| Kernel texture differences among US soft wheat cultivars Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 85:1959-1966 |
| Morris,C.F.,Campbell,K.G.,King,G.E. |
| Kernel texture is a key factor in the quality and utilization of soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L),
yet the variation in kernel texture among US soft wheat cultivars is largely unknown. This study evaluated
the following hypothesis: soft wheat cultivars differ in kernel texture due to minor genetic factor(s).
Once identified, selected contrasting cultivars could serve as candidates for crop improvement and future
genetic studies. To test the hypothesis, kernel texture (SKCS, Single Kernel Characterization System),
NIR (near-infrared reflectance) and Quadrumat break flour yield were evaluated for 30 cultivars drawn
from the four major US soft wheat regions and sub-classes (eastern and western soft white winter, soft
red winter and Club). Cultivars were grown in replicated trials over 6 site-years in Washington state. The
results clearly indicated that relatively large, consistent genetic differences in kernel texture exist among
US soft wheat cultivars. SKCS and NIR were fairly well correlated (r = 0.85) and tended to rank cultivars
in the same order. However, individual cultivars deviated from this linear relationship and occasionally
rankings changed substantially. Trends were observed among the geographical regions and sub-classes,
eg the first 13 hardest-ranked positions (SKCS) were held by western cultivars (13 of the 16 total western
cultivars). Quadrumat break flour yield provided an independent assessment of kernel texture and was not
correlated with SKCS or NIR hardness. Four distinct cultivar groupings were made based on analysis of
variance and two-dimensional graphical assessment. Each group represented contrasting levels of kernel
texture (SKCS or NIR) and break flour yield. Identification of the specific underlying gene(s) conferring
kernel texture variation among US soft wheats awaits the next phase of research.
|
 « Printable Version » |
|
|
