The starting material is the basis of heterotic wheat breeding

A. Rakov¹*, Y. Dmytrenko¹, R. Spriazhka¹ and Y. Zaika¹²

¹National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine,
15 Heroyiv Oborony Str., UA03041 Kyiv, Ukraine
²The V.M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat of National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 68 Tsentralna Str., village Central, Myronivskyi district, UA08853 Kyiv region, Ukraine
*Correspondence: a.rakov@nubip.edu.ua

Abstract:

This study addresses key aspects of developing initial breeding material for heterosis breeding in bread winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In the context of climate change and threats to food security, particularly in Ukraine, the creation of new high-yielding hybrids resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses is of paramount importance. The research involved a comprehensive assessment of 78 winter wheat varieties from the Ukrainian National Gene Bank. Field trials were conducted during 2022–2024 at the Agronomic Research Station (Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine) using a randomized complete block design with three replications.

The study focused on morphological and physiological traits influencing cross-pollination efficiency, including anther extrusion (VAEX-method scored on a 1–9 scale), plant height (cm), flowering synchrony (days from January 1 to heading), spike characteristics, grain yield (t ha⁻¹), and resistance to pathogens (septoria, powdery mildew; % leaf area affected) and winter hardiness (1–9 score).

Cluster analysis revealed three distinct groups with specific breeding potential. Group 1 (Achim, Mescal, Yuvileyna Patona) demonstrated the highest spike productivity (61.2–63.6 grains/spike; grain mass 2.8–3.4 g) and yield (6.1–6.2 t ha^-1). Female components (Group 2: Altigo, Soborna, Taira) exhibited short plant height (71.4–78.2 cm) and early heading time (140.3–144.0 days). Male components (Group 3: Zoreslava, Metelytsya Kharkivska, Urbanus, Liryka Bilotserkivska, and Kyivska 17, etc.) were characterized by tall plant height (80.3–89.8 cm) and high anther extrusion (6.3–7.5 score).

A topcross mating design is proposed for further evaluation of combining ability and heterosis effects. The results provide a foundation for the development of hybrid wheat breeding programs under Ukrainian conditions, with an emphasis on parental lines with complementary flowering biology and agronomic performance.

Key words:

anther extrusion, bread wheat, heterosis, hybrid breeding, parental selection, Triticum aestivum L

The critical point of conventionally bred soft wheat varieties in organic farming systems

P. Konvalina¹, Z. Stehno², J. Moudry¹

¹University of South Bohemia in ýeské BudČjovice, Faculty of Agriculture, Institute of Plant
Production and Agroecology, Department of Organic Farming, ýeské BudČjovice, Czech
Republic, konvalina@zf.jcu.cz
²Crop Research Institute Prague, Czech Republic, stehno@vurv.cz

Abstract:

Nowadays, wheat is the most important crop for organic farming systems. However, the varieties bred and tested in the conditions of organic farming systems are still missing, resulting in a very low level of yield in the Czech Republic (less than 50% of level of conventional yield in the same conditions). One reason is that the ideotype of the organically bred variety is different from that of the conventional. The varieties suitable for an organic farming system differ in many respects from those adopted in conventional farming. The first difference is obvious from the conventional tests of the varieties’ value for use, taking only direct indicators influencing the main parameter (yield) into account. Generally speaking, the features to be tested can be divided into 4 groups: the morphological, biological, economic and quality parameters. The conventional varieties are bred in conditions characterised by an abundance of soluble nutrients, and therefore, their root systems are not adapted to an insufficiency or weaker bonding of nutrients. The competitiveness with weeds has also been ignored. Any conventional variety which has not had to confront strong weeds during the breeding process cannot be assumed to be competitive enough in the conditions of an organic agro-ecosystem. Resistance to diseases and pests can be similarly characterised. Varieties are protected by pesticides throughout the conventional breeding process. Because of the seasonal fluctuations in weather, we need a plastic and flexible variety. They also differ in their qualitative parameters.

Key words: