Remote sensing of quality traits in cereal and arable production systems:A review

Cereal is an essential source of calories and protein for the global population.Accurately predicting cereal quality before harvest is highly desirable in order to optimise management for farmers,grading harvest and categorised storage for enterprises,future trading prices,and policy planning.The use of remote sensing data with extensive spatial coverage demonstrates some potential in predicting crop quality traits.Many studies have also proposed models and methods for predicting such traits based on multiplatform remote sensing data.In this paper,the key quality traits that are of interest to producers and consumers are introduced.The literature related to grain quality prediction was analyzed in detail,and a review was conducted on remote sensing platforms,commonly used methods,potential gaps,and future trends in crop quality prediction.This review recommends new research directions that go beyond the traditional methods and discusses grain quality retrieval and the associated challenges from the perspective of remote sensing data.

Assessment of Groundwater Physico-Chemical Quality in the Ouémé Delta (Southern-Benin)

Groundwater resources are the main sources of water used to supply drinking water to the population of the Ouémé Delta via the Continental Terminal aquifer. Urbanization, population growth, and agricultural and industrial activities have resulted in a deterioration in the quality of these resources. To assess the quality of the delta’s groundwater and its suitability for human consumption and irrigation, a total of fourteen (14) physico-chemical parameters were analyzed in some forty existing water points between September 2020 and March 2021, using standard water analysis techniques. The values obtained were compared with the potability standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Republic of Benin and were subjected to statistical analysis (principal component analysis (PCA)). In addition, methods for determining the suitability of water for irrigation were used. The results showed that the waters are acidic to slightly neutral and influenced by ambient temperature. In addition, the waters are moderately mineralized, with conductivities (24 - 1205 μS/cm) in line with WHO standards. A comparison of the analytical results of the WHO (2017) and Benin (2001) standards indicates that the majority of the waters studied are of good quality for all the chemical parameters considered. Nevertheless, some samples show levels of nitrates (21%), potassium (14% to 16%), calcium (13%), ammonium (12%), nitrites (8%) and bicarbonates (10%) over their respective standards. The Wilcox and Riverside diagrams indicate that the majority of waters (90%) have excellent suitability for irrigation and no negative effect on soil fertilization.

Correlation and variability analysis of yield and quality related traits in different peanut varieties across various ecological zones of China

Peanut cultivation in China spans various ecological zones, each with unique environmental conditions. Identifying suitable peanut varieties for these regions has been challenging due to significant phenotypic variations observed across environments. This study, based on a comprehensive analysis of 256 peanut varieties, selected nine representative varieties(Huayu23, Yuanza9102, Silihong, Wanhua2, Zhonghua6, Zhonghua16, Zhonghua21,Zhonghua215, Zhonghua24) for cultivation in five distinct ecological zones including Chengdu, Hefei, Nanjing,Shijiazhuang, and Wuhan. The yield and quality related phenotypic traits of these varieties were thoroughly assessed, revealing a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Principal component analysis(PCA) effectively distinguished varieties based on yield and quality traits. Strong correlations were observed between specific traits, such as seed size and quality components. The G × E interaction was evident, as some varieties consistently performed better in certain environments. Varieties with lower coefficient of variation(CV)values exhibited stable trait expression, making them reliable choices for broad cultivation. In contrast, varieties with higher CV values displayed greater sensitivity to environmental fluctuations, potentially due to specific genetic factors. Two high oleic acid varieties, Zhonghua24 and Zhonghua215, demonstrated remarkable stability in oleic acid content across diverse environments, suggesting the presence of genetic mechanisms that buffer against environmental variations. Overall, this study underscores the importance of selecting peanut varieties based on their adaptability and performance in specific ecological zones. These findings provide valuable insights for peanut breeders and farmers, facilitating informed decisions for improved crop production and quality.

Genome-wide association study exposed the pleiotropic genes for yield-related and oil quality traits in Brassica napus L.

Oilseed rape(Brassica napus L.) is an allotetraploid(AACC,2n=38) crop,valued for its edible oil and protein content.seed yield and nutritional composition of rapeseed are influenced by its yield and oil quality traits.However,the genetic basis of yield-related and oil-quality traits remain ambiguous.A panel of 266 diversified oilseed rape accessions was genotyped using 223 simple sequence repeat(SSR) markers covering all 19 chromosomes to identify significant markers associated with yield and quality traits.Twelve yield-related and six quality traits were investigated in two consecutive years(2014 and 2015),with three replications in two environments(Changshun,CS;and Qinghe,QH).Using the model GLM with population structure and kinship(Q+K),a total of 25 significant SSR markers(P <0.001) were detected to be associated with these twelve yield-related and six quality traits,explaining 4.56%-19.17% of the phenotypic variation for each trait.Based on these markers,BnaA03g23490D, BnaC09g46370D,BnaA07g37150D,BnaA01g32590D, and BnaC09g37280D were identified as pleiotropic genes controlling multiple traits.These candidate genes illustrated the potential for the genetic understanding of yield and oil quality traits.Most importantly,these significant markers can be used for marker-assisted breeding of oilseed rape in different environments.

Morphological diversity and correlation analysis of phenotypes and quality traits of proso millet(Panicum miliaceum L.)core collections

Genetic diversity and comprehensive performance are the basis for the discovery and efficient use of proso millet(Panicum miliaceum L.) core collections. In this study, 386 proso millet core collections were used as materials to observe inflorescence color, leaf phase, inflorescence density, axis shape, branched spike length, panicle type, trichome, measured area of the top3 leaves, and chlorophyll content of the top3 leaves at filling stage. These core collections were also used to record growth period, plant height, diameter of main stem, plant tiller number, branch number, panicle length, panicle number per plant, and panicle weight per plant at the maturation stage. Starch, fat, protein, and yellow pigment contents in the grain and 1 000-seed weight were also measured after harvest. Then, quantitative traits were used for diversity analysis and comprehensive evaluation of each collection. Correlations between all traits were also analyzed. Results showed that among the 8 quality traits, the Shannon index(H′) of hull color was the highest(1.588) followed by the H′ of inflorescence density(0.984). However, inflorescence color and axis shape were lower. The H′ of 16 quantitative traits were significantly higher than the quality traits with the following traits having the highest indices: fat content(2.092), 1 000-seed weight(2.073), top3 leaves area(2.070), main stem diameter(2.056), and plant height(2.052). Furthermore, all other traits had a diversity higher than 1.900. After a comprehensive evaluation of phenotypic traits, plant height, diameter of main stem, plant tiller number, leaf area of top3 leaves, and 1 000-seed weight were the biggest contributors to the principal components. Six high-fat and high-protein cultivars, including Nuoshu, A75-2, Zhiduoaosizhi, Panlonghuangmi, Xiaobaishu, and Xiaohongshu were also screened. Correlations between the quantitative traits were significant, including the correlation between quality traits and quantitative traits. In conclusion, the core collections can be used as basis for discriminating among proso millet cultivars based on related traits and for further studies on millet with rich genetic diversity, good representation, and significant collection between traits.

Identification of QTLs Conferring Agronomic and Quality Traits in Hexaploid Wheat

The availability of elite germplasm resources with high yield and quality potentials is very important for development of cultivars in wheat. Thus, seeking such resources has been the continuous effort of breeder community. In this study, genetic analysis of a novel resource, Triticum spelta line CSCR6, from Australia was made by use of a recombination inbred line （RIL） population of 82 individuals from the cross between CSCR6 and another Australian hexaploid wheat cultivar, Lang. Data of a multiple environmental test was employed to genetically dissect quantitative trait loci （QTL） for agronomic traits such as plant height （PH）, spike length （SL）, spikelet per spike （SPI）, grain number per spike （GNS） and thousand grains weight （TGW） and for quality traits including grain protein content （GPC）, gluten content （GC）, grain hardness （GH）, falling number （FN） and sedimentation value （SV）. A 24 QTLs with additive effects were detected for all the investigated traits, and were located on chromosomes 1B, 1D, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4B, 5A, 5B, 7A, and 7B, respectively. Some QTLs located on 2B and 4B showed higher explanation of phenotypic variances and were not obviously interacted with environment. A QTL in the marker interval of wPT-5334-wPT-4918 （near the locus barc 0199） on 4B gave the highest contribution ratio of 30.76% on PH, while Qgpc-4B and Qgc-4B gave 13.07 and 14.70% contribution ratio on GPC and GC, respectively. Qph-2B, Qgns-2B, and Qgpc-2B showed 13.36, 10.00, and 10.79% contribution ratio on PH, GNS and GPC, respectively. Also, a QTL on 5A, Qsl- 5A, could explain 25.12% of phenotypic variance on SL. For most of agronomic and quality traits, CSCR6 alleles produced increase effects. The fact that a number of loci affecting the investigated traits were detected in T. spelta line CSCR6 revealed that it could offer a new opportunity for the manipulation of these traits in wheat breeding programs.

Effect of HMW-GS 6 + 8 and 1.5 + 10 from Synthetic Hexaploid Wheat on Wheat Quality Traits

To determine the effect of 6 ＋ 8 and 1.5 ＋ 10 HMW-GS of synthetic hexaploid wheat （SHW） on main quality parameters of wheat, a set of recombinant inbred lines （RILs） derived from the cross between a SHW with N, 6 ＋ 8, 1.5 ＋ 10 HMW-GS and a cultivar Chuanyu 12-1 （CY 12-1） with 1, 7 ＋ 8, 2 ＋ 12 were planted in three environments in 2005 and 2006 and totally 16 quality parameters were tested for each line. Significant differences in all tested quality parameters but flour yield were observed between the two parents. The mean values of the RILs were intermediate to the parents for grain and protein parameters and some farinograph parameters, flour water absorption （FWA）, and farinograph softening （SOF） but beyond parents at dough stability time （DST）, breakdown time （BRT）, quality number （QN）, noodle score （NS）, and loaf volume （LOV）. All of the quality traits, especially in grain hardness （GH）, zeleny sedimentation volume （SED）, and most of farinograph parameters had significant difference between the different HMW-GS components. The effects of different alleles of HMW-GS at same locus （Glu-A1 or Glu-B1 or GIu-D1） on the different quality parameters were also different and affected by the other two loci. For most of parameters tested, 6 ＋ 8 was better than 7 ＋ 8 and there was no difference between 1.5 ＋ 10 and 2 ＋ 12. End-use quality was greatly influenced by components of HMW-GS. The components of 1, 6 ＋ 8, 1.5 ＋ 10 had the highest LOV and bread score （BS） values, whereas the components of 1, 7＋ 8 and 1.5 ＋ 10 had the highest NS values. Noodle score performed a positive linear relationship with falling number （FN） and its relationships to other quality parameters were affected by environments. Loaf volume had a significant negative relationship to SOF and positive associations with most of quality parameters. It could be concluded that HMW-GS 6＋ 8 from SHW had better overall quality characteristics than 7 ＋ 8, whereas the effects of 1.5 ＋ 10 on quality was different in respect to quality parameters and the HMW-GS components. Synthetic hexaploid wheat with subunits 6 ＋ 8 and 1.5 ＋ 10 had the potentials to improve the end-use quality of wheat cultivars.

Correlation of Plant Morphological and Grain Quality Traits with Mineral Element Contents in Yunnan Rice

Correlations between four grain quality, 24 plant morphological traits and eight element contents of 653 accessions from Yunnan rice were analyzed. P, K, Ca and Mg contents of core collection were closely correlated to the most plant morphological and grain quality traits, and there were highly significant correlations （P 〈0.01） among some traits including P content to number of stems and tillers, K content and amylose content, Ca content and plant height, Mg content and protein content. Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe contents of core collection were closely related to a few traits, such as Fe content and gel consistency （-0.1121^＊＊）, Zn content and seed setting rate （-0.1411^＊＊）, Cu content and number of grains per panicle （-0.1398^＊＊）, Mn content and plant height （-0.2492^＊＊）.

QTL Mapping for Quality Traits of Chinese Dry Noodle

The QTLs for quality traits of Chinese dry noodle （CDN） were mapped based on a population of recombinant inbred lines （RILs） derived from the cross between two Chinese winter wheat varieties, Chuan 35050 and Shannong 483. Sensory quality traits of CDN were tested according to the standard of Ministry of Commerce of P.R.China （SB/T 10137-93）, and the textural property traits were detected using a texture analyser （TA.XTplus）. We have obtained 8 putative QTLs for 6 sensory quality traits and 2 QTLs for textural property of CDN with a single QTL explainning 4.07-75.67% of phenotypic variations on chromosomes 1A, 1 D, 3D, 4A, and 6D. A cluster of 3 QTLs for palate, elasticity and smoothness of CDN was found near the Glu-D I locus on chromosome 1D with high contributions, The increasing effect come from Chuan 35050, and the relationship between the QTLs were positive. On chromosome 4A, co-location QTLs for stickiness and total score were detected in the region of Xwmc420-Xswes620-Xswes615. Their contributions were high and the increasing effects come from Shannong 483. A taste QTL QStas.sdau-4A.1 was obtained in Xsrap18-Xswes624c-Xissr25b-Xissr23b on chromosome 4A with the highest contribution of 75.67%. This QTL was a major gene and the increasing effects come from Shannong 483.

ANALYSIS OF GENETIC CORRELATIONS FOR QUALITY TRAITS IN INDICA RICE

Analysis of genetic correlations was conducted for cooking and nutrient quality traits of milled rice in indica rice(Oryza sativa L.subsp.indicc)by using a genetic model for endosperm traits of cereal crops.It was indicated by the results that the relationships between gel consistency and protein content,protein content and the ratio of lysine content to protein content,and protein index and the ratio of lysine content to protein content were mainly controlled by additive effects,but also affected by some dominanceeffects.The genetic correlations between amylose content and lysine content,gel consistency and protein index,and between gel consistency and the ratio of lysine content to protein content showed that relationships for these traits were mainly controlled by some dominance effects.Indirect selection for those traits controlled mainly by additive correlations was better than those mainly controlled by dominance correlations.The results in this experiment could be used in rice breeding.

Effects of Hybridizing Berkshire Boar with Landrace × Yorkshire Sow on the Carcass Traits and Meat Quality of Hybrid Progeny

[ Objective] The research aimed to provide theoretical basis for further popularization and application of Berkshire Pig in Southeast Guizhou. [ Method] The carcass traits and meat quality of Berkshire（B） × Landrace（L） × Yorkshire（Y）, Duroc（D） × Landrace（L） x Yorkshire（Y） and Lanclrace （L） xYorkshire（Y） were determined by slaughter test. And the application effect of Berkshire in the minority areas was analyzed. [Result] From the carcass traits, the hybridized pig of Berkshire（B） x Landrace（L） ×Yorkshire（Y） had higher slaughter rate and lower lean meat percentage, having extremely significant difference with Landrace （L） × Yorkshire （Y） and significant difference with Durec （D） × Landrace （L） × Yorkshire（Y）. The meat indices of Berkshire（B） × Landrace（L） ×Yorkshire（Y） were better than that of Landrace （L） ×Yorkshire（Y） and Duroc （D）× Landrace（L） ×Yorkshire（Y）. The eye muscle area of Berkshire（B） ×Landrace（L） xYorkshire（Y） had extremely significant difference with Landrace （L） × Yorkshire（Y） and significant difference with Duroc（D） × Landrace（L） × Yorkshire（Y）. The meat color, marbling and cocking percentage and other meat indices were similar with that of Jianhe White Xiang Pig, Nayong Nuogu Pig and Cola Pig. [ Conclusion] Berkshire（B） × Landrace（L） xYorkshire（Y） was more suiTab, for residents in the minority mountain areas, so it was worthy to be popularized.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms linked to quantitative trait loci for grain quality traits in wheat

Wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) grain quality traits that are controlled by quantitative traits loci(QTL) define suitable growing areas and potential end-use products of a wheat cultivar. To dissect QTL for these traits including protein content(GPC); test weight(TW); single kernel characterization system(SKCS)-estimated kernel weight(SKW); kernel diameter(KD);kernel hardness measured by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy(NIRS) hardness index(NHI); and SKCS-hardness index(SHI), a high-density genetic map with single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) and simple sequence repeat(SSR) markers was developed using recombinant inbred lines(RILs) derived from Ning7840 × Clark. The RILs were evaluated for these quality traits in seven Oklahoma environments from 2001 to 2003. A total of 41 QTL with additive effects on different traits were mapped on most wheat chromosomes,excluding 1A, 2A, 3D, 4D, 6D, and 7B. Seven chromosome regions showed either tightly linked QTL or QTL with pleiotropic effects on two to four traits. Ten pairs of QTL showed additive × additive effects(AA), four QTL were involved in additive × environment(AE)effects, and one was involved in AAE effects. Two to eleven QTL for each of the six traits and139 tightly linked markers to these QTL were identified. The findings shed light on the inheritance of wheat grain quality traits and provide DNA markers for manipulating these important traits to improve quality of new wheat cultivars.

QTL Analysis for Seven Quality Traits of RIL Population in Japonica Rice Based on Three Genetic Statistical Models

QTL mapping for seven quality traits was conducted by using 254 recombinant inbred lines （RIL） derived from a japonica-japonica rice cross of Xiushui 79/C Bao. The seven traits investigated were grain length （GL）, grain length to width ratio （LWR）, chalk grain rate （CGR）, chalkiness degree （CD）, gelatinization temperature （GT）, amylose content （AC） and gel consistency （GC） of head rice. Three mapping methods employed were composite interval mapping in QTLMapper 2.0 software based on mixed linear model （MCIM）, inclusive composite interval mapping in QTL IciMapping 3.0 software based on stepwise regression linear model （ICIM） and multiple interval mapping with regression forward selection in Windows QTL Cartographer 2.5 based on multiple regression analysis （MIMR）. Results showed that five QTLs with additive effect （A-QTLs） were detected by all the three methods simultaneously, two by two methods simultaneously, and 23 by only one method. Five A-QTLs were detected by MCIM, nine by ICIM and 28 by MIMR. The contribution rates of single A-QTL ranged from 0.89% to 38.07%. All the QTLs with epistatic effect （E-QTLs） detected by MIMR were not detected by the other two methods. Fourteen pairs of E-QTLs were detected by both MCIM and ICIM, and 142 pairs of E-QTLs were detected by only one method. Twenty-five pairs of E-QTLs were detected by MCIM, 141 pairs by ICIM and four pairs by MIMR. The contribution rates of single pair of E-QTL were from 2.60% to 23.78%. In the Xiu-Bao RIL population, epistatic effect played a major role in the variation of GL and CD, and additive effect was the dominant in the variation of LWR, while both epistatic effect and additive effect had equal importance in the variation of CGR, AC, GT and GC. QTLs detected by two or more methods simultaneously were highly reliable, and could be applied to improve the quality traits in japonica hybrid rice.

Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Exon 3 of Porcine LMCD1 Gene with Meat Quality and Carcass Traits

LIM domain proteins are found to be important regulators in cell growth, cell fate determination, cell differentiation, and remodelling of the cell cytoskeleton by their interaction with some structural proteins, kinases, transcriptional regulators, etc. The presence of LIM domains in LMCD1 gene implies it may be involved in skeletal muscle protein-protein interactions. This study was to investigate polymorphisms of LIM and cysteine-rich domain 1 （LMCD1） gene and its effect on meat quality and carcass traits in pig. The polymorphism （G294A） in exon 3 region of porcine LMCD1 gene, which is synonymous mutation, was genotyped in the population of 178 F, pigs of a Large White × Meishan resource family. Statistical results indicated the distribution of allele G （with a A → G mutation） and A （without mutation）. Analysis of variance showed that the polymorphism of LMCD1 gene was associated with variation in several carcass traits of interest for pig breeding. Some carcass traits and meat quality traits are close to significance by association. An analysis of more animals is necessary to analyze the polymorphisms in exon 3 of porcine LMCD1 gene if it was selected as a marker for the pig carcass traits.

Comparison between the Quality Traits of Phosphate and Bicarbonate-Marinated Chicken Breast Fillets Cooked under Different Heat Treatments

Because the use of phosphates has being recently diminished in meat industry due to the nutritional drawbacks of phosphates, some researchers started to evaluate sodium bicarbonate as phosphate replacer in meat products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different temperature combinations of dry air-cooking treatments (Air and Core temperatures: 160 - 76, 160 - 80, 200 - 76 and 200℃ - 80℃, respectively) on chemical composition, texture properties, water activity, freezable water and bound water, color, pH, and water binding capacity of phosphate and bicarbonate-marinated chicken breast. A batch of 24 h post-mortem broiler breast meat of 80 fillets was divided into two groups of marination treatments (0.3% sodium bicarbonate n = 40, 0.3% sodium tripolyphosphate n = 40) and was vacuum tumbled (45 min, ?0.95 mbar, 20 rpm). Different temperature-combinations cooking treatments significantly modified the chemical composition. Bicarbonate marinated fillets showed higher ability to retain water (67.3% vs. 65.7%, P 0.05) during severe heat treatment and lower cook losses (30.7% vs. 33.4%, P 0.05) when compared with phosphate-marinated fillets. The effect of changing the cooking temperatures on Texture Profile Analysis (hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, springiness, and chewiness) was more tangible in phosphate marinated fillets than bicarbonate. Bicarbonate-marinated fillets showed significant differences in the percentage of bound water, latent heat, and water activity after cooking in comparison to phosphate-marinated fillets. The results of this study revealed that phosphate-marinated fillets interacted with heat treatments in different patterns in comparison with bicarbonate-marinated fillets.

Developmental stages and quality traits of giant African land snails [<i>Archachatina marginata</i>(swainson)] eggs

Sixty sexually mature purebred black-skinned Archachatina marginata snails with weight ranging from 120.50 g to 135.70 g were used to generate eggs in this study. The eggs collected were incubated in a chamber filled with loamy soil for appropriate observation and assessment (cracking at four days intervals to check snailet’s development). Results obtained from the study showed that at laying snail egg weights ranged from 1.54 - 2.45 g (mean of 2.00 g). The egg lengths and widths ranged from 13.50 - 16.90 mm (mean of 15.20 mm) and 10.00 - 12.70 mm (mean of 11.40 mm) respectively. The results also revealed that at laying (day one) the egg content was translucent or clear (blank) when observed with light from a powered microscope. Observation of eggs on day four showed the formation of embryo with a semi-transparent cup attached to a long string body. On day 12, some specific organs of the snailet had developed, and there was a reduction in the liquid content. On day 28, the snailet was fully formed, but the shell still contained very small volume of liquid. The snailet hatched on day 29.

Assessment of Surface Water Quality of King Abdullah Canal, Using Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Water Quality Index, Jordan

The main aim of this research is to evaluate the water quality of King Abdullah Canal (KAC) using the water quality index method (WQI). For this purpose, nine different sampling sites were used in the calculation of WQI during the period of January to December 2012. The samples were analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, ions of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Fluorite, Chloride, Sulfate, Bicarbonate, and Nitrate in different seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn). The analyzed results (by WQI method) have been used to suggest models for predicting water quality. The relative weight assigned to each parameter has a range from 1 to 5, based on the important parameters for drinking purposes. The computed WQI for the nine samples has a range from 46.66 to 542.08. The analysis reveals that the water quality status of the study area is varying from excellent to good in the upper part of the canal and from poor to very poor in the lower part of the canal. Comparing with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Jordan Standard (JS), the results indicate that the lower part of the canal is polluted. Therefore, the water is not safe for domestic use and needs further treatment, especially in the lower part of the canal.

Effects of Stored Pollens from Wild <i>Actinidia eriantha</i>Vines on Some Fruit Quality Traits

Our study was conducted to determine In vitro germination ability of pollens from 25 wild Actinidia eriantha genotypes after one year freeze storage, afterwards we examined fertilization ability of stored pollens of 8 genotypes selected according to In vitro test results from aforementioned 25 genotypes, and finally investigated effects of stored viable pollens from “MH67”, “MH55”, “MH48” and “MH45” genotypes on fruit quality characters of the female experimental plant “M3” as the main purpose. Non-pollinated “M3” kiwifruit plant was taken as control. We found that In vitro germination and fertilization ability of different stored pollen sources, and also fruit quality characters including dry matter, total sugar, titratable acid, vitamin C, total polyphenol, total flavonoid, chlorophyll (“a”, “b”, and total) and carotenoid contents except total soluble solid content were significantly different. MH67 and MH45 genotypes were evaluated as the most suitable pollenizers which can be recommended as new candidate cultivars because of long term storage ability and brought about desired fruit quality characters. They also will be investigated more at further breeding studies.

The influence of drought stress on malt quality traits of the wild and cultivated barleys

As a major abiotic stress,drought causes instability and deterioration of malt barley quality.There is distinct difference among barley cultivars in the responses of the main malt quality traits to drought stress.In the previous study,we identified some Tibetan wild barley accessions with relatively less change of malt quality traits under drought.In this study,we examined the impact of drought stress during grain filling stage on grain weight and several important malt quality traits,including total protein content,β-glucan content,limit dextrinase activity,β-amylase activity,and protein fractions in four barley genotypes(two Tibetan wild accessions and two cultivars).Drought treatment reduced grain weight,β-glucan content,and increased total protein content,β-amylase activity.These changes differed among barley genotypes and treatments,and are closely associated with grain filling process and kernel weight.All the results indicated Tibetan wild barley had great potential for developing drought tolerant barley cultivars.Relatively stable kernel weight or filling process under water stress should be highlighted in malt barley breeding in order to reduce the effect of water stress on malt barley quality.