Wheat is the most important crop worldwide and is the staple food of Pakistan. In this video, we have briefly introduced about how a new wheat variety is evolved. Wheat varieties are evolved either through introduction of exotic gene pool or through crossing of selected parents. Varieties like MH 97, Ujala, Anaj and Akbar 2019 have been generated through the introduction whereas, AS 2002, Inqilab 91, Faisalabad 2008 and Dilkash 2021 through the breeding process. During the previous decades it has been decided that locally prepared varieties have performed better and for longer period than exotic material.
Pre breeding evaluation of gene pool is completed within one to two years/seasons. After crossing of good material, F1 (1st filial generation) is spaced planted for seed multiplication. From F2-F6 next generations are uniformed through discarding the segregating traits. More or less complete uniformity of plant height, spike color and length and so many other characters is attained up to F6.
After this, preliminary and regular yield performance trials are conducted for two consecutive seasons. After 11-12 seasons of new lines at least 40-50 National Uniformity Wheat Yield (NUWYT) trials and 30-35 Provincial Uniformity Wheat Yield (PUWYT) trials are conducted for two years and their average is accumulated from different research institutes. During this period, Central Disease Research Institute (CDRI), Distincting Uniformity Stability (DUS) trials data are collected from the evaluating agencies and food value, protein contents are also evaluated. At the end experts subcommittee meeting under the chairman ship of Director General Research decides for the approval and then a variety is approved after discussion in the provincial Seed council meeting.
In this way total period of 10-13 years / season is involved in case of local breeding through crossing program and of 6 to 7 years for exotic gene pool evaluation for the approval of a line into variety is involved.
Development of new wheat variety is the basic need of present time to induct resistance against problems of diseases. Problem solving is possible by making new wheat varieties that must have more resistance against rust and hopper.
#Wheat
#CropReformer
