Wheat Quality Research Articles

Improving Process-Based Modelling to Simulate the Effects of Low-Temperature Stress During Pre-Anthesis on the Quality Characteristics of Wheat Grains.

Low temperatures in late spring pose a potential threat to the maintenance of grain yield and quality. Despite the importance of protein and starch in wheat quality, they are often overlooked in models addressing climate change effects. In this study, we conducted multiyear environment-controlled phytotron experiments and observed adverse effects resulting from low-temperature stress (LTS) on plant carbon and nitrogen dynamics, grain protein and starch formation, and sink capacity. We quantified the relationships between low temperature during the jointing and booting stages and plant nitrogen uptake, grain nitrogen accumulation, grain starch accumulation, grain setting, and potential grain weight using source-sink relationship-based methods. The LTS factor was introduced to account for the cultivar-specific to LTS at different growth stages. Compared with the original model, the improved model produced fewer errors when simulating aboveground nitrogen accumulation, grain protein concentration, grain starch concentration, grain starch yield, grain number, and grain weight under LTS, with reductions of 60%, 71%, 73%, 58%, 50% and 65%, respectively. The improvements in the model enhance its mechanism and applicability in assessing short-term successive frost effects on wheat grain quality. Furthermore, when using the improved model, special attention should be given to the low-temperature sensitivity parameters.

EFFECTS OF SOWING DATE AND LOCATIONS ON THE SELECTED WHEAT CULTIVARS QUALITY PERFORMANCE

The current study was aimed assessing the effects of cultivars, sowing date and locations on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L) quality parameters grain protein concentration (GP), Gluten Index GI, falling number (FN), Water absorption capacity (WAC %), Pasting temperature (PT), and loaf volume (LV) of five bread wheat cultivars viz. Alla, Hassad, Charmo, Maaroof, and Adana as control, two sowing dates (Nov 15th, Dec 15th) at each location under rainfed environment. Grain samples were obtained from previous field experiments were conducted at two locations of Sulaimani Governate in Iraq-Kurdistan-region, Qlyasan and Halabja, during growing seasons 2018-2019. The experiments were conducted using RCBD within split plot arrangement with three replicates. Result for companied analysis, showed that cultivars sowing date, locations, the interactions CS, CL, and SL and tri-interaction CSL were high significantly affects to all quality traits except GP for location, LV for SL and GP for CS interaction, which were non-significant. The results confirmed that sowing wheat lately is an accept option for maximizing GP, GI, PT, and LV, while, optimum sowing was increasing FN and WA traits, regardless of cultivar or location. Wheat grown at Qlyasan appeared to have more GP content, FN, WA, PT, and LV, while Halabja location to have stronger gluten quality (GI). The di-interactions viz. CS, CL, and SL and tri-interaction CSL played a significant important role in changing or modifying the values of the quality traits.

World practice of wheat flour classification

The paper presents a review of wheat classification accepted in various countries — producers of wheat and products of its processing (USA, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, China and others). Much attention is given to differences in the classification systems. Criteria for assigning wheat to certain classes based on physical and chemical properties of grain are examined. Differences in wheat classification by types, including morphological features and merits of grain such as size, color and gluten content, are highlighted. The authors discuss specific requirements and norms of wheat quality dictated by the regulatory authorities and requirements of the market of each country such as the mass fraction of moisture, content of impurities, density of grain and others. Based on the analysis of wheat classification in various world countries, it has been concluded that it is necessary to establish unified and generally accepted systems of wheat classification. This will allow simplifying international grain trade, make the market more transparent, strengthen trust between exporting and importing countries and will also facilitate the development of the international cooperation in the sphere of production and processing of wheat flour. Despite the wide assortment of flour confectionery products on the Russian market, baker’s flour of general purpose is mainly produced in the country. Its specific feature is a high content of flour from hard wheat varieties that are distinguished by higher protein content, strong gluten and large particle size. By its properties, this flour is not suitable for production of most flour confectionery products. Flour confectionery products produced from it are significantly inferior to import analogues in terms of their quality characteristics, which reduces their competitiveness. This dictates the need for the development of a standard for flour intended for production of confectionery products, which will include physico-chemical indicators for various flour types with consideration for their purpose.

Uncovering seed vigor responsive miRNA in hybrid wheat and its parents by deep sequencing

BackgroundTwo-line hybrid wheat technology system is one way to harness wheat heterosis both domestically and internationally. Seed vigor is a crucial parameter for assessing seed quality, as enhanced seed vigor can lead to yield increments of over 20% to a certain extent. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were known to participate in the development and vigor of seed in plants, but its impact on seed vigor in two-line hybrid wheat remains poorly elucidated.ResultsThe hybrid (BS1453/11GF5135) wheat exhibited superiority in seed vigor and anti-aging capacity, compared to its male parent (11GF5135, MP) and female parent (BS1453, FP). We identified four miRNAs associated with seed vigor, all of which are novel miRNAs. The majority of targets of miRNAs were related to ubiquitin ligases, kinases, sucrose synthases and hydrolases, involving in starch and sucrose metabolism, hydrolysis, catalysis, plant hormone signal transduction, and other pathways, which played crucial roles in seed development. Additionally, we also found miR531 was differentially expressed in both male parent and hybrid, and its target gene was a component of the E1 subunit of α-ketoate dehydrogenase complex, which interacted with dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase (E2) and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (E3). Finally, We established a presumptive interaction model to speculate the relationship of miR531 and seed vigor.ConclusionsThis study analyzed the seed vigor of two-line hybrid wheat, and screened seed vigor-related miRNAs. Meanwhile speculated the genetic relationship of hybrid and parents, in terms of miRNAs. Consequently, the present study provides new insights into the miRNA-mediated gene and protein interaction network that regulates seed vigor. These findings hold significance for enhancing the yield and quality of two-line hybrid wheat, facilitating its future applications.

Impact of multi-frequency ultrasound processing with different treatment times on the structural quality of frozen wheat dough

This study investigates the effects of multi-frequency ultrasound treatment on the quality of frozen dough. We analyzed frozen wheat dough comprehensively for texture, viscosity, rheology, and structural quality characteristics under multi-frequency ultrasound (20 kHz, 20/40 kHz, and 20/40/60 kHz) with different treatment times (10, 20, and 30 mins). The dough treated with multi-frequency ultrasound increased elasticity and reduced hardness. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that 20/40/60 kHz for 30 min minimized freezing-induced morphological damage, decreased the tan δ in rheological analysis, and led to higher pasting and gelatinization enthalpy in starch granules, resulting in a more cohesive structure and lower free water content. Frozen dough hardness decreased by 52.1 %, which is associated with the control frozen dough with ultrasound frequency and duration changes. The spectral peaks in wheat flour frozen dough treated with single, dual, and tri-frequency ultrasound had the same forms and positions as the control samples but were arranged in an orderly manner. This study demonstrates the potential of multi-frequency ultrasound to enhance the quality of wheat frozen dough by mitigating freezing-induced deteriorations, offering a promising approach to improving the processing of frozen dough.

Microbiomes-Plant Interactions and K-Humate Application for Salinity Stress Mitigation and Yield Enhancement in Wheat and Faba Bean in Egypt’s Northeastern Delta

Salinity, resulting from climate change and excessive mineral fertilization, burdens farmers and negatively impacts soil and water ecosystems in the Northeastern Nile Delta. Organic and biological approaches are crucial for addressing these issues. This study examined the effects of individual and combined inoculations with cyanobacteria, yeast, and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), with or without K-Humate and reducing Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) mineral fertilizers application rates to crop quality of wheat and faba bean. In preliminary laboratory experiments, the interactive effects of these microbiomes on plant antioxidant and soil enzyme production were examined under salinity stress. Results showed that co-inoculation, especially with K-Humate, yielded superior outcomes compared to individual inoculations. These findings were validated by a field trial conducted in saline-alkaline soil in the Northeastern Nile Delta region. All biological treatments 25% of recommended doses, and enhancing salinity tolerance, increasing yield, and improving enhanced rhizosphere microbial activity, including soil enzyme activity, AMF colonization, spore density, and the total numbers of bacteria, cyanobacteria, and yeast. These effects were further amplified by K-Humate and were more pronounced with combined inoculations than with individual ones, leading to improved soil fertility and significant increases in both crop quantity and quality compared to control treatments. The triple treatment, combining cyanobacteria, yeast, and mycorrhizae in the presence of K-Humate while reducing the mineral NPK rate by 75%, achieved superior increases in the productivity of wheat grains and faba bean seeds, reaching 54.72% and 128.92%, respectively, compared to the 100% NPK mineral control. This treatment also significantly improved crop quality, with notable increases in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and protein percentages in wheat grains and faba bean seeds. Microbiomes-interaction increased potassium uptake over sodium, enhancing the plant’s potassium/sodium ratio and improving salt stress tolerance. This approach reduces reliance on costly mineral fertilizers, enabling bio-organic farming in marginal lands, optimizing resource utilization, and preserving natural resources.

Decoding wheat contamination through self-assembled whole-cell biosensor combined with linear and non-linear machine learning algorithms

The contamination of mycotoxins is a serious problem around the world. It has detrimental effects on human beings and leads to tremendous economic loss. It is essential to develop a rapid and non-destructive method for contamination recognition particularly for early alarm. In this study, the whole-cell biosensor array was constructed and employed for rapid recognition of wheat contamination by combining with machine learning algorithms. Seven key VOCs were explored through univariate coupling to multivariate analysis of orthogonal partial least squares-discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) models. The promoters of dnaK, katG, oxyR, soxS obtained from the stress-responsive of key VOCs were fused to the bacterial operon and fabricated on the whole-cell biosensor. The constructed whole-cell biosensor array was consisted with four kinds of sensors and 18 sensor unit. The bioluminescent intensity combined with linear machine learning algorithm of partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and non-linear algorithms of back propagating artificial neural network (BP-ANN) and least square support vector machine (LS-SVM) were employed to establish discrimination models for mold contamination especially for early warning. The Monte-Carlo strategy was performed to generate thirty subsets for modeling to give more reliable results. As a result, the whole-cell biosensor combined with non-linear algorithm of LS-SVM was practicable for detecting mold identification for wheat early-warning with the accuracy of 97.24%. Additionally, this study provides practical and effective methods not only for wheat quality guarantee and supervision but also for other foodstuffs.

Phenological Adaptation of Wheat Varieties to Rising Temperatures: Implications for Yield Components and Grain Quality.

This study examined the effects of late sowing, water restrictions, and interannual weather variations on wheat grain yield and quality through field trials in Spain over two growing seasons. Delayed sowing and water scarcity significantly reduced yields, with grain quality mainly affected under rainfed conditions. Early-maturing varieties performed better in these conditions, benefiting from lower temperatures and extended grain-filling periods, leading to higher solar radiation interception, potentially increased photosynthetic activity, and improved yields. These varieties also saved water through reduced total cumulative evapotranspiration from sowing to maturity (ETo TOT), which was advantageous in water-limited environments. In contrast, late-maturing varieties were exposed to higher maximum temperatures during grain filling and experienced greater ETo TOT, leading to lower yields, reduced hectoliter weight, and a lower P/L ratio (tenacity/extensibility). This study highlighted the importance of optimizing temperature exposure and evapotranspiration for improved grain yield and quality, especially under climate change conditions with higher temperatures and water shortages. Notably, it established, for the first time, the importance of phenology on wheat quality of different varieties, suggesting that targeted selection for specific phenology could mitigate the negative impacts of heat stress not only on grain yield but also on grain quality.

A major falling number locus on chromosome 4B governs resistance to pre-harvest sprouting in bread wheat line Soru#1

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a serious threat to wheat quality and occurs when maturing seeds on plants encounter substantial rain before harvest. In the present study, the genetics of PHS resistance were studied using a population of 131 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between Soru#1 and Naxos. The population was genotyped with the Illumina 90 K and Axiom 35 K wheat SNP arrays and tested in field trials across two locations in Norway and one in China. Seed dormancy as a measure of sprouting damage was evaluated using germination index (GI) and falling number (FN). Days to heading, days to maturity, and plant height were also recorded to evaluate their potential impact on PHS. Thirteen PHS-related quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected. The most consistent QTL for FN, contributed by Soru#1, on the long arm of chromosome 4B explained 10.0–19.2% of the phenotypic variation across trials. Other important PHS resistance QTL from Soru#1 detected on chromosome arms 2AL, 2BL, and 4BS, affected both GI and FN. Naxos carried favorable QTL alleles for PHS resistance on chromosome arm 4AS and the Phs1 allele on 4AL. The reduced height Rht-D1 and vernalization Vrn-A1 alleles were the major determinants of plant height and earliness; however, these traits had minimal impact on the genetic control of PHS resistance in this population. Thus, both parents contributed valuable alleles for improving PHS resistance in breeding programs.

Enriched Linz-Donawitz (LD) slag application for improving grain yield and quality of wheat grown under nutritionally poor degraded soil

Aim: To evaluate the impact of enriched steel slag on the physico-chemical characteristics of soil and yield attributes of wheat under poor quality degraded soil. Methodology: Steel slag was biologically and organically amended with natural sources of phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) and characterized for its nutrient content along with biological activity. The impact of resultant products was assessed on soil quality and yield component traits of wheat for two consecutive years (2021-2022 and 2022-23). Results: Application of slag based products significantly (p<0.05) improved the plant height, biological yield, grain yield and ear bearing tillers (EBT) of wheat even with 80% of recommended fertilizer dose (NPK). Further, in comparison to control, a moderation of soil pH (8.6 to 8.8), EC (0.18 to 0.20 dS m-1), OC (0.22 to 0.24 %) and essential mineral macronutrients viz., N (126 to 130 kg N ha-1), P (8.0 to 13.0 kg ha-1), K (100 to 125 kg ha-1) were observed with the application of amended steel slag products. No significant change with respect to existing heavy metal concentration viz., Co, Ni, Cd and Pb in soil was observed when supplemented with amended slag products. Interpretation: Steel slag can be transformed favorably for on-farm application to improve wheat yield besides serving as an environmentally sustainable alternate of soil conditioner for the management of degraded soil. Key words: Degraded soil, Heavy metals, Steel slag, Waste management, Wheat

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield, Quality and Soil Properties of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Background: The concept of combined use of both organic and inorganic fertilizer should be followed to prevent severe health hazards and to protect the environment. The combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers is an effective way to maintain nutrient supply, gives organic carbon to soil microbes and mobilizes soil-bound nutrients on decomposition through the release of organic acid. Combined use refers to combining all available nutrient sources, such as organic and inorganic sources with components in a prudent manner to create an environment that is both environmentally sound and economically ideal for farming. Methods: The experiment was conducted at the research farm of the School of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab) during rabi season in the year 2021-2022. The objective of the study was to evaluate the "Effect of organic and inorganic source of nitrogen on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)". Data recorded on different aspects of crop, viz., growth, yield attributes, yield, quality as well as soil chemical properties were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. Result: Among various treatments 25% RDN with vermicompost + 75% RDN from inorganic fertilizers showed a significant impact on the growth and yield parameters of wheat crop. Significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height, number of tillers m-2, dry matter and relative growth rate were observed in T12 (25% RDN with vermicompost + 75% RDN from inorganic fertilizers) of crop. It was also showed higher significant impact on yield attributes i.e., number of effective tillers-2, grain yield, straw yield, harvest index, quality parameters as well as soil parameter like available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in T12 (25% RDN with vermicompost + 75% RDN from inorganic fertilizers).

Effect of Bio-Herbicide Application on Durum Wheat Quality: From Grain to Bread Passing through Wholemeal Flour

Using plant extracts to replace traditional chemical herbicides plays an essential role in sustainable agriculture. The present work evaluated the quality of durum wheat cv Valbelice in two years (2014 and 2016) using plant aqueous extracts of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) and mugwort (Artemisia arborescens L.) as bio-herbicides on the main quality characteristics of durum wheat. The untreated, water-treated, and chemically treated durum wheat products were also analyzed as controls. Following the official methodologies, grain commercial analyses and defects of the kernels were determined. The main chemical and technological features were determined on the wholemeal flour: proteins, dry matter, dry gluten, gluten index, colorimetric parameters, mixograph, falling number, and sedimentation test in SDS. An experimental bread-making test was performed, and the main parameters were detected on the breads: bread volume, weight, moisture, porosity, hardness, and colorimetric parameters on crumb and crust. Within the two years, grain commercial analyses of the total five treatments showed no statistically significant differences concerning test weight (range 75.47–84.33 kg/hL) and thousand kernel weight (range 26.58–35.36 kg/hL). Differently, significant differences were observed in terms of kernel defects, particularly starchy kernels, black pointed kernels, and shrunken kernels, mainly due to the year factor. Analyses on the whole-grain flours showed significant differences. This affected dry gluten content (7.35% to 16.40%) and gluten quality (gluten index from 6.44 to 45.81). Mixograph results for mixing time ranged from 1.90 min to 3.15 min, whilst a peak dough ranged from 6.83 mm to 9.85 mm, showing, in both cases, statistically significant differences between treatments. The falling number showed lower values during the first year (on average 305 s) and then increased in the second year (on average 407 s). The sedimentation test showed no statistically significant differences, ranging from 27.75 mm to 34.00 mm. Regarding the bread produced, statistically significant year-related differences were observed for the parameters loaf volume during the first year (on average 298.75 cm3) and then increased in the second year (on average 417.33 cm3). Weight range 136.85 g to 145.18 g and moisture range 32.50 g/100 g to 39.51 g/100 g. Hardness range 8.65 N to 12.75 N and porosity (range 5.00 to 8.00) were closely related to the type of treatment. Finally, the color of flour and bread appeared to be not statistically significantly affected by treatment type. From a perspective of environmental and economic sustainability, the use of plant extracts with a bio-herbicidal function could replace traditional chemical herbicides.

Seed and grain yield and quality of wheat subjected to advanced harvest using a physiological ripening process

This study aimed to evaluate the yield performance, physiological and nutritional quality of wheat seeds and grains subjected to times of application of a physiological ripening agent in pre-harvest. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design and the treatments were six times of application of the physiological process of ripening in three replications. The applications were carried out at the ealy milk stage, milk stage, early dough stage, soft dough stage, hard dough stage and a control with no application. Yield, nutritional characteristics and the physiological quality of the seeds were evaluated. Analysis of variance and the Skott Knott test were performed at 5% probability. Linear correlation coefficients between pairs of traits were calculated. The application of the physiological process of ripening from the soft dough stage did not affect wheat grain yield. Wheat seed germination was not impacted when the physiological process of ripening was applied from the hard dough stage. The use of the ripening agent reduced the vigor of wheat seeds, regardless of the time of application. The presence of protein in grains was not influenced by the application of the physiological ripening agent. Starch had the greatest expression when the physiological process of ripening was applied between the milk stage and the early dough stage.

Research on the Method of Imperfect Wheat Grain Recognition Utilizing Hyperspectral Imaging Technology

As the primary grain crop in China, wheat holds a significant position in the country’s agricultural production, circulation, consumption, and various other aspects. However, the presence of imperfect grains has greatly impacted wheat quality and, subsequently, food security. In order to detect perfect wheat grains and six types of imperfect grains, a method for the fast and non-destructive identification of imperfect wheat grains using hyperspectral images was proposed. The main contents and results are as follows: (1) We collected wheat grain hyperspectral data. Seven types of wheat grain samples, each containing 300 grains, were prepared to construct a hyperspectral imaging system for imperfect wheat grains, and visible near-infrared hyperspectral data from 2100 wheat grains were collected. The Savitzky–Golay algorithm was used to analyze the hyperspectral images of wheat grains, selecting 261 dimensional effective hyperspectral datapoints within the range of 420.61–980.43 nm. (2) The Successive Projections Algorithm was used to reduce the dimensions of the 261 dimensional hyperspectral datapoints, selecting 33 dimensional hyperspectral datapoints. Principal Component Analysis was used to extract the optimal spectral wavelengths, specifically selecting hyperspectral images at 647.57 nm, 591.78 nm, and 568.36 nm to establish the dataset. (3) Particle Swarm Optimization was used to optimize the Support Vector Machines model, Convolutional Neural Network model, and MobileNet V2 model, which were established to recognize seven types of wheat grains. The comprehensive recognition rates were 93.71%, 95.14%, and 97.71%, respectively. The results indicate that a larger model with more parameters may not necessarily yield better performance. The research shows that the MobileNet V2 network model exhibits superior recognition efficiency, and the integration of hyperspectral image technology with the classification model can accurately identify imperfect wheat grains.

Simplifying Wheat Quality Assessment: Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Analysis of Variance Simultaneous Component Analysis to Study Regional and Annual Effects

Simplifying Wheat Quality Assessment: Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Analysis of Variance Simultaneous Component Analysis to Study Regional and Annual Effects

Efficiency of paclobutrazol and gibberellic acid in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different doses of nitrogen fertilization

Application of growth regulators like paclobutrazol and gibberellic acid is a suitable way to prevent excessive nitrogen consumption. Therefore, this 2-year research was conducted in Karaj, Iran. This research was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in a split-plot arrangement in 2019–2021. Treatments included nitrogen at three levels: (60, 105 and 150 kg ha−1) which were placed in the main plots. The second factor was the foliar application of growth regulators at three levels: [gibberellic acid (100 ppm), paclobutrazol (200 ppm) and control]. The results showed that application of paclobutrazol and gibberellic acid raised super wheat yield and quality compared to control. The highest biological yield (27.67 ton ha−1), was observed in the interaction of nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the second year, which was the same with nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the first year and also interaction of nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + paclobutrazol in the second year. The highest grain protein (14.69%) was seen in nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the second year and nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the first year. Growth regulators usage and increasing the nitrogen content (150 kg ha−1), improved the yield and grain quality of wheat. Therefore, the interaction of nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid and nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 +paclobutrazol, were the best treatments of this study, due to the creation of suitable environmental conditions for wheat, and these treatments can be suggested to the farmers.

Impact of fertilizer levels and treated sewage water on heavy metal uptake,growth, agrometeorological indices, and quality of wheat

A field experiment was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India to study the agro-physiological, agrometeorological, heavy metals, and quality parameters of wheat under different fertilizer levels and treated sewage water application on sandy loam soil. Among varieties, signifi- cantly higher yield attributes viz effective tillers and yield were observed with variety HD 3086 being at par with WH 1105 over HD 2967, WH 1124, and DBW 90. A higher value of agrometeorological indices viz. thermal (2.67 kg/ ha/0 C day), helio-thermal (0.77 kg/ha degree day hr), and photothermal (0.23 kg/ha degree day hr) use efficiencies were found with variety HD 3086 over other varieties. Among fertilizer levels, significantly higher yield attributes and grain yield were found with 125 % RDF over 75 and 100 % RDF. Significantly higher values of thermal, heliothermal, and photothermal use efficiencies were observed with the application of 125 % RDF over 75 and 100 % RDF Neither the varieties nor the fertility levels bring any significant variation in normalized difference vegeta- tion index and canopy temperature. However, varying levels of fertilizer did have a substantial impact on chloro- phyll content. Similarly, quality parameters viz. hectoliter weight and protein content were not affected significantly by varieties and fertilizer levels. However, sedimentation value was significantly affected by varieties and fertilizer levels. Heavy metal concentration was found in wheat grain, but these were within the permissible limit.

Influence of Wheat Cultivars, Infection Level, and Climate after Anthesis on Efficacy of Fungicide for Control of Fusarium Head Blight in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the Fusarium graminearum species complex, causes significant losses in grain yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum) by inducing floret sterility. Grains become contaminated with mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol (DON), making them unsuitable for consumption. To clarify the impact of wheat cultivar resistance, infection level, and climate after anthesis on the efficacy of a fungicide for the control of FHB, we treated two moderately susceptible cultivars and 11 susceptible cultivars with fungicide (48% phenamacril + tebuconazole) at anthesis over two years. FHB incidence (INC), disease severity index (DSI), Fusarium-damaged kernels, DON contamination, thousand-kernel weight, and yield were evaluated under artificially inoculated and naturally infected field trials in 2018 and 2021. The results of multi-factor variance analysis show that the control efficacy with respect to INC and DSI is affected by cultivar, fungicide, infection level, and climatic conditions including the average daily temperature, average daily relative humidity, and total rainfall from anthesis to 21 days after anthesis (p < 0.01). Notably, cultivar resistance (deviance = 13.34, 9.55, and 11.22) is more important than fungicide (deviance = 5.77, 6.66, and 6.69) to control the efficacy of INC, DSI, and DON. The results also suggest that infection level appears to be more important than cultivars and fungicide to control the efficacy of INC, and more important than fungicide to control the efficacy of DSI. Total rainfall is more important than other climatic factors. Our results reveal that fungicide is more effective in moderately susceptible cultivars (‘Zhengmai 9023’ and ‘Xinong 979’, 89.5%~98.9%) and some susceptible cultivars than in other susceptible cultivars (‘Zhengmai 7698’ and ‘Zhoumai 27’, 51.9%~67.2%). Thus, integrating cultivar resistance with fungicide application can be an effective strategy for the management of FHB and DON in winter wheat in the Huang-huai-hai Plain of China.

To the effect of seed priming treatments on growth parameters and seed quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under rainfed conditions

To the effect of seed priming treatments on growth parameters and seed quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under rainfed conditions

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affected soft wheat quality properties and nutritional index by regulating the composition and secondary structure of protein

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation has important regulatory influence on plant growth and nitrogen uptake, which are intimately associated with soft wheat yield and quality. The study aimed to investigate the impact of AMF inoculation on soft wheat grain yield, protein compositions, protein quality, secondary structure of gluten, dough properties and biscuits baking quality. In this study, AMF inoculation significantly increased grain yield. AMF inoculation decreased grain protein content by 5.1%, glutenin content by 8.5%, GMP by 14.3%, and HMW-GS by 8.8% compared with CK. Conversely, AMF inoculation increased the ratio of gliadin/glutenin. Further analysis showed AMF treatment had a looser gluten network than CK, significantly reduced β-sheet and β-turn content, while α-helix content increased. The nutritional index of grain protein was slightly reduced under AMF inoculation, yet the biological value was improved. Reduced wet gluten content, gluten performance index and dough development time under AMF treatment through regulation of soft wheat protein composition and gluten protein structure. Therefore, biscuits in AMF treatment showed reduced thickness, hardness, significantly greater spread ratio and sensory score compared with CK. These indicate that AMF application would be a beneficial agronomic practice to synergistically optimize yield and grain quality in soft wheat.