History of wheat breeding for a half century in Japan

Summary

Wheat breeding efforts for a half century in Japan were investigated by using of 129 varieties registered in MAFF from 1929 to 1984 in the view point of case history for three years. Varieties released in each breeding station are classified apparently by growth habit associated closely with duration of the cold requirement. Heading date is earlier in varieties released in southwest breeding stations (southern varieties) than in varieties released in northern breeding stations (northern varieties). Culm length is higher and the pre-harvest sprouting is more sensitive in northern varieties. In quality characters, northern varieties has the higher milling rate, lower apparent amylose content and larger particle size of flour. In varieties released in the Tohoku district, trend of breeding direction with time is smaller ear numbers and larger 1,000-grain weight and greater resistance to powdery mildew. In varieties released in the Kyushu district, a significant correlation with released year was clearly observed with regard to early maturity, short culm length, less grain crude protein content, less apparent amylose content and higher milling rate on breeding advancement.