Abstract:
【
Objective】This study aimed to elucidate the pedigree and traits related to yield and quality of strong gluten wheat varieties bred in middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, providing reference for genetic improvement of strong gluten wheat varieties in this region.【
Method】Strong gluten and medium-strong gluten wheat varieties proved by national or provincial registration in middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River were used as materials to analyze their genetic pedigree and contribution values of core parents, and data from regional trials were utilized to analyze their traits related to yield, quality, and diseases resistance.【
Result】From 2007 to 2023, a total of 70 strong or medium-strong gluten wheat varieties were registered in this region. The breeding methods included systematic selection, cross breeding, and recurrent selection breeding, among which cross breeding accounted for 95.6% of all developed varieties, with single-cross breeding being the predominant method (65.7%), multiple-cross breeding accounting for 25.6%, with three varie-ties developed through backcross breeding. Pedigree analysis of parents revealed that the strong gluten wheat varieties developed in Jiangsu were mainly derived from Sumai No. 6 and its derivative varieties (Zhenmai No. 9, Zhenmai No. 10, and Zhenmai 168), while those developed in Hubei were mainly derived from Zhengmai 9023 and Xinong 979. Among the superior wheat varieties developed in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, medium-strong gluten varie-ties accounted for the highest proportion of 58.6%. All varieties met the strong gluten or medium-strong gluten standards in terms of grain protein content and extended area; however, 12 varieties failed to meet the quality standard for stability time, five varieties failed for maximum resistance to extension, and five varieties failed to meet the first-class wheat standard for test weight. In terms of yield performance, 92.9% of the varieties outyielded the control, with varying degrees of improvement in effective panicle number, kernel number per panicle, and thousand-kernel weight compared with the control. Regarding resistance to
Fusarium head blight, the improvement was relatively effective, with 54.3% of varie-ties showing moderate resistance to
Fusarium head blight, 25.7% showing moderate to high resistance to stripe rust, 2.9% showing moderate resistance to sheath blight, and 17.1% showing primary to moderate resistance to powdery mildew.【
Conclusion】The breeding of superior strong gluten wheat in middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River has achieved considerable progress, with 70 high yield and superior strong gluten or medium-strong gluten wheat varieties developed. However, the problems of narrow parental sources and limited genetic basis remain, and thus the introduction and utilization of elite germplasm from other ecological regions or relatives of wheat should be strengthened. For quality improvement, more attention should be paid to the enhancement of gluten quality, and the screening of dough rheological pro-perty indicators should be reinforced. To improve the stable yield and adaptability of superior varieties, resistance to
Fusarium head blight needs to be further enhanced, and particular emphasis should be placed on improving resistance to powdery mildew and sheath blight, so as to achieve the goal of superior, high-yield, and green production.