) revealed that Giza-171, Misr-1, Gemmeiza-12, Shandweel-1, Sids-13, Line-1, Line-2, and Line-55 had better resistance. Based on heat sensitivity measurements, Line-1 and Line-2 followed by Line-35, Shandweel-1 and Line-55 were classified as more tolerant to heat stress compared with the remaining genotypes. The genotypes Line-55, Gemmeiza-12, Giza-171, Line-1, Line-2, and Misr-1 were able to maintain acceptable agronomic performance under timely and late sowing dates in all evaluated environments. Different statistical procedures were employed to explore the adaptability and stability of tested genotypes i.e., joint regression, stratified ranking, Wricke's Ecovalence values, cultivar superiority, additive main effects, and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), AMMI stability value, and genotype plus genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE). The applied stability parameters were quite similar for describing the stability of the evaluated wheat genotypes. The results indicated that Gemmeiza-12, Giza-171, Sids-12, Sids-13, Misr-1 Shandweel-1, Line-1, Line-2, and Line-55 were desirable and stable. The heatmap and hierarchical clustering were exploited for dividing the evaluated bread wheat genotypes into different clusters based on yellow rust resistance measurements, heat tolerance indices, and agronomic performance. Line-1 and Line-2 had the best performance for all rust resistance, heat tolerance, and agronomic performance followed by Giza-171, Line-55, Line-35, Gemmeiza-12, Shandweel-1, Misr-1, and Sids-13. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence of utilizing promising genotypes in rust resistance, heat tolerance, and agronomic performance in breeding programs for improving wheat grain yield stability mainly under climate change.

Impact of plastic sheet mulching on grain Zn concentration, P/Zn ratio and Zn uptake in dryland grown winter wheat

High yield and grain quality are the targets in wheat production. Plastic sheet mulching has improved wheat grain yield in under dryland agriculture, but its impact on grain quality, particularly grain zinc (Zn) concentration is not well known. Seven-site field experiments were conducted during 2014–2016 on drylands of three provinces in the Loess Plateau of China to examine the effect of plastic sheet mulching on wheat grain Zn concentration under different N applications. A split-plot design was adopted with the two main plots (no mulching and plastic sheet mulching) and the subplots with different N application rate. Measurements of Zn uptake, Zn remobilization, Zn distribution to the grain and bioavailability were made, together with biomass, yield and yield components. Study found plastic sheet mulching reduced the grain Zn concentration, and increased the molar ratio of P/Zn, decreasing the Zn bioavailability. Plastic sheet mulching also increased the aboveground Zn accumulation at anthesis by 14.4 %, the straw Zn accumulation at maturity by 14.8 % and the Zn remobilization to the grain by14.2 % but did not affect the availability of soil Zn. For each 100 kg N ha −1 applied under plastic sheet mulching, the grain Zn concentration, the Zn requirement, the aboveground Zn accumulation and remobilization to the grain increased by 3.6 mg kg −1 , 2.8 g Mg −1 , 6.6 g ha −1 and 3.8 g ha −1 , respectively. Aboveground Zn accumulation at maturity and post-anthesis Zn uptake varied with N rates in a linear-plus-plateau model. The reduction in post-anthesis Zn uptake and Zn harvest index were the factors leading to the decrease in grain Zn concentration under plastic sheet mulching. Consequently, under plastic sheet mulching, a rational N fertilizer strategy should be considered to improve the grain Zn concentration in wheat grown in dryland. • Plastic sheet mulching reduces wheat grain Zn bioavailability. • Post-anthesis Zn uptake and Zn harvest index influence wheat grain Zn content. • Rational N fertilization can improve grain Zn content and bioavailability in wheat. • Grain Zn content increased linearly with glutenin content in wheat grain.

Recent developments on the contribution of glutenin and puroindoline proteins to improve wheat grain quality

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWheat is most staple food crop for making different end products. The major factors determining the wheat flour end‐use are glutenins and puroindolines. It is very important to identify the composition, variation, and functional characteristics of these key factors.FindingsThe glutenin subunits comprise two subgroups—high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS), and low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW‐GS). Puroindolines genes depict a wide diversity of both PINA and PINB allelic forms. The prevalence and relative proportions of these types may vary depending on several genetic and environmental factors.ConclusionCurrent review summarizes recently published research on the impact of glutenin genes governing gluten strength and puroindolines genes related to grain softness. It encompasses recent reports on the development of DNA‐based molecular markers utilized to identify novel alleles associated with HMW‐GS, LMW‐GS, and puroindoline genes in diverse wheat genotypes.Significance and NoveltySubstantial advancements have been made to identify associations between gene expression and grain quality and to develop improved wheat grain quality lines. Nevertheless, a novel marker system such as multiplex polymerase chain reaction and high throughput analysis is needed to screen large numbers of markers at low cost for rapid and precise analysis of germplasm, mapping, and marker‐assisted selection.

Comparing the Effects of Different Organic Mulching Materials on Weed Control, Soil Moisture Conservation, and Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Productivity in the Moisture Deficit Areas

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity, in water deficit areas such as Ethiopia, is threatened by low soil fertility, weed infestation and moisture stress. Organic Mulch was believed to avert these challenges but only limited scientific information, on its level of effects (crop yield, soil moisture conservation and weed control), was available. Hence, an experiment was carried out on Cambisols in Tigray/Ethiopia during the 2019/20 growing season following a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Four organic mulch types (maize stalk, sorghum stalk, wheat straw, and finger millet straw), each at the rates of 2 ton ha-1 were compared against the control (no mulch). Their economic visibility was evaluated using partial budget analysis. Our experimental results revealed that mulched plots had a significantly higher weed control efficiency, soil moisture content, grain yield, and net benefit as compared to the control. Mulching in general improved Wheat grain yield by 26.8%, soil moisture (at 0 – 20 cm) by 73.7%, weed control efficiency by 57.4%, and net benefit by 19.7% as compared to the control. Maize and sorghum stover mulches were the most profitable mulch types which increased net benefit by 38.2 and 27.6%, respectively. It can be concluded that organic mulching with Maize and Sorghum stover is a good option to improve crop production, soil moisture and reduce weed infestation in the moisture deficit areas.

Effects of different forms and application methods of selenium fertilizers on wheat selenium uptake and utilization and its residual availability

<p id="C3">A two-year positioning field experiment was conducted to determine the reasonable regulation measures of selenium (Se) fertilizer for improving wheat grain Se nutrition, and to explore the feasibilities of different Se application approaches in Se agronomic biofortification of wheat grown in the typical Se-deficient soils of Yongshou County, Shaanxi Province. To study the effects of different forms and application methods of Se fertilizers on wheat yield, Se concentration and its accumulation and utilization, with the goal of producing wheat grain with Se concentration of 100 μg kg ^-1, five Se application rates of 0, 15, 18, 700, and 45 g hm^-2 were calculated for the treatments of no Se application (control), soil- and foliar-sodium selenate, and soil- and foliar-sodium selenite in the first year, respectively. In the following wheat season, for further investigating the residual Se availability, no Se fertilizer was applied and each plot was divided into straw removal and straw return. These results showed that the wheat grain yield and straw biomass were not influenced by Se forms and application methods. For the first wheat season, grain Se concentration reached the expected target value with a range of 109-397 μg kg ^-1, and the flour Se concentration varied from 101 μg kg ^-1 to 356 μg kg ^-1 for all the Se application treatments. In the next year, both grain and white flour Se concentrations were 100 μg kg ^-1 higher than under the treatment of soil-sodium selenite, and there was no significant difference of straw removal and straw return. Grain Se biofortification index was 4.7, 16, 0.3, 8.0 (μg kg^-1) (g hm^-2)^-1 for soil- and foliar-sodium selenate, and soil- and foliar-sodium selenite, respectively. The Se use efficiency was the highest for foliar-sodium selenate (7.3%), whereas its cumulative use efficiency was only 0.3% in soil-sodium selenite treatment with the long-term residue effects. At wheat harvest, the highest soil available Se was observed for soil-sodium selenite, with 91 μg kg ^-1 and 107 μg kg ^-1 for the straw removal and straw return, respectively. In conclusion, both soil- and foliar-sodium selenate /selenite were beneficial for producing wheat grain with target Se concentration of 100 μg kg ^-1, and the sodium selenite requirement was the highest, and its residual availability should be taken into consideration for Se biofortification in wheat production in the Se-deficient area of Chinese Loess Plateau.