Wheat Varieties Research Articles

Performing whole-genome association analysis of winter wheat plant height using the 55K chip

Plant height is a critical agronomic that affects both plant architecture and yield. To decipher the genetic mechanisms underlying winter wheat plant height and identify candidate genes associated with this trait, we conducted phenotypic analysis on 239 wheat varieties (lines) collected from around the world. This analysis was complemented by genotyping using the wheat 55K SNP chip. A Wholegenome association analysis (GWAS) of wheat plant height was conducted utilizing the MLM (Q+K) model within TASSLE software. The results revealed significant phenotypic variation in wheat plant height across different years, with coefficients of variation ranging from 0.96% to 1.97%. Additionally, there was a strong correlation in plant height measurements between different years. GWAS identified 44 SNP markers significantly associated with wheat plant height across various environments (P ≤ 0.00001), predominantly distributed on chromosomes 1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4B, 6B, 6D, and 7D, explaining individual phenotypic variance rates ranging from 5.00% to 11.11%. Further, by mining association loci with substantial phenotypic effects and stability across multiple environments, seven candidate genes related to wheat plant height have been identified. This study provides new genetic markers and resources for improving wheat plant height.

Yield Gap, Yield Performance and Farmer Economics Analysis of High Yielding Biofortified Wheat Variety DBW-187 with the Special Reference to the Adoption in District Bijnor (U.P.) India

This research investigated the yield differences, yield efficacy, economic consequences, technology index and adoption rates of the high-yielding biofortified wheat variety DBW-187 and high-yielding wheat variety enriched with essential nutrients. It addresses crucial aspects of food security and nutrition by analyzing the gap between potential and actual farm yields. Being biofortified, DBW-187 contributes to addressing micronutrient deficiencies in populations dependent on wheat as a staple food. Frontline demonstrations were executed in 128 farmers' fields in 11 blocks from 2019-20 to 2023-24, contrasting DBW-187 with conventional farming practices. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, incorporating field tests, economic analysis, and surveys of farmers. The results indicated that DBW-187 regularly surpassed local varieties, achieving an average yield of 58.74 qt/ha, in contrast to 42.65 qt/ha for conventional farming practices, signifying a 37.72% enhancement. The technological gap averaged 38.10 qt/ha, however the extension gap was 16.09 qt/ha, signifying possibility for enhancement in achieving the varieties complete potential. The average adoption rate of DBW-187 across the district was 54.73%, exhibiting considerable heterogeneity among blocks, ranging from 47.61% to 65.21%.

Haplotype Analysis and Gene Pyramiding for Pre-Harvest Sprouting Resistance in White-Grain Wheat

The Huanghuai winter wheat region, China’s primary wheat-producing area, predominantly cultivates white-grained wheat. Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) significantly impacts yield and quality, making the breeding of PHS-resistant varieties crucial for ensuring China’s wheat production security. This study evaluated the PHS rate of 344 white-grained wheat varieties over two consecutive growing seasons (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). Furthermore, it analyzed the effects of allelic variations and their combinations in six genes (Tamyb10, TaDFR, TaMKK3-A, TaGASR34, Tasdr, and TaMFT) on PHS resistance. Results revealed average PHS rates of 66.1% and 64.4% for the two growing seasons, with coefficients of variation of 39.1% and 40.2%, respectively, and a narrow-sense heritability of 0.72. These findings indicate substantial genetic variation and relatively high genetic stability within the tested materials. Among the six molecular markers examined, the superior haplotype GS34-7Bb exhibited the lowest average PHS rate (41.9%) over two growing seasons, demonstrating the strongest PHS resistance. Analysis of different haplotype combinations identified two advantageous genotypes for PHS resistance in white-grained wheat: TaMKK3-Ab + GS34-7Bb + Tasdr-2Aa + TaMFT-A1b (average PHS rate: 20.8%) and TaMKK3-Ab + GS34-7Bb + Tasdr-2Ab + TaMFT-A1b (average PHS rate: 34.2%). Notably, the distribution frequency of superior haplotypes of PHS-related genes and these two advantageous haplotype combinations showed varying degrees of decline over time.

Comparison and Classification of LMW-GS Genes at Glu-3 Loci of Common Wheat

Background: The low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) of wheat have great effects on food processing quality, but the resolution of LMW-GS and the scoring of their alleles by direct analysis of proteins are difficult due to the larger number of expressed subunits and high similarity of DNA sequences. It is important to identify and classify the LMW-GS genes in order to recognize the LMW-GS alleles clearly and develop the functional markers. Methods: The LMW-GS genes registered in GenBank were searched at NCBI, and 593 Glu-3 genes with complete coding sequences were obtained, including 146 Glu-A3, 136 Glu-B3, and 311 Glu-D3. Sequence analysis and characterization of DNA and deduced amino acids were performed using the software DNAman. Results: The alignment and classification showed that there were at least 9 genes with 69 allelic variants at the Glu-A3 locus, 11 genes with 64 allelic variants at the Glu-B3 locus, and 10 genes with 96 variants at the Glu-D3 locus, respectively. Furthermore, the specificity of some Glu-3 genes and their variations was analyzed. Conclusions: The results were beneficial to understanding the LMW-GS genes fully and to developing the functional markers and will provide a theoretical reference for the quality improvement of wheat variety.

Lower Diversity of Amylase-Trypsin Inhibitors and Ex Vivo-Released Opioid-Containing Peptides in Ancestral Compared to Modern Wheat Varieties Assessed by Proteomics and Peptidomics.

This study focused on identifying amylase-trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) in seven Norwegian-cultivated wheat varieties, including common wheat and ancestral species, and identifying potentially harmful opioid peptides within the ex vivo digesta of these wheats. LC-MS/MS analysis of tryptic peptides from ATI fractions revealed that the common wheat variety Børsum exhibited the highest diversity of ATIs (n = 24), while they were less represented in tetraploid emmer (n = 11). Hexaploid wheat Bastian showed low diversity and relative abundance of ATIs. Nevertheless, digestion of Mirakel and Bastian by human gastrointestinal juices released the highest number of opioid-containing peptides, representing both gluten exorphins and gliadorphin. In conclusion, emmer had the lowest levels of ATIs, while einkorn and spelt released the fewest opioid-containing peptides after ex vivo digestion. These results point to the potential lower harmful effects of ancestral wheat compared to common hexaploid wheat varieties for wheat-sensitive individuals.

Exploring Genetic Diversity in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Timely Sown and Terminal Heat Stress Conditions using Multivariate Approaches

Background: Wheat, a vital food crop, is increasingly threatened by heat stress due to climate change. This significantly impacts yields and grain quality. India, a major wheat producer, urgently needs heat tolerant varieties and late sown wheat is particularly susceptible to terminal heat stress. This study aimed to identify diverse heat tolerant genotypes among evaluated genotypes that can be used in further breeding programs. Methods: The study investigated genetic diversity in 29 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under timely and late sown environments at DRPCAU, Bihar during rabi 2020-21 by employing 11 morpho-physiological traits in Randomized Block Design. Multivariate approaches such as principal component analysis, genotype by trait biplot and cluster analysis were employed to categorize and identify the genotypes with desirable traits for heat tolerance. Result: Our study revealed a significant negative correlation between grain yield per plant and canopy temperature. Cluster analysis categorized genotypes into distinct groups under both timely and late sown conditions. The identified diverse lines from these clusters, exhibiting desirable traits, hold significant potential as parents for future breeding programs, emphasizing the crucial role of heat tolerance in wheat improvement.

Comparison of Hybrid Rye and Wheat for Grain Yield and Other Agronomic Traits Under Less Favourable Environmental Conditions and Two Input Levels

Agriculture in the European Union is constantly the subject of public debate, particularly concerning reduced mineral fertilisation and reduced chemical plant protection. Hybrid rye could play a special role in this context, as it usually requires less fertiliser and pesticides than winter wheat and has a high yield potential. In Germany, both crops can be grown on most sites. To test whether hybrid rye is competitive with winter wheat, a trial was conducted with 10 hybrid rye and 20 wheat varieties of all quality levels. The trial was grown for three years (2021, 2022, 2023) on three conventionally managed farms with 40–64 soil points (on a scale of 1–100) in south-west Germany. It was conducted with two input levels: I1, fertilisation (100–120 kg N/ha for hybrid rye; 140–180 kg N/ha for winter wheat), and chemical plant protection including growth regulators; I2, no chemical plant protection, and 20% reduced N fertilisation, one to three harrows. In eight out of nine location × year combinations, hybrid rye was significantly (p < 0.001) superior to winter wheat in terms of grain yield under these conditions. On average, hybrid rye yielded 9.1 and 7.8 t ha−1 for I1 and I2, respectively, compared to 8.0 and 6.8 t ha−1 for wheat, respectively. A close correlation of the cultivar’s grain yield between I1 and I2 for both crops showed a missing cultivar × input level interaction. Under these conditions, hybrid rye produced higher grain yields and better baking quality than wheat in both input regimes, contributing to a more sustainable cropping system.

Agronomic and Molecular Identification of Drought-Tolerant Bread Wheat Varieties in Iran

Agronomic and Molecular Identification of Drought-Tolerant Bread Wheat Varieties in Iran

Dissection of QTLs underlying the genetic basis of drought resistance in wheat: a meta-analysis.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important cereal crops, with its grain serving as a predominant staple food source on a global scale. However, there are many biotic and abiotic stresses challenging the stability of wheat production. Among the abiotic stresses, drought is recognized as a significant stress and poses a substantial threat to food production and quality throughout the world. Raising drought tolerance of wheat varieties through genetic regulation is therefore considered as one of the most effective ways to combat the challenges caused by drought stress. Meta-QTL analysis has demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying consensus QTL regions in wheat drought resistance in numerous instances. In this study, we present a comprehensive meta-analysis aimed at unraveling the drought tolerance genetic basis associated with agronomic traits in bread wheat. Extracting data from 34 previously published studies, we aggregated a corpus of 1291 Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) pertinent to wheat drought tolerance. Then, the translation of the consensus genetic map yielded a comprehensive compendium of 49 distinct MQTLs, each associated with diverse agronomic traits. Prominently featured among the MQTLs were MQTLs 1.1, 1.7, 1.8 (1D), 4.1 (4A), 4.6 (4D), 5.2 (5B), 6.6 (6B), and 7.2 (7B), distinguished as pivotal MQTLs offering significant potential for application in marker-assisted breeding endeavors. Altogether, a total of 66 putative candidate genes (CGs)-related drought tolerance were identified. This work illustrates a translational research approach in transferring information from published mapping studies to genomic regions hosting major QTLs governing key agronomical traits in wheat.

Genetic dissection of flag leaf morphology traits and fine mapping of a novel QTL (Qflw.sxau-6BL) in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Total 60-QRC for FLM traits were detected by meta-genomics analysis, nine major and stable QTL identified by DH population and validated, and a novel QTL Qflw.sxau-6BL was fine mapped. The flag leaf is an "ideotypic" morphological trait providing photosynthetic assimilates in wheat. Although flag leaf morphology (FLM) traits had been extensively investigated through genetic mapping, there is a desire for FLM-related loci to be validated in multi-environments and fine mapping. In order to identify the stable genomic regions for FLM traits, we conducted a meta-genomic analysis based on reports from 2008 to 2024. Experimentally, a doubled haploid (DH) population was used to assess the genetic regions associated with FLM traits in nine environments. The meta-genomic analysis extracted 60 QTL-rich clusters (QRC), 45 of which were verified in marker-trait association (MTA) study. Nine major and stable QTL were found being associated with FLM traits across three-to-seven environments including BLUP, with phenotypic variance explained (PVE) ranging from 5.05 to 34.95%. The KASP markers of the nine QTL were validated (P < 0.005) in more than three environments using a panel of diverse wheat collections from Shanxi Province in China. Two co-located major and stable QTL viz. Qflw.sxau-6B.5 and Qfla.sxau-6B.4 were found novel and contributed to increaseFLW by 12.09-19.21% and FLA by 5.45-13.28%. They also demonstrated high recombination rates in LD analysis based on the resequencing of 145 wheat landmark cultivars. The fine mapping of Qflw.sxau-6BL narrowed it down to a 1.27Mb region as a result of the combined genotypic and phenotypic analysis for secondary mapping population. Comparing to NIL-ND3338, the NIL-LF5064 showed higher FLW by 20.45-27.37%, thousand-grain weight by 1.88-2.57% and grain length by 0.47-2.30% across all environments. The expression analysis of 11 tissues revealed seven highly expressed genes within the fine map region. This study provides a genetic basis for the FLM traits for further map-based cloning of FLW genes in wheat.

Research progress on the impact of climate change on wheat production in China.

It is crucial to elucidate the impact of climate change on wheat production in China. This article provides a review of the current climate change scenario and its effects on wheat cultivation in China, along with an examination of potential future impacts and possible response strategies. Against the backdrop of climate change, several key trends emerge: increasing temperature during the wheat growing season, raising precipitation, elevated CO2 concentration, and diminished radiation. Agricultural disasters primarily stem from oscillations in temperature and precipitation, with the northern wheat region being mostly affected. The impact on wheat production is manifested in a reduction in the area under cultivation, with the most rapid reduction in spring wheat, and a shift in the center of cultivation to the west. Furthermore, climate change accelerates the nutritional stage and shortens phenology. Climate change has also led to an increase in yields in the Northeast spring wheat region, the Northern spring wheat region, the Northwest spring wheat region, and the North China winter wheat region, and a decrease in yields in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River winter wheat region, the Southwest winter wheat region, and the South China winter wheat region. To cope with climate change, Chinese wheat can adopt adaptation strategies and measures such as breeding different wheat varieties for different wheat-growing regions, implementing differentiated farmland management measures, promoting regional ecological farmland construction, and establishing scientific monitoring and early warning systems. While future climate change may stimulate wheat yield potential, it could cause climate-induced issues such as weeds, diseases, and pests worsen, thereby posing challenges to the sustainability of farmland. Moreover, it is essential to conduct comprehensive research on pivotal areas such as the microscopic mechanism of climate change and wheat growth, the comprehensive influence of multiple climate factors, and the application of new monitoring and simulation technologies. This will facilitate the advancement of related research and provide invaluable insights.

Comparative morpho-physiological study of Heat stress tolerance on wheat varieties

Comparative morpho-physiological study of Heat stress tolerance on wheat varieties

The physio-biochemical impact of terminal heat stress on wheat varieties

The physio-biochemical impact of terminal heat stress on wheat varieties

Deciphering genetic diversity and variability in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for sustainable crop improvement

Deciphering genetic diversity and variability in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for sustainable crop improvement

Response of Three Bread Wheat Varieties to Different Nitrogen Fertilizer Ratein Suluq

A field experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture (Suluq), Benghazy University in 2023/ 2024 winter season to study four nitrogen fertilizer levels (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg/ ha) on growth and yield of three bread wheat varieties, i.e. Alfi, Kasy and Behooth 210. Split-plot design in three replicated was used, where nitrogen levels was randomly distributed on whole plot and varieties were allocated in sub-plot. Increasing nitrogen levels from 50 to 200 kg/ ha significantly and gradually increased all studied traits, except number of sterile plants. Behooth 210 variety had the tallest plants and spikes (111.25 and 14.58 cm), respectively, highest number of grains/ spike (79.50) and heaviest 100-grain weight (5.10 g). However, Alfi variety the highest number of sterile plants (42.41), highest grain yield and harvest index (4.90 ton/ ha and 21.87 %), respectively. Alfi variety fertilized with 200 kg N/ ha produced the highest grain yield (5.70 t/ ha), while Behooth variety fertilized with (200 kg N/ ha) produced the highest number of grains/ spike (84.93), heaviest 100-grain weight (5.87 g) and highest biological yield (26.37 t/ ha). Keywords: Agricultural Research Station, wheat, nitrogen levels, grain yield, harvest index, Alfi, Kasy, Behooth.

Comparative Study of Commercial Bread Wheat Varieties and Advance Wheat Lines to Explore Superior Attributes for Variety Development and Future Breeding Guidelines

Knowledge about the potential and performance of advance wheat lines and commercial bread wheat varieties are vital for implicit variety adaptation. Comparative study was designed to quantify the performance of advance wheat lines, sixteen commercial wheat varieties and fourteen advance wheat lines were tested in randomized complete block design with 3 replications at Agricultural Research Station Baffa, Mansehra during wheat growing season 2022-23. The study evaluated wheat advance lines yield and resistance against powdery mildew disease, as compared to commercial varieties for adaptability and variety development. Days to 50% heading, plant height (cm), grain yield (kgha-1), disease scoring and % severity of disease data was subjected to analysis of variance using statistical software R. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all parameters. Advance wheat lines identified for early heading were PR-115 (131) and PR-106 (132). Similarly, commercial variety Hashim-2010 (133) showed early heading. Commercial wheat varieties PS2013 (95.6cm), Janbaz (96cm), PS2005 (96.6cm) and advance wheat lines PR106 (95.6cm), PR115 (95.6cm), IBGE (96.6cm) were found semi dwarf. Grain yield of commercial wheat variety Janbaz 6566.6 (kgha-1) was at par with advance wheat line PR118 6500(kgha-1). Commercial bread wheat varieties (PK2015, PS2005) and an advance line (PR115) showed lowest severity (2%) to powdery mildew disease. An advance line (PR115) and four commercial bread wheat varieties (PS-2005, PS-2008, PK-2015, Faisalabad-2008) were found resistant against powdery mildew disease. Commercial bread wheat varieties PS-2005, PS-2008, PK-2015, Faisalabad-2008 and advance wheat line PR115 can be utilized as resistant source of powdery mildew in future breeding programs

Effect of Different Urea Doses on the Performance of Wheat Under the Agro-Climatic Conditions of Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The research conducted aimed to evaluate the impact of varying urea doses on the performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum), with a focus on growth, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency. Urea, a common nitrogen fertilizer, is crucial in enhancing crop productivity. The experiment was conducted in 2022-2023 at the Agriculture Research Station Baffa Mansehra in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The research material consisted of a Wheat variety. The Seeds were sown in RCBD design on 15th October 2022 at an Agriculture Research Station Baffa Mansehra. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with three replications. In the agro-climatic conditions of Mansehra, comprehensive data were gathered on various morphological and yield-related attributes. These included morphological parameters such as days to heading, leaf area index (cm), days to maturity, number of tillers/ plant-1, plant height (cm), spike length (cm), spikelet /spike, thousand-grain weight (g), grain yield kg/ha-1, and biological yield kg/ha-1. The study concludes that from experiments that wheat on different urea applications gives significant results from germination to till harvesting under the agro-climatic condition of Mansehra. It means that the wheat on different Urea applications shows improvement in Plant height, Spike length, Spikelet /spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and biological yield. Based on these results, it is recommended to apply urea at optimal rates to enhance wheat growth and yield, with the most effective rate being 65 grams per 6 m².

Interactive Effects of Location and N- Fertilizer Rates on Grain Quality Traits of Bread Wheat Varieties at Arsi Zone, South-Eastern Ethiopia

Nowadays it is not only the amount of yield that is important, but also the quality of the grain produced, because the quality of the grain determines the direction of use. In view of this, the current work was conducted in 2017/2018 cropping season with factorial combinations of two bread wheat varieties (Lemu and Wane), five N-rates (0, 46, 92,138 and 184 kg N ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) and two different locations (Lemu-Bilbilo and Tiyo). The experiment was laid down using a RCBD with three replications. The results explained that, with the exception of 1000 grain weight (TGW) and hectoliter weight (HLW), the remaining parameters included in this study are significantly influenced by the interactions of location x N-rate x variety, while the two-way interactions of location x variety and N-rate x variety were affected all studied parameters except HLW which didn’t affected by the interaction effects of location x variety. The maximum grain yield (7721 and 7481 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) was achieved from Wane and Lemu at Lemu-Bilbilo and Tiyo at N-rates of 184 and 92 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;, respectively. The peak value of gluten index (GI) (87.9 and 87.4%) was determined in Wane and Lemu varieties, respectively, in unfertilized plot and at N rate of 138 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;, sequentially and at par with 138 and 184 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; for wane and at par with N rate of 46 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; plus with unfertilized plot for Lemu variety in Lemu-Bilbilo. The value of GI recorded at unfertilized plots and N-rate of 46 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; was significantly at par for Lemu variety, while for wane significantly the same as the GI obtained at N-rate of 46 and 92 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; at Tiyo. The effects of N rates at Lemu-Bilbilo was significantly on the same level, but the peak value of wet gluten (55.1%) and dry gluten (20.7%) were gained at 184 kg N ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; in Tiyo and significantly the level of 46, 92 &amp; 138 kg N ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; for dry gluten and 138 kg N ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; for wet gluten. In Lemu-Bilbilo the HLW was increased with an increased N-rate, while in Tiyo it had increased to 92 kg N ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;. Based on parameters examined, the N rates of 92 and 138 kg ha&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;-1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; for both varieties at the Tiyo and Lemu-Bilbilo study sites were therefore economically justifiable.

Development of haploid winter wheat by the method of distant hybridization with maize

In order to improve the breeding process and expand the genetic diversity of winter wheat, haploid lines can serve as new initial material. One of the methods for developing haploids in wheat plants is distant hybridization when crossing with maize plants and subsequent selective elimination of chromosomes. Postgamic incompatibility of parent plants can be overcome by growing embryos in vitro. The purpose of the current study was to develop haploid winter common wheat plants using the method of distant hybridization when crossing with maize and selective elimination of chromosomes. The current paper has presented the hybridization results of winter wheat varieties and hybrids ([(‘Odesskaya 200’ x ‘Agrofak 100’) x ‘Razdolie’], ‘1608/21’, ‘1638/19’, ‘Stanichnaya’, ‘221/20’, ‘Volnitsa’, ‘Knyaginya Olga’, ‘Bezostaya 100’, ‘Alekseich’) and haploproducer lines of maize (SM7, Kr 935/86, Kr 651) using the embryoculture method in vitro. As a result, there was established that the mean setting rate of hybrid grains was 64 %. The highest percentage of grains with embryos was in the combinations ‘Stanichnaya x SM7’ (30 %), ‘Bezostaya 100 x SM7’ (33 %) and ‘Volnitsa x SM7’ (36 %). The maximum number of haploid sprouts was formed in the hybrid combinations ‘Stanichnaya x SM7’ (8 pcs.), ‘Bezostaya 100 x SM7’ and ‘Volnitsa x SM7’ (7 and 7 pcs.). There were developed 37 haploid plants from 13 cross combinations. The survival rate of plants after putting into soil was 62 %. It is being planned to evaluate the developed breeding material.

Social, economic, and cultural dimensions of wheat stripe rust dynamics in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

The present study examined the cultural significance of wheat and the threat of wheat stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, aiming to protect wheat farming heritage, promote sustainable practices, and ensure future food security. A mixed-methods approach was employed to capture the multifaceted role of wheat within Rawalpindi’s social structure, traditions, and food security dynamics. Surveys and interviews revealed that most wheat fields were at the tillering and heading stages during the survey period. Sporadic disease outbreaks, particularly at the milking stage, were reported in areas such as Maira Shareef and Chakri villages, highlighting localized infections. To achieve the study objectives, the qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with 10 agricultural specialists in wheat cultivation and 12 experienced wheat farmers, selected through purposive sampling. For the quantitative component, stratified random sampling was used to engage 300 wheat farmers, providing broader insights into farming practices and disease awareness. A significant contrast emerged regarding awareness of wheat stripe rust disease. Although farmers expressed concern about its potential to reduce yields, much of the general population remained unaware of the disease. This underscores the importance of targeted awareness initiatives, such as grassroots campaigns delivered in local languages to address these knowledge gaps effectively. The study emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and farmers, to develop disease-resistant wheat varieties. It also advocated for ecosystem-based pest management strategies to mitigate the impact of wheat stripe rust and ensure the sustainability of wheat farming traditions.