Wheat is one of the most widely cultivated grains across the world. It’s used in several food products like bread, pasta, noodles, and pastries, making it an essential ingredient in most kitchens. Hence, the demand for wheat has increased significantly over the decades, prompting farmers and researchers to improve the grain quality of the wheat crop. In this article, we will discuss some essential information regarding the improvement of grain in wheat.
1. Traditional breeding methods:
Traditional breeding methods, which involve crossbreeding different wheat varieties, have been used to improve wheat for several years. This method has aided in increasing wheat grain quality in terms of size, yield, and resistance to pests and diseases. Plant breeders select two parent plants that have desirable traits and cross them to produce offspring with the desired characteristics. This process is repeated for several generations to stabilize the traits that have been selected.
2. Genetic modification:
With advances in biotechnology, genetic modification has also been used to improve wheat grain quality. This method involves inserting a specific gene into the wheat DNA, which enhances the desired traits like drought tolerance, resistance to pests, and improved nutritional quality. However, this approach is still controversial, and its safety concerns are still being investigated.
3. Quality assessment:
Improving the quality of wheat grain requires understanding the crop’s specific quality requirements. Quality assessment methods are used to measure the physical, chemical, and functional characteristics of the grain. These quality attributes include protein content, gluten strength, water absorption, and baking characteristics. The assessment provides insights into the areas that need improvement.
4. Seed treatments:
Seed treatments play an essential role in improving wheat grain quality. Pre-sowing seed treatment with fungicides helps prevent plant diseases and reduces the chance of seedling mortality. Growth regulators such as gibberellins can be sprayed on wheat to enhance root and shoot development, which enhances grain yield.
5. Crop rotation:
Crop rotation is an agricultural technique whereby farmers alternate different crops grown on the same land in subsequent seasons. This method helps improve soil fertility, reduces disease pressure, and increases grain yield. Wheat is often rotated with nitrogen-fixing crops like leguminous crops to enrich the soil.
In conclusion, as the global population increases, the demand for high-quality wheat will continue to rise. Improving the grain quality of wheat enhances the yields, addresses food security, and improves the nutritional value of the crop. Employing traditional breeding methods, genetic modification, seed treatments, crop rotation, and quality assessments can enhance wheat grain quality, meeting the current and future food demands.