Changes in Quality Components of Durum Wheat Genotypes under Temperature Stress and Sufficient Rainfall Conditions during the Growth Period

Abstract

A combination of genetic makeup and environmental factors determine the quality characteristics of durum wheat. Specifically, environmental stressors, such as extreme temperature fluctuations, can have a substantial impact on the productivity and quality of wheat crops. The effect of terminal temperature stress on yield and quality in durum wheat genotypes grown during 2019 and 2020 seasons was studied. These characteristics include thousand kernel weight, protein content, hectoliter weight, wet gluten content, Zeleny sedimentation value, and grain colour. The first year of the study was warmer than the second, resulting in decreased kernel weight, hectoliter weight, and gluten values, as well as increased protein content and Zeleny sedimentation values. This indicates that temperature stress leads to a higher protein content. The study also showed considerable variation in quality traits among genotypes, with certain genotypes demonstrating greater stability in specific quality traits. Genotype by environment interaction significantly affected grain weight, protein content, gluten content and Zeleny sedimentation. These data indicate that temperature stress plays an important role in determining the quality characteristics of durum wheat. Future studies should focus on mitigating the adverse effects of terminal temperature stress and improving the generation of genotypes with optimal quality traits.