Quality studies in wheat

Summary

Eleven wheat lines were derived by five backcrossings and five selfings with Thatcher as the recurrent and Selkirk as the donor parent during backcrossings. The lines and parents were subjected to mixogram and loaf volume studies.

Out of eleven backcross lines five were similar to Thatcher, two needed longer mixing time and four were less elastic than Thatcher.

Eight of eleven backcross lines had similar loaf volume profiles and two lines were, to a certain extent, similar to Thatcher in loaf volume. One line was quite different from and definitely inferior to Thatcher.

It is suggested that the backcross method is a useful tool in quality breeding. In view of the fact that a backcross line with a quality quite different from the recurrent parent may appear in the population, quality evaluation at pre-release stage is strongly advocated.