Wet Gluten Content Research Articles

Combination of nitrogen and organic fertilizers reduce N2O emissions while increasing winter wheat grain yields and quality in China

Wheat grain yields, quality, and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were controlled through the type and application rate of nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Here, we investigated the optimal management of N fertilization by examining the combined effects of organic and N fertilizers on wheat yields, quality, and N2O emissions. Field trials under six treatments were located on campus farms at Anhui Science and Technology University, including farmer’s common practice (270 kg N ha-1, N270), 2/3 reduction in N270 (90 kg N ha-1, N90), organic fertilizer with equal N270 (OF270), 2/3 reduction in OF270 (OF90), 4/5 reduction OF270 + 1/5 reduction N270 (20% OF270 + 80% N270), and 4/5 reduction OF90 + 1/5 reduction N90 (20% OF90 + 80% N90) were applied to winter wheat. The plots were arranged in a randomized complete block experimental design. The N2O emissions were quantified under different fertilization measures in the peak wheat growing season during sowing, jointing, and grain filling stages, respectively. Compared with N270 and N90 treatments, N2O emissions were significantly decreased by 18.6% and 27.2%, respectively, under 20% OF270 + 80% N270% and 20% OF90 + 80% N90 (p < 0.05). Further, N2O emissions in N270 were increased by 50.8% relative to N90. Wheat yields increased significantly under 20% OF90 + 80% N90 by 27.6% (N270) and 16.4% (N90), and were considerably enhanced under 20% OF270 + 80% N270 by 40.6% (N270) and 12.7% (N90) in contrast to OF270 and N270 (p < 0.05). Compared with N90, the content of wet gluten, protein and starch under 20% OF90 + 80% N90 treatment significantly increased by 7.7%, 13.8% and 7.9%, and enhanced by 7.6%, 4.8%, 8.0% relative to OF90, respectively (p < 0.05). The starch content increased significantly by 2.0%, whereas the settlement value decreased considerably by 2.9% under 20% OF270 + 80% N270 (p < 0.05), and there was no notable difference in the wet gluten and protein contents (p > 0.05). Our findings indicated that organic fertilizer mixed with N fertilizer can effectively reduce N2O emissions, increase both the grain yields and quality in wheat field compared with N fertilizer alone.

The association of glutenin subunit composition to baking quality traits of spring and winter wheat in Estonia

In Estonian local mills, protein content (PC) and wet gluten content (WGC) are among the main indicators considered and evaluated when purchasing grains. Protein composition also significantly affects baking quality. The baking quality of ten winter wheat (WW) and spring wheat (SW) varieties was studied at the Center of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK). PC, WGC, gluten index (GI), and dough stability time (DST) were higher in SW varieties. PC was positively correlated with WGC and loaf volume (LV) in both wheat types. PC and WGC were negatively correlated with GI and positively correlated with DST only in WW. The viscoelastic properties of dough are linked to its high- and low molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS and LMW-GS). The allelic composition of the glutenin genes was determined using DNA markers. All the studied varieties had the allele Glu-D1d and additional allele Glu-D1a was found in the variety ‘Voore’. Fourteen varieties had Glu-A1a and b alleles associated with improved backing quality. Alleles Glu-B1с and Glu-B1b were found in WW varieties. SW varieties carried alleles Glu-B1al, b, с and h. The average QS was higher in SW. Eight varieties had null alleles Glu-A1c, Glu-A3e, and Glu-B3j, which negatively affected bread-making quality.

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.

Pleiotropic Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Mining for Regulating Wheat Processing Quality- and Yield-Related Traits.

To investigate the genetic basis of processing quality- and yield-related traits in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L., AABBDD), a systematic analysis of wheat processing quality- and yield-related traits based on genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of 285 regional test lines of wheat from Hebei province, China, was conducted. A total of 87 quantitative trait loci (QTL), including twenty-one for water absorption (WA), four for wet gluten content, eight for grain protein content, seventeen for dough stability time (DST), thirteen for extension area (EA), twelve for maximum resistance (MR), five for thousand-grain weight (TGW), one for grain length, and six for grain width were identified. These QTL harbored 188 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Twenty-five SNPs were simultaneously associated with multiple traits. Notably, the SNP AX-111015470 on chromosome 1A was associated with DST, EA, and MR. SNPs AX-111917292 and AX-109124553 on chromosome 5D were associated with wheat WA and TGW. Most processing quality-related QTL and seven grain yield-related QTL identified in this study were newly discovered. Among the surveyed accessions, 18 rare superior alleles were identified. This study identified significant QTL associated with quality-related and yield-related traits in wheat, and some of them showed pleiotropic effects. This study will facilitate molecular designs that seek to achieve synergistic improvements of wheat quality and yield.

Spelt in Diversified and Spelt-Based Crop Rotations: Grain Yield and Technological and Nutritional Quality

A properly designed crop rotation contributes to the equilibrium of the agro-ecosystem and the volume and quality of the yield. The cultivation of spelt in crop rotations enriches its biodiversity and provides grains with many different types of nutritional value. The aim of this current study was to investigate how the distribution of winter spelt in different positions and after different forecrops in four-field crop rotations would affect the technological quality of the grain, the nutrient content of the grain, and the grain yield. A 6-year field experiment, designed in a randomised block, was conducted from 2012 to 2018 in north-eastern Poland (53°35′47″ N, 19°51′20″ E). This study provides the results from a 6-year (2013–2018) field experiment. The spelt was cultivated in four crop rotations: CR1—winter rape + catch crop (blue tansy), spring barley, field pea and winter spelt; CR2,—winter rape, winter spelt + catch crop (blue tansy), field pea and winter spelt; CR3—winter rape + catch crop (blue tansy), field pea, winter spelt and winter spelt; and CR4—winter rape, winter spelt + catch crop (blue tansy), spring barley and winter spelt. This study evaluated grain yield and the following grain parameters: the total protein, wet gluten and starch contents, the Zeleny index, the falling number, the weight of 1000 grains, the N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn contents, and the grain yield. The results were assessed at the significance level p < 0.05. It was demonstrated that the cultivation of spelt in all four crop rotations after winter rape and after field pea was characterised by higher protein and wet gluten contents, Zeleny index value and falling number, a greater weight of 1000 grains, higher N, P, Fe and Zn contents, and greater grain yield than those harvested from the crop rotations CR3 and CR4 after spelt and after barley. It was demonstrated that the cultivation of spelt in crop rotations CR3 and CR4, in succession after spelt and after barley, caused deterioration in grain quality (lower protein and gluten contents, a lower Zeleny index value, a lower falling number, and a smaller weight of 1000 grains, and the N, P, Fe and Zn contents). In addition, a smaller grain yield was obtained from these crop rotation fields. Regardless of the type of crop rotation, the cultivation of spelt after winter rape and after pea produced a high yield and a good quality yield of this cereal. Due to the lower yield of grain and its lower quality, it is not recommended that winter spelt is grown after each other or after spring barley.

Identification and fine mapping of a major QTL, qGPC4D, for grain protein content using wheat–Aegilopstauschii introgression lines

Wheat is a staple cereal crop that is crucial for food security and human health. Improving wheat quality has become an essential task for breeders to meet escalating market demand. In this study, a set of wheat-Aegilops tauschii introgression lines was developed from a cross between the high-yielding wheat variety Jimai 22 and Ae. tauschii Y215. A high-density genetic map containing 2,727 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was constructed using a 55K SNP array to conduct quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis for grain quality-related traits. Eight QTL were identified for grain protein content (GPC), starch content, and wet gluten content in the two environments. Among them, a major and environmentally stable QTL, qGPC4D, for GPC was identified, with favorable alleles contributed by Ae. tauschii Y215. Subsequently, qGPC4D was narrowed down to a 9.88 Mb physical interval through further fine mapping utilizing the introgression lines. Additionally, three linked SNP of qGPC4D were converted into high-throughput kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers and validated in the introgression population. These findings offer promising candidate genes, elite introgression lines, and KASP markers for wheat high-quality breeding.

Proximal canopy sensing of twenty-two bread wheat genotypes for nutritional quality, yield attributes and grain yield under Mediterranean climate

To ensure nutritional security of rapidly increasing population, research interest has revitalized in determining the nutritional quality traits of staple food crops, especially wheat. Besides higher yield potential, research gaps exist regarding nutritional quality assessment of promising wheat genotypes grown under the Mediterranean climate. A field study was conducted to determine the relationship between yield components and quality characteristics of 22 bread wheat genotypes using the SPAD meter, GreenSeeker (NDVI), and CM-1000 chlorophyll meter at different growing stages (Stem elongation, Heading, Anthesis and Milk stage). The recorded findings revealed that G-41 genotype surpassed the rest of bread wheat genotypes by recording the maximum grain yield, whereas G-60 genotype exhibited the highest protein and wet gluten content. Among response variables, SPAD and NDVI values at the heading stage and CM-1000 values at the milk stage were found to be statistically insignificant. According to the correlation and biplot analysis, a significant positive correlation was found between the SPAD values measured for the stem elongation, anthesis and milk stage and yield and quality characteristics. Significant positive correlations were found between the NDVI values at the stem elongation, anthesis, and milk stages and the yield components, and between the CM-1000 value at the heading stage and the grain yield.

Impact of varied tillage practices and phosphorus fertilization regimes on wheat yield and grain quality parameters in a five-year corn-wheat rotation system

Choosing appropriate tillage methods and applying the right amount of chemical fertilizers are pivotal for optimizing wheat management and enhancing wheat quality. This study investigated the influence of conservation agriculture and phosphorus levels on nutrient content, yield components, and quality traits of wheat in a corn-wheat rotation. Conducted over five years in field conditions, the study employed a randomized complete block design with tillage treatments (conventional tillage, CT; minimum tillage, MT; and no tillage, NT) and phosphorus levels (no fertilizer use, P0; and 100% fertilizer recommendation, PR) as factors. Soil samples were collected during the fourth year (2021–2022). Results revealed significant impacts of tillage methods and phosphorus levels on wheat straw and grain nutrient composition, yield components, and quality traits. Conventional tillage yielded the highest values for protein content (12%), Zeleny sedimentation volume (20.33 mL), hardness index (45), water absorption (64.12%), and wet gluten content (25.83%). Additionally, phosphorus fertilizer application positively influenced protein percentage, gluten weight, and gluten index. The study highlights the potential of strategic soil management, particularly conventional tillage combined with phosphorus fertilization, to enhance wheat quality and yield. By elucidating these relationships, the findings contribute to optimizing wheat cultivation practices and advancing the development of superior wheat cultivars for baking applications.

THE EFFECT OF DIVIDED TOP-DRESSING APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENT NITROGEN FERTILIZERS ON GRAIN YIELD AND QUALITY TRAITS IN BREAD WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.)

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different divided top-dressing applications of different nitrogen fertilizers on grain yield and quality traits of four bread wheat varieties (Selimiye, Esperia, Gelibolu and Rumeli). The experiment was conducted in a randomized split-plot design with 3 replicates during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. In the experiment, varieties were allotted as main plots and top-dressing applications were allotted as subplots. Five different pure nitrogen (N) top-dressing applications were done in the form of urea and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) at the beginning of tillering, the end of tillering, the beginning of stem elongation and the end of stem elongation stages. Grain yield, thousand kernel weight, test weight, protein content, wet gluten content, gluten index, Zeleny sedimentation value and delayed sedimentation value were investigated in the study. Gelibolu variety for grain yield, Rumeli and Esperia varieties for grain quality were prominent. The considering the ease of application for grain yield and quality, 2nd application (80 kg ha-1 pure N in the form of urea at the beginning of tillering, 40 kg ha-1 pure N in the form of urea at the beginning of stem elongation) can be proposed in the years when April and May rainfalls are sufficient, and 3rd application ( 40 kg ha-1 pure N in the form of urea at the beginning of tillering, 40 kg ha-1 pure N in the form of urea at the end of tillering, 40 kg ha-1 pure N in the form of CAN at the beginning of stem elongation) can be proposed in the years when April and May rainfalls are insufficient.

Genetic Diversity of HMW-GS and the Correlation of Grain Quality Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Hubei Province, China

High-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) are an important component of total cereal proteins in wheat. It is closely related to the processing quality of flour. Here, we analyzed allelic variations at the Glu-1 locus in 163 wheat accessions from Hubei Province, China with SDS-PAGE. Among the 15 alleles detected, alleles 1, 7+8, and 2+12 were the major alleles, and 7, 6+8, and 2+10 were rare alleles. The breeding lines had higher genetic diversity than the commercial varieties. Alleles 7 and 6+8 significantly reduced the grain protein content and wet gluten content of wheat. The “1, 7+9, 5+10” and “1, 14+15, and 2+12” allelic combinations significantly increased the grain protein content, hardness index, test weight, and wet gluten content of wheat. Alleles 7+9, 14+15, and 5+10 were identified as alleles related to high wheat quality. The “1, 7, 5+10”, “1, 6+8, 5+10”, “null, 7+9, 2+12”, “1, 14+15, 2+12”, and “1, 7+9, 5+10” allelic combinations had greater effects on wheat grain quality traits. These results demonstrate the effects of HMW-GS on wheat grain quality traits and provide a reference for the genetic improvement of wheat quality.

Genetic variations of bread wheat varieties for bread‐making quality traits in moisture stressed areas of Wollo, Ethiopia

AbstractIn Ethiopia, wheat variety development has traditionally prioritized yield and disease resistance over bread‐making quality. To address this gap, our study evaluated 22 Ethiopian bread wheat varieties across six locations during the 2015/2016 season, utilizing a randomized complete block design with three replications. Various quality traits, including 1000‐kernel weight (TKW), hectoliter weight (HLW), Perten hardness index (HI), single kernel weight (SKW), single kernel diameter (SKD), grain protein content (PC), wet gluten (WG), Zeleny value (ZV), and starch content (SC), were analyzed. Significant effects of varieties, locations, and their interactions on these traits were observed (p < 0.01). Madawalabu, Danda'a, and Mekelle‐4 displayed superior TKW (>40 g), while Menze and Bolo exhibited higher HLW. HI values ranged from 82.8% in Sofumar to 35.5% in Mekelle‐3, indicating diverse grain hardness. Favorable milling traits were observed with SKW values exceeding 30 mg and SKD surpassing 2.5 mm. Genotype and location influenced PC (9.5%–11.0%) and WG content (21.6%–25.2%), meeting bread‐making requirements. ZV ranged from 21.9% to 31%, and SC varied from 64% to 68%, reflecting changes in starch concentration between varieties. Varietal performance varied, with Madawalabu, Menze, and Bolo showing promise. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations among HLW, SKD, SKW, TKW, PC, WG, and ZV, and a negative correlation with SC. These insights provide a foundation for targeted breeding strategies to enhance specific attributes crucial for optimal bread quality, contributing valuable information to wheat breeding programs.

The Effect of Renewable Phosphorus Biofertilizers on Selected Wheat Grain Quality Parameters

Recycling and reusing phosphorus in agriculture can reduce the consumption of natural phosphorus resources, which are continuing to shrink. Phosphorus fertilizers made from renewable raw materials (sewage sludge ash, animal bones, dried animal blood) and activated with phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms (Bacillus megaterium, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans) offer an alternative to conventional fertilizers. These products should meet consumer and environmental safety standards. In this paper, based on field experiments conducted in northeast Poland, the effects of waste-derived biofertilizers on selected parameters of wheat yield quality are discussed. The study focuses on the technological properties of the grain (hectoliter weight, hardness index, Zeleny index, starch, wet gluten, and protein content), the content of proteogenic amino acids, macro- and micronutrients, and selected toxic elements in the grain. The quality parameters of wheat grain were not affected by the tested biofertilizers applied in P doses up to 35.2 kg ha−1, nor by conventional fertilizers.

The Quality of Winter Wheat Grain by Different Sowing Strategies and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates: A Case Study in Northeastern Poland

The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of different sowing strategies and spring nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates on the technological quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain in terms of its milling quality, protein complex quality, and enzyme activity (falling number). Winter wheat grain for laboratory analyses was produced in a small-area field experiment conducted between 2018 and 2021 in the AES in Bałcyny (53°35′46.4″ N, 19°51′19.5″ E, NE Poland). The experimental variables were (i) sowing date (early: 6 September 2018, 5 September 2019, and 3 September 2020; delayed by 14 days: 17–20 September; and delayed by 28 days: 1–4 October), (ii) sowing density (200, 300, and 400 live grains m−2), and (iii) split application of N fertilizer in spring (40 + 100, 70 + 70, and 100 + 40 kg ha−1) at BBCH stages 22–25 and 30–31, respectively. A sowing delay of 14 and 28 days increased the bulk density (by 1 and 1.5 percent points (%p), respectively), vitreousness (by 3 and 6%p, respectively), and total protein content of grain (by 1% an 2%, respectively). A sowing delay of 14 days increased grain hardness (by 5%), the flour extraction rate (by 1.4%p), and the falling number (by 3%) while also decreasing grain uniformity (by 1.9%p). In turn, a sowing delay of 28 days increased the wet gluten content of grain (+0.5–0.6%p) and improved the quality of the protein complex in the Zeleny sedimentation test (+1.5%). An increase in sowing density from 200 to 300 live grains m−2 led to a decrease in grain uniformity (by 2.6%p), the total protein content (by 1.5%), and the wet gluten content of grain (by 0.7%p). A further increase in sowing density decreased grain vitreousness (by 1.4%p). The grain of winter wheat fertilized with 40 and 100 kg N ha−1 in BBCH stages 22–25 and 30–31, respectively, was characterized by the highest hardness (64.7), vitreousness (93%), flour extraction rate (73.9%), total protein content (134 g kg−1 DM), wet gluten content (36%), and Zeleny sedimentation index (69 mL).

Estimation of wheat protein content and wet gluten content based on fusion of hyperspectral and RGB sensors using machine learning algorithms

The protein content (PC) and wet gluten content (WGC) are crucial indicators determining the quality of wheat, playing a pivotal role in evaluating processing and baking performance. Original reflectance (OR), wavelet feature (WF), and color index (CI) were extracted from hyperspectral and RGB sensors. Combining Pearson-competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARs)-variance inflation factor (VIF) with four machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to model accuracy of PC and WGC. As a result, three CIs, six ORs, and twelve WFs were selected for PC and WGC datasets. For single-modal data, the back–propagation neural network exhibited superior accuracy, with estimation accuracies (WF > OR > CI). For multi-modal data, the random forest regression paired with OR + WF + CI showed the highest validation accuracy. Utilizing the Gini impurity, WF outweighed OR and CI in the PC and WGC models. The amalgamation of MLs with multimodal data harnessed the synergies among various remote sensing sources, substantially augmenting model precision and stability.

Effect of a novel dwarfing mutant site on chromosome 4B on agronomic traits in common wheat.

The introduction of dwarfing genes triggered a wave of "green revolution". A number of wheats dwarfing genes have been reported in previous studies, and only a small fraction of these have been applied to production practices. Therefore, the development of novel dwarfing genes for wheat is of great value. In this study, a novel dwarfing site, Rht-yz, identified in the Yanzhan mutation, is located on chromosome 4B (30-33MB) and its mechanism of action is different from that of Rht-B1b (C-T mutation), but whether it affects the Rht-B1a (TraesCS4B02G043100) or other genes is unclear. Exogenously applied GA3 experiments showed that Rht-yz is one of the gibberellin-insensitive dwarf genes. The effects of the dwarf gene Rht-yz on agronomic traits in wheat were evaluated in the field using Yanzhan, Yanzhan mutations, F2:3 and F3:4 lines. The results showed that Rht-yz improved lodging resistance by reducing plant height, increasing diameter, wall thickness and mechanical strength of the basal stem. In terms of yield traits, Rht-yz had negative effects on tiller number plant-1, biomass plant-1 and yield plant-1, but had no significant effect on harvest index, 1000-kernel weight and spike traits. In addition, Rht-yz significantly increased crude protein, wet gluten and starch content. Therefore, the rational use of the new dwarfing site Rht-yz has potential and value in dwarf wheat breeding.

Ekmeklik Buğday (Triticum aestivum L.) Çeşitlerinde Yağışlı Koşullarda Verim ve Kalite Parametrelerine Genotip Çevre Etkisi ve Stabilite

The significant genotype by environment interaction is a major matter for wheat breeding research. The study was carried out for seven growing season (between 2010-2011 and 2016-2017) in the Edirne location in the Trakya region, Türkiye. Each year was considered as a single environment. In the study, a regional yield trial of 25 genotypes, 5 of which were standard cultivars were evaluated across seven environments. The experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The characters such as yield, days to heading, plant height, thousand kernel weight, hectoliter weight, protein ratio, wet gluten content, gluten index, grain hardness and sedimentation value were investigated in the study. The result of the variance analysis (ANOVA) demonstrated considerable differences (p

Biochemical and Quality Parameter Changes of Wheat Grains during One-Year Storage under Different Storage Conditions

The selection of suitable storage conditions and monitoring of changes in the wheat grains using suitable parameters are of great importance for the sustainability of technological quality and utilization of the entire stored quantity of wheat grains without waste generation until the next harvest. Wheat grains of three varieties, stored for 12 months at three different conditions of environmental temperature and relative humidity (% RH): (1) 40 ± 1.06 °C; 45 ± 3% RH; (2) 4 ± 1.05 °C; 45 ± 4% RH, (3) 15 ± 8.51 °C; and 67 ± 4% RH, were compared for germination percentage, protein and advanced glycation end products content, oxidoreductive and proteolytic enzyme activity, wet gluten content and falling number. A decrease in the activity of guaiacol peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase, as well as an increase in the content of advanced glycosylation end products and the falling number, was observed in wheat grains during storage conditions at 40 ± 1.06 °C; 45 ± 4% RH. On the other hand, storage of wheat grains at lower temperatures resulted in much lower changes in examined parameters, among which advanced glycation end-product content, peroxidase activity and falling number values were the greatest. Based on the obtained results, it can be assumed that changes in guaiacol peroxidase activity and falling number might be used as indicators of improper wheat grain storage.

Impact of managing yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) by the use of fungicide sprays and resistant varieties on the physiochemical qualities of bread wheat

AbstractYellow rust disease caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is one of the major threats to wheat production in Ethiopia. In this paper, the impact of yellow rust on the physical qualities of bread wheat was studied. For this purpose, combinations of four bread wheat varieties (Digalu, Hidase, Danda'a, and Honkolo) and two fungicides (Nativo SC 300 and Tilt® 250E.C.) were tested at two different hotspot areas (Albazar and Alicho) in the Silte Zone, Southern Ethiopia, under natural epidemics of the disease during the 2018 growing season. A randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications was used to set up the experiment. A significant (p < .01) increase in hectoliters weight and wet gluten content were observed due to the application of Nativo SC 300; however, grain protein content did not respond significantly (p > .01) at both locations. Wheat varieties with high yellow rust severity exhibited maximum values of area under the disease progress curve and physical quality loss percentage (%). The highly susceptible wheat variety Digalu exhibited the highest values of hectoliter weight losses (%), and the actual losses ranged from 5.5% to 29.5%. Except for grain protein content, there was a significant negative correlation between the values of terminal rust severity, average coefficient infection, and area under the disease progress curve and that of hectoliters weight and wet gluten content, with correlation coefficients ranging from −0.85** to −0.33**. It is possible to improve the physiochemical properties of bread wheat through the application of foliar fungicides by selecting the appropriate genotypes that have an acceptable level of resistance to yellow rust.

Effects of high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit on hard-steamed bread quality.

Steamed bread (SB) is a daily food in many countries in the world, but the relationship between HMW-GS and the quality of SB remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of 12 subunit combinations on the characteristics of SB, including volume, physical properties, and sensory evaluation, combined with the microstructure and dough rheological properties. The locus effect results showed, volume and physical properties of SB were Glu-D1>Glu-B1>Glu-A1, while sensory scores Glu-B1>Glu-D1>Glu-A1. According to individual subunit effects, subunit 1 at Glu-A1 locus, 7+8 and 7+9 subunits at Glu-B1 locus, and 2+10 and 5+12 subunits at Glu-D1 locus were significantly superior to other subunits in physical indices like volume, chewiness, glueyness, and sensory scores, and were less affected by moisture. The effect of subunits combination is mainly affected by subunits, and the combination of superior subunits tends to make SB quality better. The subunit combinations (1, 7+8, 5+12), (N, 7+9, 2+10) and (1, 7+9, 5+12) had better physical properties indexes, sensory scores, dense, uniform and delicate micro-pore structure, and smaller thickness wall. The results showed that protein content, wet gluten content and stability time were the main factors affecting the volume and physical properties of SB. The protein content, wet gluten content and stability time of flour in 7+8, 7+9, 2+10 and 5+12 subunits were higher. Therefore, the quality of SB containing these subunits was found better.

Optimizing planting density and nitrogen application to mitigate yield loss and improve grain quality of late-sown wheat under rice-wheat rotation

Late sowing is a critical factor that hinders achieving high-yield, good-quality wheat under rice-wheat rotation. Understanding the physiological basis and regulatory pathways that lead to late-sown wheat of high yield and good quality is crucial for developing effective cultivation strategies. A 2-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sowing date, nitrogen (N) application rate, and planting density on wheat yield, grain quality, population characteristics, and the underlying physiological factors. The results revealed significant interactions among the sowing date, planting density, and N application in regulating both yield and quality. Late sowing reduced grain yield primarily by reducing the number of spikes and kernels. However, the latter was improved by increasing N application and the planting density, thus mitigating the yield losses caused by late sowing. Moreover, the grain protein content (GPC) and wet gluten content (WGC) increased with delayed sowing dates and higher N rates, but decreased with increased planting densities. For wheat yields over 9,000 or 7,500 kg ha–1, the latest sowing date should not be later than Nov. 4 or 15, respectively. In addition, specific criteria should be met, including a maximum of 1.5 and 1.0 million stems and tillers ha–1, a maximum leaf area index of 6.7 and 5.5, and a dry matter accumulation (DMA) at anthesis of 14,000 and 12,000 kg ha–1, respectively. For high-yield, good-quality late-sown wheat, the optimal combination is a 25% increase in the N rate (300 kg N ha–1) and a planting density of 2.25 million (N300D225) or 3.75 million (N300D375) plants ha–1 for 10- or 20-day delays in sowing, respectively. These combinations result in higher leaf net photosynthetic rate; higher activities of leaf nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and grain glutamic pyruvic transaminase; and a lower sugar-N ratio during post-anthesis.