Red Winter Wheat Research Articles

Hyperspectral estimation of canopy chlorophyll of winter wheat by using the optimized vegetation indices

The vegetation indices (VIs) derived from the different band combinations can be used for monitoring crop quality traits. We conducted field experiments over two years time to investigate critical growth stages across four varieties and by using different nitrogen (N) application rates. In order to explore and evaluate the performance of different VIs on estimation of the canopy chlorophyll content (CCC) of winter wheat, the published and modified indices were optimized by using the random band combination through original spectrum (OS) and first-order differential (FD) treatment. The results showed that the first derivative processing improved the correlation between the red edge band and winter wheat CCC. The three-band VI can break the restriction of the number of bands on the extraction of target information, relieved the saturation problem of the dual-band VI, and improved the monitoring accuracy of winter wheat CCC. The index 2 × R1-R2-R3 was found to be the best VI for assessing the CCC of winter wheat based on the original and first-order differential spectrum (calibration R2 > 0.733), R2 and RMSE of validation set were 0.688, 0.755 and 1.515, 1.336, respectively. In addition, the index expression formula R1/(R2 × R3) was recommended as a favorable choice for monitoring the agronomic traits of crop. Moreover, the VI is suggested to use at the red edge position band to monitor crop growth indicators. In conclusion, the use of VI can better monitor winter wheat CCC which could provide a theoretical basis for precision agriculture.

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.

Spatial patterns in U.S. hard red winter wheat quality

AbstractHard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; HRWW) is broadly grown in Great Plains and northwestern states in the United States. Knowing how wheat quality characteristics are correlated across space may help wheat buyers locate grain elevators that have wheat with the quality characteristics they need. The objective of this study was to determine the spatial pattern of quality factors of HRWW. Mixed effects regression modeling was used to estimate mean quality characteristics for each location. These estimates are then reported in geospatial maps to illustrate the spatial pattern of quality factors. Expected local wheat quality had strong spatial correlation over a large distance. Residuals show substantial spatial correlation, which suggests that having a survey each year provides new information to wheat buyers. Geospatial maps clearly illustrate the locations in the HRWW growing region that have the primary characteristics of interest that buyers seek.

Effect of Laser Biostimulation on Germination of Wheat

HighlightsThe effect of laser biostimulation on wheat germination was explored using a single- and dual-wavelength (DW) laser.An 80 mW green-infrared DW laser treatment significantly enhanced several germination traits of wheat.The effect of a 100 mW single-wavelength red laser on wheat germination was non-significant.Abstract. Laser biostimulation of seeds has established itself as a safe and sustainable alternative to genetic modification or chemical use to enhance plant germination and growth. A knowledge gap, however, exists to define optimal laser parameters for different seeds as inappropriate irradiation may seriously damage or destroy germinability. To this end, the effect of laser biostimulation on germination of Canada Western Red Winter (CWRW) wheat seeds was evaluated using two low power portable lasers: 1) a single-wavelength red laser (659 nm) and 2) a dual-wavelength (DW) green/infrared laser [531 and 810 nm (ratio ~10:1)]. The seeds were pretreated with laser light before germination tests for 5, 10, and 15 minutes using total power densities of ~14.2 and 11.3 mW/cm2, respectively. Laser treatment with a DW laser for a duration of 10 min was found to be the most efficient as it significantly enhanced mean germination time, germination rate index, germination speed, number of roots, and hypocotyl length by 14.3%, 15.2%, 15.2%, 31.8%, and 60.9%, respectively, with respect to control samples. The effect of single-wavelength red laser on CWRW wheat seed germination traits was not statistically significant. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first on evaluating the effect of DW laser treatments in plant biostimulation and introduces a new pathway for manipulating the germination, growth, and development of seeds/plants. Keywords: Agriculture, Biostimulation, Dual-wavelength laser, Laser, Wheat.

Fusarium Head Blight Epidemics in Soft Red Winter Wheat Fields in Georgia from 2018 to 2019

Fusarium head blight (FHB) epidemics on wheat have caused significant yield and economic penalties in the United States since the early 1990s. This report documents FHB epidemics on soft red winter wheat in Georgia in 2018 and 2019. Forty-four wheat fields across 23 counties were assessed for FHB incidence (2019 only), Fusarium-damaged kernel, deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination, and thousand-kernel weight. Higher levels of FHB were observed in 2019 compared with 2018. A significant correlation was observed between DON and 7-day preanthesis weather variables in 2019. FHB parameters were significantly correlated with postanthesis weather variables at 10 days in both years and at 20 and 30 days in 2018, suggesting that postanthesis rather than preanthesis weather had a greater impact on FHB in our study. The combination of hours of conducive temperature and relative humidity postanthesis was consistently correlated with all FHB parameters in both years and could be the best predictor of FHB epidemics. FHB has emerged as the leading threat for soft red winter wheat production in Georgia. Planting moderately resistant wheat cultivars along with in-season management, including proper fungicide application, by closely monitoring the national FHB forecasting system would be the best integrated management strategies for Georgian wheat growers.

Assessment of floral characteristics for hybrid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in Texas

AbstractHybrid technology is indispensable for increasing the yield potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, seed production costs and the self‐pollinating nature of wheat are limiting factors that necessitate the redesign of its floral characteristics to achieve high outcrossing ability. This study, therefore, focused on phenotyping the floral characteristics of the two most advanced yield trials of the Texas A&M AgriLife hard red winter wheat breeding pipeline, the Uniform Variety Trial and the Texas Elite Trial. We also genotyped the height reduction genes (Rht‐B1 and Rht‐D1) in the entire set using single nucleotide polymorphism markers, and we found significant genetic variation for the agronomic and floral traits as well as the height reduction markers. The correlation coefficients between anther score and extrusion were positive and significant. Moreover, the high heritability values for the male traits indicate that they could be improved by selection and breeding. Furthermore, the visual anther assessment could be used instead of the time‐consuming anther counting system. If hybrid‐related traits are integrated into the mainstream breeding program, the male parent should be identified earlier in the pipeline because of the negative effects of the Rht genes on anther extrusion. Finally, the female floral traits had lower heritability estimates, and their screening needs to be refined and validated within more controlled environments.

Bran characteristics impact the whole wheat noodle quality

In this study, whole wheat flour (WWF) was prepared by blending one commercial noodle flour with ten different bran samples from white and red winter wheat varieties. The whole wheat dough properties and noodle qualities were investigated. In general, brans from red wheat varieties exhibited higher total phenolic contents than those from white wheat varieties. Mixolab analysis revealed significant relationships between bran ash, starch, and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) contents and the mixing and pasting properties of WWF dough. Concerning the noodle quality, bran protein content showed a positive correlation with tensile strength (P < 0.01), elongation distance, springiness, and resilience of cooked noodles. Also, bran IDF content was positively related to the hardness of cooked whole-wheat noodles. These results suggest that bran with higher protein content and lower IDF content is more desirable for the production of whole wheat noodles.

Wheat yellow mosaic virus resistant line, 'Kitami-94', developed by introgression of two resistance genes from the cultivar 'Madsen'.

'Kitahonami' is a soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar that has high yield, good agronomic performance and good quality characteristics. It currently accounts for 73% of the wheat cultivation area of Hokkaido the northern island in Japan and 42% of Japan's overall wheat cultivation. However, this cultivar is susceptible to Wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV). WYMV has become widespread recently, with serious virus damage reported in Tokachi and Ohotsuku districts, which are the main wheat production areas in Hokkaido. Here, we report a new wheat breeding line 'Kitami-94', which was developed over four years by repeated backcrossing with 'Kitahonami' using DNA markers for WYMV resistance linked to the Qym1 and Qym2 from 'Madsen'. Basic maps of Qym1 and Qym2 were created and used to confirm that 'Kitami-94' reliably carried the two resistance genes. 'Kitami-94' demonstrated WYMV resistance, and had agronomic traits and quality equivalent to 'Kitahonami' except for higher polyphenol oxidase activity and lower thousand grain weight. 'Kitami-94' may be useful for elucidating the mechanism of WYMV resistance in the background of 'Kitahonami', and for developing new cultivars.

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.

Identification of Quinone Outside Inhibitor Fungicide-Resistant Isolates of Zymoseptoria tritici from Kentucky Wheat Fields

Soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) production in Kentucky often utilizes no-till farming, a practice that can be favorable for fungal plant pathogens that overwinter in crop residue. One such pathogen, Zymoseptoria tritici, is the causal agent of Septoria tritici blotch and a prominent pathogen of wheat in Kentucky. The limitations of inoculum management and lack of fully resistant wheat cultivars increase the importance of foliar fungicide applications as a tool for management of Septoria tritici blotch. Quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides (Fungicide Resistance Action Committee, FRAC, Group 11) are one of the main classes of foliar fungicides used in wheat. A single mutation in the fungal cytochrome b gene can confer resistance to this class of fungicides. In this study, 79 Z. tritici isolates collected from 11 Kentucky counties during 2020 were screened for QoI resistance. Amplifying and sequencing a section of the cytochrome b gene spanning a section where mutations can occur that confer QoI resistance, revealed that 19 out of the 79 isolates tested (24.1%) had the G143A mutation. In vitro assays conducted on a small selection of isolates confirmed that isolates with the G143A mutation were resistant to QoI-fungicides. This study is the first to identify isolates of Z. tritici with the G143A mutation in Kentucky. Wheat producers in Kentucky and the surrounding areas should implement management practices that include rotating to nonhost crops, planting wheat cultivars with moderate resistance to Septoria tritici blotch and applying fungicides that contain active ingredients from other FRAC groups.

Ecophysiological modeling of yield and yield components in winter wheat using hierarchical Bayesian analysis

AbstractYield components are widely recognized as drivers of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield across environments and genotypes. In this study, we used a hierarchical Bayesian approach to model wheat grain yield in Oklahoma on an eco‐physiological basis using yield component traits thousand kernel weight (TKW) and nonyield biomass (NYB). The Bayesian approach allowed us to quantify uncertainties around the parameter values rather than obtaining a single value estimate for a parameter. The main objectives of this study were to (a) explain wheat yield as a function of component traits TKW and NYB, and thereby examine the implications for source‐sink balance; and (b) assess their association with weather conditions during key stages of wheat development. A secondary objective was to introduce Bayesian estimation for eco‐physiological modeling. Fifteen wheat genotypes planted in three locations in Oklahoma (Altus, Chickasha, and Lahoma) were evaluated across three harvest years (2017 to 2019), whereby the combination of location and year defined an environment. Results indicate that the environment explained a greater proportion of the variability in yield than genotypes or than genotype × environment (G × E) interaction; however, evidence for G × E was substantial. Yield was expected to increase with increasing TKW and NYB, which would suggest a source limitation to achieve potential yield. Yet, the contribution of early reproductive stage weather variables to the relationship between yield and NYB pointed in the direction of sink strength being compromised. In summary, our approach provides evidence for source‐sink co‐limitation in grain yield of this sample of hard red winter wheat genotypes.

Evaluation of Barley (Hordeum vulgare) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum) for Resistance to Hessian Fly, Mayetiola destructor, in a Controlled Environment

Small grains are widely grown as a cool-season forage crop for beef cattle and dairy industries in Texas. Small grains such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for grazing are typically planted early in the fall and hence are more vulnerable to infestation by Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say). Although delaying planting until cooler weather can reduce pressure, Texas does not have a “fly free” date like many northern states. However, other small grains such as barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) might be less prone to damage by Hessian fly. An experiment in a controlled environment was used to determine resistance of winter barley, hard red winter wheat, and hard red spring wheat lines to Hessian fly and compare infestations among species. Infested tillers of winter wheat were collected and put with barley and wheat lines at Feekes growth stage 1.1 in a growth chamber. Approximately 2 weeks later, plants were dissected and numbers of Hessian fly larvae and pupae were counted. Hessian fly infestations significantly greater than zero using Fisher's LSD (P < 0.1) were considered susceptible while those not significantly different were resistant. Results showed that 42 of 136 (30.9%) winter barley, 31 of 40 (77.5%) winter wheat, and eight of 24 (33.3%) spring wheat genotypes were susceptible to the biotype of Hessian fly. The average numbers of Hessian flies per tiller were 2.2, 4.8, and 7.6 for barley, spring wheat, and winter wheat lines, respectively. Barley was a less preferred host than wheat and might be better suited in areas with abundant Hessian flies.

Effect of Biofertilizer in Organic and Conventional Systems on Growth, Yield and Baking Quality of Hard Red Winter Wheat

A two-year study (harvest years 2019 and 2020) was conducted to investigate the effect of a commercially available biofertilizer, in combination with variable nitrogen (N) rate, on bread baking quality and agronomic traits in hard winter wheat grown in conventional (CONV) and organic (ORG) farming systems in Kentucky, USA. The hard red winter wheat cultivar ‘Vision 45’ was used with three N rates (44, 89.6 and 134.5 kg/ha as Low, Med and High, respectively) and three biofertilizer spray regimes (no spray, one spray and two sprays). All traits measured were significantly affected by the agricultural production system (CONV or ORG) and N rate, although trends in their interactions were inconsistent between years. In Y2, yield was greatest in treatments with high N rates and in the ORG system. Biofertilizer treatments had a negative to neutral effect on grain yield. Baking quality traits such as protein content, lactic acid solvent retention capacity and sedimentation value (SV) were consistently greater in the CONV system and increased with the higher N application rates. Similarly, biofertilizer application had no effect on predictive baking quality traits, except for SV in year 1 of the study, where it increased with two sprays. Loaf volume was consistently greater from wheat grown in CONV treatments. From these results, we conclude that further research is warranted to evaluate the potential for biofertilizers to enhance N uptake and affect bread baking quality or other end-use traits. Additional research may be especially useful in organic production systems where biologically based N fertilizers are utilized, and treatments were not negatively affected by biofertilizer applications. Such strategies may be needed to increase protein quantity and gluten quality to optimize winter wheat production for bread baking qualities in the southeastern USA.

Genetic Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci for End-Use Quality and Grain Minerals in Hard Red Winter Wheat

To meet the demands of different wheat-based food products, traits related to end-use quality become indispensable components in wheat improvement. Thus, markers associated with these traits are valuable for the timely evaluation of protein content, kernel physical characteristics, and rheological properties. Hereunder, we report the mapping results of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to end-use quality traits. We used a dense genetic map with 5199 SNPs from a 90K array based on a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from ‘CO960293-2’/‘TAM 111’. The population was evaluated for flour protein concentration, kernel characteristics, dough rheological properties, and grain mineral concentrations. An inclusive composite interval mapping model for individual and across-environment QTL analyses revealed 22 consistent QTLs identified in two or more environments. Chromosomes 1A, 1B, and 1D had clustered QTLs associated with rheological parameters. Glu-D1 loci from CO960293-2 and either low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits or gliadin loci on 1A, 1B, and 1D influenced dough mixing properties substantially, with up to 34.2% of the total phenotypic variation explained (PVE). A total of five QTLs associated with grain Cd, Co, and Mo concentrations were identified on 3B, 5A, and 7B, explaining up to 11.6% of PVE. The results provide important genetic resources towards understanding the genetic bases of end-use quality traits. Information about the novel and consistent QTLs provided solid foundations for further characterization and marker designing to assist selections for end-use quality improvements.

Registration of ‘KS Hamilton’ hard red winter wheat

AbstractHard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major crop in semi‐arid western Kansas. The objective of this research was to develop a hard red winter wheat cultivar for western Kansas with high grain yield potential, good baking quality, and resistance to the important diseases in this region, including Wheat streak mosaic virus, Barley yellow dwarf virus, stripe rust, leaf rust, stem rust, and Hessian fly. ‘KS Hamilton’ (Reg. no. CV‐1188, PI 699003) hard red winter wheat was developed by the wheat breeding program at the Agricultural Research Center‐Hays, Kansas State University, and released by the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2020. KS Hamilton was selected from a three‐way cross of KS08HW176‐4//‘Bill Brown’/KS08HW61‐2. It was released for the dryland production in western Kansas. KS Hamilton was developed using a modified bulk breeding method. KS Hamilton is an F6‐derived line and was tested in yield trials for 6 yr. KS Hamilton has an intermediate maturity and plant height and an average straw strength. It has moderate tolerance to grain shattering and good winterhardiness. KS Hamilton has high grain yield potential in western Kansas and a good disease resistance package, including resistance to Wheat streak mosaic virus, stem rust, and Hessian fly; moderate resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus; and intermediate resistance to stripe and leaf rusts. KS Hamilton has an average test weight and an above‐average baking quality.

Phosphorus Supply Does Not Affect Fusarium Crown Rot of Winter Wheat

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is a major limitation to the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) industry in the inland Pacific Northwest, United States. Genetic resistance to FCR is poorly understood and major gene resistance is not available in adapted cultivars. Chemical control is ineffective and crop rotations, which disrupt cycles of the disease, are not feasible in the region’s precipitation-limited climate. Cultural control methods are the only realistic option for farmers who struggle to minimize the impact of this disease. It is well established that FCR is favored by moisture-limited environments and an oversupply of plant-available nitrogen in soil. Effects of the supply of phosphorus in soil have not been clearly delineated. We conducted a 2-year FCR experiment at two locations in the low-precipitation zone (&lt;30 cm) of north-central Oregon. Phosphorus fertilizer was applied in-furrow with phosphorus (P) at rates of 0, 5, and 15 kg ha−1, to plots planted with either a hard red or soft white winter wheat cultivar. The P at 15 kg ha−1 application rate increased tissue phosphorus concentration, early-season dry matter, and phosphorus uptake at both locations and both years of this study. Phosphorus treatment had no effect on grain yield, protein, or test weight. Phosphorus had no effect on the severity of FCR. This research improved our knowledge of cultural management boundaries as they relate to the control of FCR. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Hard Red Winter Wheat in the Mid‐Atlantic

Hard red winter wheat may be ready for its big break in the Mid‐Atlantic region of the United States. After more than two decades of research and development behind the scenes, new varieties and market interest make it poised to become a viable niche crop. While it may not be grown in the same quantities as soft wheat in this region, hard wheat can provide diversity and be a market advantage for growers. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://bit.ly/2YLqM7m. View all CEUs online at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

Effect of environment and field management strategies on phenolic acid profiles of hard red winter wheat genotypes.

Integrated wheat management strategies can affect grain yield and flour end-use properties. However, the effect of integrated management and its interaction with environmental factors on the phenolic acid profiles of wheat has not been reported. The phenolic acid profile has become another parameter for the evaluation of wheat quality due to its potential health benefits. Year × location × management and year × management × genotype interactions were significant for the total phenolic content (TPC) of wheat samples. The year × location × management × genotype interaction was significant for the concentration of trans-ferulic acid and several other phenolic acids. Field management practices with no fungicide application (e.g., farmer's practice, enhanced fertility) may lead to increased accumulation of phenolic compounds, especially for WB4458, which is more susceptible to fungi infection. However, this effect was also related to growing year and location. Higher soil nitrogen content at sowing also seems to affect the TPC and phenolic acid concentration positively. Wheat phenolic acid profiles are affected by genotype, field management, environment, and their interactions. Intensified field management, in particular, may lead to decreased concentration of wheat phytochemicals. The level of naturally occurring nitrogen in the soil may also affect the accumulation of wheat phytochemicals. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Predicting Fusarium Head Blight Resistance for Advanced Trials in a Soft Red Winter Wheat Breeding Program With Genomic Selection.

Many studies have evaluated the effectiveness of genomic selection (GS) using cross-validation within training populations; however, few have looked at its performance for forward prediction within a breeding program. The objectives for this study were to compare the performance of naïve GS (NGS) models without covariates and multi-trait GS (MTGS) models by predicting two years of F4:7 advanced breeding lines for three Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance traits, deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation, Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK), and severity (SEV) in soft red winter wheat and comparing predictions with phenotypic performance over two years of selection based on selection accuracy and response to selection. On average, for DON, the NGS model correctly selected 69.2% of elite genotypes, while the MTGS model correctly selected 70.1% of elite genotypes compared with 33.0% based on phenotypic selection from the advanced generation. During the 2018 breeding cycle, GS models had the greatest response to selection for DON, FDK, and SEV compared with phenotypic selection. The MTGS model performed better than NGS during the 2019 breeding cycle for all three traits, whereas NGS outperformed MTGS during the 2018 breeding cycle for all traits except for SEV. Overall, GS models were comparable, if not better than phenotypic selection for FHB resistance traits. This is particularly helpful when adverse environmental conditions prohibit accurate phenotyping. This study also shows that MTGS models can be effective for forward prediction when there are strong correlations between traits of interest and covariates in both training and validation populations.

Effects of cultivars and nitrogen management on wheat grain yield and protein

AbstractLow grain protein in hard red winter (HRW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a serious challenge for rainfed wheat growers, particularly in years with elevated grain yield. Proper nitrogen (N) management with adequate N rate and application timing is critical for optimizing grain yield and protein content. This 2‐yr experiment evaluated the effects of different N rates and application timings (fall, spring, and split) on grain yield and protein of two HRW wheat cultivars. Field studies were conducted at four different sites across Nebraska under rainfed conditions in 2018/2019 (Year 1) and 2019/2020 (Year 2). A split‐plot randomized complete block design with wheat cultivars as the whole plots and factorial combinations of six N rates and three application timings as the subplots was used in four replications. Grain yield was associated positively and grain protein negatively with the water supply to demand ratio (WS/WD) in the season. Freeman cultivar yielded better in a year with higher WS/WD and a newly developed cultivar, Ruth, yielded better in a lower WS/WD year. Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased grain yield in the site‐years with moderately higher WS/WD. There was an increase in grain protein with increasing N rates at all site‐years. Spring and split‐applied N resulted in better grain yield than fall application in the site‐year when there was a risk of N loss. This experiment suggested that an effective N management strategy for winter wheat should account for and be adaptable to weather variability to optimize grain yield and protein content.