Wheat Varieties Research Articles

Transcription factor gene TaWRKY76 confers plants improved drought and salt tolerance through modulating stress defensive-associated processes in Triticum aestivum L.

WRKY transcription factor (TF) family acts as essential regulators in plant growth and abiotic stress responses. This study reported the function of TaWRKY76, a member of WRKY TF family in Triticum aestivum L., in regulating plant osmotic stress tolerance. TaWRKY76 transcripts were significantly upregulated upon drought and salt signaling, with dose extent- and stress temporal-dependent manners. Plant GUS activity assays suggested that stress responsive cis-acting elements, such as DRE and ABRE, exert essential roles in defining gene transcription under osmotic stress conditions. The TaWRKY76 protein targeted onto nucleus and possessed ability interacting with TaMYC2, a MYC TF member of wheat. TaWRKY76 and TaMYC2 positively regulated plant drought and salt adaptation by modulating osmotic stress-related physiological indices, including osmolyte contents, stomata movement, root morphology, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Yeast one-hybrid assay indicated the binding ability of TaWRKY76 with promoters of TaDREB1;1, TaNCEB3, and TaCOR15;4. ChIP-PCR analysis confirmed that the osmotic stress genes are transcriptionally regulated by TaWRKY76. Moreover, the transgenic lines with knockdown of these stress-response genes displayed lowered plant biomass together with worsened root growth traits, decreased proline contents, and elevated ROS amounts. These results suggested that these stress defensive genes contributed to TaWRKY76-modulated osmotic stress tolerance. Highly positive correlations were observed between yield and the transcripts of TaWRKY76 in a wheat variety panel under field drought condition. A major haplotype TaWRKY76 Hap1 conferred improved drought tolerance. Our results suggested that TaWRKY76 is essential in plant drought and salt adaptation and a valuable target for molecular breeding stress-tolerant cultivars in Triticum aestivum L..

GC-MS and ICP-OES Analysis of Secondary Metabolites from Selected Wheat Varieties in India

Triticum aestivum L. serves as a major global commodity with annual trade volumes reaching around 150 million tons. Wheat varieties including Sharbati, Black Wheat, Chawal Keti, and Sonamoti are extensively cultivated across many regions in India. Besides its nutritional value, wheat has medicinal importance especially for diabetic, cancer, and cardiac patients. These medicinal values are because of the presence of phytochemicals, which are natural compounds that offer health benefits, including antioxidant properties. This study focuses on the qualitative and quantitative assessment of phytochemicals from selected wheat varieties using standard protocols and analyzed with their ICP-OES and GC-MS reports.

Multi Environment Trials and Adaption of Advanced Bread Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum </i>L.) Genotypes in Low Moisture Stress Areas of Ethiopia

To predict bread wheat genetic potential across environments and adaption in low moisture stress wheat growing areas of Ethiopia. Multi-location trials were conducted in Ethiopia from 2020 to 2021 in main seasons. A total of advanced genotypes including the checks were arranged in randomized complete block design in a rectangular (row x column) array of plots with two replications. The results showed that, under the linear mixed model, the spatial and factor analytic models were efficient methods of data analysis for this study. By ranking average best linear unbiased prediction (BLUPs) within clusters, the 13 bread wheat environments were clustered into three mega environments (C1, C2, and C3) for the trait grain yield. This method used as a selection indicator, assisting in the selection of superior and adaptable types. The predicted performance of genotypes based on BLUP values averaged across correlated settings of C1 and C2, eliminating C3 due to low genetic correlation with the other trials and low genetic variation. Based on these clusters, the genotypes with the highest potential EBW192350 and EBW192369 were selected for a subsequent verification study that might potentially use them as a released variety. For genetic variance, the estimates for variance component parameters ranged from 0.069 to 2.896 and error variance, they ranged from 0.175 to 1.002. Therefore, increasing the application of this efficient analysis method will improve the selection of superior bread wheat varieties. The two genotypes can be further verified using national performance trials/ or verified in farmers’ fields for registration and commercialization.

Accumulation of plastid pigments in the leaves Triticum avestium L. under influence of composite recultivant Trevitan®

Aim. To investigate the efficiency of using composite recultivants TREVITAN® (RCT) according to the parameters of accumulation of the photosynthetic pigments in the leaves Triticum aestivum L. of the varieties Quintus and Licamero. Methods. The experiments were carried out on the plots of the agro-biolaboratory of Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatyuk National Pedagogical University in 4 variants (Control, TREVITAN® adjuvant, recultivants TREVITAN®, TREVITAN® adjuvant + recultivants TREVITAN®) and 3 repetitions. The content of chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids in flag leaves was defined by Welburn spectrometric method. Results. The highest content of chlorophylls was found in the leaves of both varieties of wheat in the phases of flowering and milk ripeness during autumn tillage, seeds before sowing and plants in the earing phase with recultivants TREVITAN®. Joint use of TREVITAN® adjuvant + recultivants TREVITAN® also significantly increased the content of chlorophyll in wheat leaves. Increase of carotenoids in the leaves of plants of all experimental variants on 4.2–14.6 % (variety Quintus) and on 43.2–59.5 % (variety Licamero) was defined in the phase of milk ripeness. Conclusions. The use of RCT in the technology of growing soft wheat had a significant impact on the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments in leaves during the generative phases of development.

Features of the isolation of yeast from the root microbiome of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Aim. Development of approaches for isolating yeast symbionts from the rhizosphere of various varieties of winter wheat for their further taxonomic identification, as well as studying the influence of yeast species on the growth and development of wheat plants. Methods. Isolation and identification of yeast from the root microbiome of selected wheat varieties was carried out using microbiological and microscopic research methods. Results. As a result of the investigation, conditions were selected, isolation and primary identification of yeast from the root microbiome of winter wheat varieties in different growing periods was carried out. The following yeast species were identified: Saccharomyces serevisiae, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Papiliotrema terrestris, Pichia fementans, Candida subhashii, Torulaspora delbruecki and Candida sp. Conclusions. The difference in the species composition of yeast-symbionts in different periods of development of winter wheat varieties Lisova Pisnya, Pereyaslivka, Bohdana, Smuglyanka, Podolyanka, Kolonia, Reform and Rebel was noted. The obtained data emphasize the importance of studying the rhizosphere microbiome, in particular the functional role of yeast, for understanding the mechanisms of interaction between the plant and the soil, as well as for the development of effective agronomic strategies in the cultivation of wheat and other crops.

Problems and effectiveness of breeding of winter wheat varieties with increased environmental stability

Aim. The search of adaptive response peculiarities to adverse environmental factors is an important condition of development of varietal technologies and control of adaptive potential of winter wheat varieties. Methods. The studies were carried out in accordance with the field test methodology. The wheat varieties of different types of growing, different genetic and ecological origins were studied. Results. The alternative variety Clarisa and the new universal varieties of winter wheat Perlyna, Askaniyska, Askaniyska Bereginya were characterized by the highest yield at different times of spring vegetation recovery. Thus, on average over the years of research, they exceeded the standard variety of Kherson Bezosta by 0.51–1.27 t/ha in terms of yield, and under unfavorable conditions of the late recovery of spring vegetation, their advantage was at the level of 0.58–1.34 t/ha. Conclusions. For stable production of high-yielding winter soft wheat grain, use new varieties of the universal type Askaniyska, Askaniyska Bereginya, Perlyna and alternative types Clarissa, Solomia for different agrophones for late sowing periods according to different predecessors.

Vasil Yakovych Yuriev: Life and scientific heritage (on the 150th anniversary of his birth)

The article discusses the main stages of life and scientific activities of the renowned and respected academician-breeder Vasyl Yakovych Yuriev. His name is inextricably linked with the activities of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Plant Breeding, Selection, and Genetics (now Yuriev Plant Production Institute of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine). It is shown that in his scientific work, Vasyl Yakovych paid special attention to the collection of initial material, the selection of parental forms for crossing, developed methods for testing hybrids and varieties at different stages of the selection process, and demonstrated the advantages of the method of selecting pure lines from local wheat populations compared to the ineffective method of mass selection. Based on this method, under his leadership, many high-yielding valuable varieties of winter and spring wheat, rye, millet, barley, and corn were developed. To study the patterns of inheritance of important valuable traits in wheat, V. Ya. Yuriev used intervarietal and interspecies crosses of the diallel type. Many studies have been conducted in the field of breeding varieties for disease and pest resistance and immunity. In recognition of his scientific achievements, the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine established the Vasyl Yakovych Yuriev Prize, which is awarded for the highest achievements in the field of selection and genetics.

The transcription factor CAMTA2 interacts with the histone acetyltransferase GCN5 and regulates grain weight in wheat.

Grain weight and size are major traits targeted in breeding to improve wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield. Here, we find that the histone acetyltransferase GENERAL CONTROL NONDEREPRESSIBLE 5 (GCN5) physically interacts with the calmodulin-binding transcription factor CAMTA2 and regulates wheat grain size and weight. gcn5 mutant grains were smaller and contained less starch. GCN5 promoted the expression of the starch biosynthesis genes SUCROSE SYNTHASE 2 (Sus2) and STARCH-BRANCHING ENZYME Ic (SBEIc) by regulating H3K9ac and H3K14ac levels in their promoters. Moreover, immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry (IP-MS) revealed that CAMTA2 physically interacts with GCN5. The CAMTA2-GCN5 complex activated Sus2 and SBEIc by directly binding to their promoters and depositing H3K9ac and H3K14ac marks during wheat endosperm development. camta2 knockout mutants exhibited similar phenotypes to gcn5 mutants, including smaller grains that contained less starch. In gcn5 mutants, transcripts of high molecular weight (HMW) Glutenin (Glu) genes were downregulated, leading to reduced HMW glutenin protein levels, gluten content, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) sedimentation volume. However, the association of GCN5 with Glu genes was independent of CAMTA2, since GCN5 enrichment on Glu promoters was unchanged in camta2 knockouts. Finally, we identified a CAMTA2-AH3 elite allele that corresponded with enhanced grain size and weight, serving as a candidate gene for breeding wheat varieties with improved grain weight.

Canopy coverage of wheat measured with high accuracy using the HSV colour model and relative depth estimation model, MiDaS

ABSTRACT Canopy coverage calculated from 2D images effectively estimates several parameters, such as dry weight above the ground, stem number, and risk of lodging, without destroying the crops. This study aimed to clarify how to accurately calculate canopy coverage, regardless of environmental conditions, using various colour models and a relative depth estimation model, MiDaS. For wheat cultivated in 2022/23, the canopy coverage at the initiation of the stem elongation stage (CC30), calculated using only the HSV colour model, was overestimated because of the presence of weeds. However, when the heatmap generated using MiDaS was combined with the results extracted from the HSV colour model, it showed a CC30 similar to the accurate CC30 calculated by hand drawing, regardless of the wheat variety, sowing pattern, and location of the image taken, with an RMSE as low as 3.48. The CC30 calculated by combining the HSV colour model and MiDaS was significantly positively correlated with the number of stems, dry weight above ground, and nitrogen content above ground at the initiation of the stem elongation stage of ‘Sanukinoyume 2009’ grown in 2021/22 and 2022/23 (n = 72, r > 0.798). The combination of the HSV colour model and MiDaS effectively and accurately calculates canopy coverage regardless of environmental conditions and can be used for growth diagnosis and variable nitrogen fertiliser application after the initiation of the stem elongation stage.

IMPACT OF VARIED AMOUNTS OF NITROGENOUS FERTILIZERS ON GRAIN YIELD AND RELATED AGRO-PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS IN SPRING WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

The application of nitrogen (N) is a critical factor influencing grain yield and agro-physiological traits in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varied nitrogen levels on grain yield and associated traits under field conditions. The study was conducted in Chak No. 136 / 6.R Haroonabad, District Bahawalnagar under the supervision of the Institute of Soil Fertility (Field) during the crop year 2022-23. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used, with five N treatments (160, 145, 131, 117 and 103 kg ha⁻¹) applied across three replicates. Key parameters, including flag leaf area, thousand-grain weight, spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, chlorophyll a, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, biological yield and gain yield, were measured. The results showed a significant increase in flag leaf area, thousand-grain weight, spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, chlorophyll a, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, biological yield and gain yield with increasing nitrogen application, with the highest yield observed at 160 kg ha⁻¹. The results unveiled the presence of highly significant variations among nitrogen treatments in wheat variety based on the agro-physiological parameters including flag leaf area, thousand-grain weight, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, chlorophyll a, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, biological yield and gain yield. Furthermore, the results also unveiled that treatments with higher nitrogen dosage produce better results for almost all the study parameters including grain yield. The correlation coefficient analysis also confirmed the results and suggested that any wheat breeding program aimed at improving wheat yield must select its parental genotypes based on traits having the highest correlation with yield i.e., flag leaf area, thousand-grain weight, number of grains per spike, chlorophyll a, stomatal conductance and net photosynthetic rate except the number of spikelets per spike and biological yield for which the correlation was positive but non-significant. The results suggest that nitrogen in higher amounts up to a certain level is necessary for obtaining maximum output from wheat crops under semi-arid conditions.

Identification and Screening of Leaf Rust Resistance Genes in Wheat Cultivars Through Microsatellites

Wheat is one of the important staple food being grown worldwide and in Pakistan. The wheat rust-causing fungi are very eco-adaptive and evolve rapidly to overcome genetic resistance of wheat varieties. Among all rust-causing fungi, Puccinia triticina causes leaf rust in wheat, and inflicts heavy yield losses. Deploying resistant varieties against leaf rust is the most effective, environmentally-friendly and economic way to control the disease. Therefore, new sources of genetic resistance are continually sought to develop rust resistance in wheat varieties, and nowadays rust resistant varieties have been developed through the accumulation of slow rusting or minor genes that would perform better in fields. Hence, the purpose of this study is to screen a few of the available leaf rust-resistant germplasm in field and evaluate their field response on genetic basis. For this purpose, minor genes were detected through the amplification of simple sequence repeat (SSR) in the selected wheat genotypes through screened primers. Field experiment was conducted. Molecular studies to identify the minor genes were performed. Meteorological data was recorded at the observatory laboratory of the same area. All the epidemiological factors (Temperature (maximum, minimum), Relative Humidity, and Pan Evaporation) showed significant correlation in tested 5 varieties ZARDANA89, ZARLASHTA99, RASKOH 05, BHAKKAR-2000, GA-2002 which were conducive for disease development except rainfall. PCR amplification of Xgwm118, and Xgwm165, showed the range of alleles in 14 genotypes. It was observed that 22 verities showed resistance, 3 were moderately resistant, 3 varieties were moderately susceptible, 8 varieties were moderately susceptible, and 5 varieties were moderately susceptible against leaf rust pathogen.

Responses of potential double cropping areas expansion and appropriate crop management practices to climate change in northern China

IntroductionGlobal climate change has led to increases in the temperature and decreases in the number of frost days in northern China, facilitating a shift from a single cropping system (SCS, spring maize) to a double cropping system (DCS, winter wheat-summer maize rotation).MethodsTherefore, under the current climate conditions, DCS expansion should be evaluated, and new planting schemes should be explored. In this paper, we identified the areas with potential for DCS in northern China considering an annual accumulated temperature of >0°C. The World Food Studies simulation model was used to simulate the yield, irrigation requirement (IR), and net income under various crop management conditions when considering the maximum yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of crops.ResultsOur results indicated that the potential DCS area increased by approximately 31.51 × 104 km2 in northern China, with the primary DCS areas being located in the provinces of Gansu, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, and Liaoning. Regarding variety selection, winter wheat and summer maize varieties with early and mid-early maturation were found to be favored for the potential DCS areas. The sowing dates corresponding to the maximum WUEs of the crops were later than those corresponding to the maximum yields. In the potential DCS areas, under the maximum yield condition, the average unit total yield, IR, and net income increased to 2700 kg ha−1, 305 mm, and 607 USD ha−1, respectively, whereas under the maximum WUE condition, increases of 2862 kg ha−1, 284 mm, and 608 USD ha−1, respectively, were observed. The average unit total yield of the DCS was 15927 and 13793 kg ha−1 under the maximum yield and maximum WUE condition, respectively.DiscussionOur findings may clarify the effects of climate change on agricultural production patterns and indicate suitable crop management practices.

Identification of the ribosomal protein L18 (RPL18) gene family reveals that TaRPL18-1 positively regulates powdery mildew resistance in wheat

The Ribosomal protein L18 (RPL18) protein gene family plays an important role in plant growth, development and stress response. Although the RPL18 genes have been identified in several plant species, the RPL18 gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum) is still unexplored. This study found 8 TaRPL18 genes, each of which has a significantly different gene sequence length and is evenly distributed on the chromosome; Additionally, these proteins have similar physicochemical characteristics as well as secondary and tertiary structures. 17 RPL18 genes in 4 species (wheat, Arabidopsis, rice, and maize) were classified into 5 groups, and the TaRPL18 genes within the same group showed similar structures and conserved motifs. Analysis of the cis-acting elements in the TaRPL18 genes promoter regions revealed the presence of developmental and stress-responsive elements in the majority of the genes. Through yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) experiments, it was confirmed that the powdery mildew resistance protein TaPm46 physically interacts with the Class IV TaRPL18-1. Functional analysis indicated that TaRPL18-1-silenced wheat plants show reduced resistance to powdery mildew compared to the wild type (WT), with decreased expression levels of PAL and PPO genes, and increased expression levels of the PR gene. The findings of this study provide a basis for clarifying the function of the TaRPL18 genes and will be useful for the selection of disease-resistant varieties of wheat.

Адаптивный потенциал твердой пшеницы сортов саратовской селекции в условиях Нижнего Поволжья

The objects of the study were plants of 14 varieties of durum wheat Triticum durum Desf. A structural analysis of the productivity elements of plants cultivated in the field in 2020, 2021 and 2023 was carried out. The varietal features of the formation of productivity elements of durum wheat varieties of Saratov breeding in different meteorological conditions are revealed. Based on the peculiarities of the formation of the main elements of ear productivity, varieties with a balanced type of morphogenetic systems have been identified. In 2020, the variety with a balanced type of morphogenetic systems in terms of ear productivity elements – the number of spikelets, the number of grains and their weight is the Luch 25 variety, in 2021 – Nikolasha and Zolotaya Volna. In the conditions of 2023, balanced varieties were not found for all elements of ear productivity – the number of cones, the number of grains and their weight. Balanced varieties were determined according to two productivity elements: Nikolasha and Zolotaya Volna varieties are balanced in terms of the number of spikelets and the weight of the grain, the Lilac variety is balanced in terms of the number of grains and the weight of the grain. The values of the breeding indices – Mexican, Canadian, and the index of linear ear density – were determined. A variety was identified in which the values of the breeding indices for the entire period of the study were unchanged – the Saratov 40 variety of the Mexican index. The Elizabethan variety among all 14 varieties is characterized by the minimum values of the linear density index of the ear for three years.

Agro-morphological evaluation of gamma ray-induced mutant populations and isolation of harder grain mutants in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract Gamma ray-induced mutations have been widely used to improve existing crop germplasm and create novel genetic variation. In the current study, a multi-year experiment was carried out to induce and isolate mutants with desirable agro-morphological traits and improved grain hardness through evaluation of induced mutant populations generated in soft-textured wheat variety HPW 89 irradiated with gamma ray dose of 250, 300 and 350 Gy. Mutagen sensitivity studies revealed a higher frequency of biological damage and seedling mortality for doses beyond 300 Gy in the M1 generation. However, the mutagenic treatments in the M2–3 populations significantly altered the magnitude of the biometrical traits. Results from the variability and association studies among traits showed that biological yield per plant, 1000-grain weight, spike length, grains per spike and plant height may be prioritized for higher genetic gain and could be used as selection criteria parameters. Multivariate analysis indicated induction of heterogeneity among mutant populations. Overall, 250–300 Gy doses were found ideal for a successful wheat mutation programme and 293 agro-morphologically superior wheat mutants were identified, out of which 108 had semi-hard grain texture based on single kernel characterization system. Among these, nine mutants were found to have the highest grain hardness index due to induced changes in one or both puroindoline genes. Hence, these mutants identified for several traits along with harder grain texture will serve as important genetic resource in future wheat-breeding programmes.

Combined Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Linkage Mapping Identifies Genomic Regions Associated with Seedling Root System Architecture (RSA) under Different Nitrogen Conditions in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) in the roots of seedlings is beneficial for increasing crop yield. Creating marker-assisted selection for wheat root traits can assist wheat breeders in choosing robust roots to maximize nutrient uptake. Exploring and identifying the effect of different N supply conditions on root system architecture (RSA) is of great significance for breeding N efficient wheat varieties. In this study, a total of 243 wheat varieties native to the Yellow and Huai Valley regions of China were utilized for genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Furthermore, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of 123 lines derived from the cross between Avocet and Chilero was utilized for linkage examination. A hydroponic seedling experiment using a 96-well tray was conducted in the lab with two treatments: normal N (NN) and low N (LN). Five RSA traits, including the relative number of root tips (RNRT), relative total root length (RTRL), relative total root surface area (RTRS), relative total root volume (RTRV), and relative average root diameter (RARD), were investigated. GWAS and linkage analysis were performed by integrating data from the wheat 660 k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip and diversity arrays technology (DArT) to identify genetic loci associated with RSA. The results showed that, based on the ratio of RSA-related traits under two N supply conditions, a total of 497 SNP markers, which are significantly associated with RSA-related traits, were detected at 148 genetic loci by GWAS. A total of 10 QTL loci related to RSA were discovered and identified by linkage mapping. Combining two gene localization methods, three colocalized intervals were found: AX-95160997/QRtrl.haust-3D, AX-109592379/QRnrt.haust-5A, and AX-110924288/QRtrl.haust-7D/QRtrs.haust-7D. According to the physical location of the colocalization of these two sites, between 39.61 and 43.74 Mb, 649.97 and 661.55 Mb, and 592.44 and 605.36 Mb are called qRtrl-3D, qRnrt-5A, and qRtrl-7D. This study has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of selecting root traits in wheat breeding programs, offering valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of NUE in wheat. These results could help in breeding wheat varieties with higher NUE by implementing focused breeding strategies.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth Indices in Wheat Varieties (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth Indices in Wheat Varieties (Triticum aestivum L.)

Identification of Salt-Stress-Responding Genes by Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis and Association Analysis in Wheat Leaves.

The leaf is not only the main site of photosynthesis, but also an important organ reflecting plant salt tolerance. Discovery of salt-stress-responding genes in the leaf is of great significance for the molecular improvement of salt tolerance in wheat varieties. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was conducted on the leaves of salt-tolerant wheat germplasm CH7034 seedlings at 0, 1, 6, 24, and 48 h after NaCl treatment. Based on weighted gene correlation network analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under salt stress, 12 co-expression modules were obtained, of which, 9 modules containing 4029 DEGs were related to the salt stress time-course. These DEGs were submitted to the Wheat Union database, and a total of 904,588 SNPs were retrieved from 114 wheat germplasms, distributed on 21 wheat chromosomes. Using the R language package and GAPIT program, association analysis was performed between 904,588 SNPs and leaf salt injury index of 114 wheat germplasms. The results showed that 30 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 15 DEGs were associated with salt tolerance. Then, nine candidate genes, including four genes (TaBAM, TaPGDH, TaGluTR, and TaAAP) encoding enzymes as well as five genes (TaB12D, TaS40, TaPPR, TaJAZ, and TaWRKY) encoding functional proteins, were identified by converting salt tolerance-related SNPs into Kompetitive Allele-Specifc PCR (KASP) markers for validation. Finally, interaction network prediction was performed on TaBAM and TaAAP, both belonging to the Turquoise module. Our results will contribute to a further understanding of the salt stress response mechanism in plant leaves and provide candidate genes and molecular markers for improving salt-tolerant wheat varieties.

Study on the Damage Characteristics of Wheat Kernels under Continuous Compression Conditions.

Peeling wheat yields higher-quality flour. During processing in a flaking machine, wheat kernels undergo continuous compression within the machine's chamber. As this compression persists, damage to the kernels intensifies and accumulates, eventually leading to kernel breakage. To study the damage characteristics of wheat kernels during peeling, this study established a continuous damage model based on Hertzian contact theory and continuous damage theory. The model's accuracy was validated through experiments, culminating in the calculation of critical parameters for wheat peeling. This study focused on different wheat varieties (Ningmai 22 and Jichun 1) and kernel sizes (the thicknesses of the small, medium, and large kernels were standardized as follows: Ningmai 22-2.67 ± 0.07 mm, 2.81 ± 0.07 mm, and 2.95 ± 0.07 mm; Jichun 1-2.98 ± 0.11 mm, 3.20 ± 0.11 mm, and 3.42 ± 0.11 mm). Continuous compression tests were conducted using a mass spectrometer, and critical damage parameters were analyzed and calculated by integrating the theoretical model with experimental data. The test results showed that the average maximum crushing force (Fc) for small, medium, and large-sized kernels of Ningmai 22 was 96.71 ± 2.27 N, 110.17 ± 2.68 N, and 128.41 ± 2.85 N, respectively. The average maximum crushing deformation (αc) was 0.65 ± 0.08 mm, 0.68 ± 0.13 mm, and 0.77 ± 0.17 mm, respectively. The average elastic-plastic critical pressure (Fs) was 50.21 N, 60.13 N, and 59.08 N, respectively, and the average critical values of elastic-plastic deformation (αs) were 0.37 mm, 0.38 mm, and 0.39 mm, respectively. For Jichun 1, the average maximum crushing force (Fc) for small-, medium-, and large-sized kernels was 113.34 ± 3.15 N, 125.28 ± 3.64 N, and 136.15 ± 3.29 N, respectively. The average maximum crushing deformation (αc) was 0.75 ± 0.11 mm, 0.83 ± 0.15 mm, and 0.88 ± 0.18 mm, respectively. The average elastic-plastic critical pressure (Fs) was 58.11 N, 64.17 N, and 85.05 N, respectively, and the average critical values of elastic-plastic deformation (αs) were 0.45 mm, 0.47 mm, and 0.52 mm, respectively. The test results indicated that during mechanical compression, if the deformation is less than αs, the continued application of the compression load will not result in kernel crushing. However, if the deformation exceeds αs, continued compression will lead to kernel crushing, with the required number of compressions decreasing as the deformation increases. If the deformation surpasses αc, a single compression load is sufficient to cause kernel crushing. Since smaller wheat kernels are more susceptible to breakage during processing, the peeling pressure (F) within the chamber should be controlled to remain below the average elastic-plastic critical pressure (Fs) of small-sized wheat kernels. Additionally, the kernel deformation (α) induced by the flow rate and loading in the chamber should be kept below the average elastic-plastic critical deformation (αs) of small-sized wheat kernels. This paper provides a theoretical foundation for the structural design and optimization of processing parameters for wheat peeling machines.

Comparative Analysis of Phytohormone Biosynthesis Genes Responses to Long-Term High Light in Tolerant and Sensitive Wheat Cultivars.

Phytohormones are vital for developmental processes, from organ initiation to senescence, and are key regulators of growth, development, and photosynthesis. In natural environments, plants often experience high light (HL) intensities coupled with elevated temperatures, which pose significant threats to agricultural production. However, the response of phytohormone-related genes to long-term HL exposure remains unclear. Here, we examined the expression levels of genes involved in the biosynthesis of ten phytohormones, including gibberellins, cytokinins, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, indole-3-acetic acid, strigolactones, nitric oxide, and ethylene, in two winter wheat cultivars, Xiaoyan 54 (XY54, HL tolerant) and Jing 411 (J411, HL sensitive), when transferred from low light to HL for 2-8 days. Under HL, most genes were markedly inhibited, while a few, such as TaGA2ox, TaAAO3, TaLOG1, and TaPAL2, were induced in both varieties. Interestingly, TaGA2ox2 and TaAAO3 expression positively correlated with sugar content but negatively with chlorophyll content and TaAGP expression. In addition, we observed that both varieties experienced a sharp decline in chlorophyll content and photosynthesis performance after prolonged HL exposure, with J411 showing significantly more sensitivity than XY54. Hierarchical clustering analysis classified the phytohormone genes into the following three groups: Group 1 included six genes highly expressed in J411; Group 2 contained 25 genes drastically suppressed by HL in both varieties; and Group 3 contained three genes highly expressed in XY54. Notably, abscisic acid (ABA), and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis genes and their content were significantly higher, while gibberellins (GA) content was lower in XY54 than J411. Together, these results suggest that the differential expression and content of GA, ABA, and JA play crucial roles in the contrasting responses of tolerant and sensitive wheat cultivars to leaf senescence induced by long-term HL. This study enhances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying HL tolerance in wheat and can guide the development of more resilient wheat varieties.