Wheat crown rot, caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum, is one of the potential diseases limiting high and stable wheat yield. To clarify the resistance level of wheat varieties in Qinghai Province to crown rot caused by F. pseudograminearum, two highly pathogenic strains, 1802570 (Fp70) and 1800592 (Fp92), were selected to artificially inoculate 106 wheat germplasms from Qinghai. Resistance identification was conducted at both the seedling and adult plant stages. The disease index of each material was calculated, and the resistance level was analyzed. The results showed that none of the tested materials were immune or highly resistant to the two strains at either growth stage. At the seedling stage, five germplasms (4.72%) exhibited moderate resistance to Fp70, and three germplasms (2.83%) showed moderate resistance to Fp92. At the adult plant stage, seven germplasms displayed moderate individual resistance to Fp70 and Fp92. Among them, Mobo 1 showed moderate resistance to both strains at the adult plant stage, while Xinmaifan 4 exhibited moderate resistance to Fp70 at both the seedling and adult plant stages. Under infection by the two strains separately, a significant correlation between disease indices was observed only at the adult plant stage among the tested wheat germplasms. In conclusion, wheat germplasms in Qinghai Province generally exhibit low resistance to crown rot caused by F. pseudograminearum. The identified resistant germplasms may provide references for wheat resistance breeding in Qinghai Province.

To provide theoretical basis and technical support for the promotion and application of new types of urea fertilizer, field experiments were conducted in Xuchang City, Henan Province from 2024 to 2025. Under the same nitrogen application rate (210 kg·hm^-2), five urea treatments were set up: ordinary urea (T1), humic acid urea (T2), controlled release urea (T3), stable urea (T4), and coated urea (T5). The effects of different new urea applications on winter wheat grain yield, quality, plant canopy temperature, chlorophyll, enzyme activity, nitrogen absorption and utilization, and soil available nitrogen spatial distribution were analyzed with no nitrogen application as the control (CK). The results showed that the application of the new urea types significantly improved the yield and quality of winter wheat, with T3 treatment showing the best effect. The grain yield, starch content, soluble sugar content, and protein content under T3 treatment significant increased by 2.90%, 29.64%, 34.38% and 18.45%, respectively, compared to T1 treatment. The chlorophyll content and activities of glutamate synthase, glutamine synthase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and nitrate reductase in wheat increased under T2-T5 treatment, but the average canopy temperature decreased, and T3 treatment showed better results. Compared with the T1 treatment, the apparent recovery efficiency of nitrogen, agronomic efficiency of nitrogen, and partial factor productivity of applied nitrogen under the T3 treatment increased by 27.01%, 2.88%, and 14.42%, respectively. In addition, T3 treatment effectively increased the available nitrogen content in the 0-100 cm soil, enhancing the soil inorganic nitrogen and absorption accumulation efficiency of winter wheat soil. The application effect of controlled release urea was the best in this experiment.

Xinjiang is an independent epidemic region for wheat stripe rust in China. In recent years, the disease has shown a persistent and aggravated trend, posing a serious threat to grain production security. To investigate the distribution of stripe rust resistance genes and identify elite resistant genotypes in Xinjiang wheat germplasm resources, 188 wheat varieties (lines) cultivated in the Ili River Valley were evaluated for their resistance to the current predominant Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici physiological races (CYR32, CYR33, CYR34) and mixed inocula of Shuiyuan and Guinong pathogenic groups. Moreover, molecular detection was performed using 15 closely linked molecular markers for the following stripe rust resistance genes: Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, Yr17, Yr18, Yr26, Yr29, Yr30, Yr52, Yr65, Yr75, Yr78, Yr80, Yr82, and Yr86. The results revealed that, among the 188 wheat varieties (lines), 106 accessions (56.4%) exhibited moderate resistance or higher levels of resistance over two consecutive years, including 11 highly resistant accessions, indicating a generally high level of resistance in the tested materials. Molecular marker analysis showed that the numbers of accessions carrying the resistance genes Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, Yr17, Yr18, Yr26, Yr29, Yr30, Yr52, Yr65, Yr75, Yr78, Yr82, and Yr86 were 84 (44.7%), 149 (79.3%), 19 (10.1%), 106 (56.4%), 185 (98.4%), 181 (96.3%), 172 (91.5%), 76 (40.4%), 147 (78.2%), 107 (56.9%), 26 (13.8%), 60 (31.9%), 127 (67.6%), and 13 (6.9%), respectively. Among them, the number of materials that aggregated 3 to 12 resistence genes were 1 (0.5%), 3 (1.6%), 13 (6.9%), 21 (11.2%), 34 (18.1%), 58 (30.9%), 34 (18.1%), 16 (8.5%), 5 (2.7%) and 2 (1.1%) respectively. The Yr80 gene was not detected in any of the tested materials. In summary, 188 wheat varieties (lines) exhibited a high level of resistance to stripe rust. The 106 resistant germplasms screened can serve as resistance sources for breeding wheat resistant to stripe rust.

To elucidate the genetic variation patterns of agronomic traits in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and develop new restorer germplasm for BNS (Bainong sterility) hybrid wheat, this study utilized 120 F₄ RIL families derived from a common wheat cross (Bainong Aikang 58×CL0442). Twelve key agronomic traits, including plant height, panicle exertion length, length of the top internode, tiller angle, spike length, spike number, productive tiller number, grain number per main spike, spikelet number, grain weight per spike, grain yield per plant, and thousand-grain weight, were systematically investigated and subjected to analyses of variability, correlation, principal components, and systematic clustering. The results revealed rich genetic diversity within the population for most traits, with evident transgressive segregation. Correlation analysis indicated a highly significant positive correlation between plant height and grain yield per plant, a significant negative correlation between the length of the top internode and grain weight per main spike, and a significant positive correlation between panicle exertion length and grain weight per spike. Principal component analysis extracted the first six principal components, which collectively accounted for 83.37% of the total variance, representing key genetic dimensions such as biomass and plant yield, spike fertility, plant height structure, and plant architecture. Cluster analysis categorized the 120 families into two major classes and four subgroups, revealing significant genetic differentiation within the population. Furthermore, a comprehensive evaluation identified eight superior lines, including R8 and R12, which exhibited outstanding overall performance, providing valuable intermediate materials for breeding strong restorer lines for BNS hybrid wheat.

Wild emmer wheat, a close relative of common wheat, has many excellent traits and resistance genes. Its hybridization with common wheat helps to cultivate innovative germplasm, expand the genetic base of wheat, and enhance its stress resilience. Using the whole spike germination method (SGR), 28 new wheat lines derived from distant hybridization and backcrossing between wild emmer wheat and common wheat were evaluated for spike germination resistance, and the experimental materials were genotyped using 4 functional molecular markers for pre-harvest sprouting resistance (PM19-A1, myb10D, Vp1B3, and Dorm-B1). The results showed that the relative spike germination index of the 28 wheat progeny lines ranged from 0 to 1.09, with an average relative spike germination index of 0.38. Among them, six lines were highly resistant resistance, accounting for 21.43%; three lines were resistant, accounting for 10.71%; nine lines showed moderate resistance, accounting for 32.14%; two lines were susceptible, accounting for 7.14%; and eight lines were highly susceptible, accounting for 28.57%. By analyzing the alleles for pre-harvest sprouting resistance, the allelic combination PM19-A1a/Vp-1Bc/myb10-D1b/Dorm-B1a had the lowest average relative spike germination index of 0.13, while PM19-A1b/Vp-1Ba/myb10-D1b/Dorm-B1a had the highest average relative spike germination index of 0.70. Based on comprehensive phenotypic identification and molecular marker detection, six lines, namely MM-3-1, MM-3-5, MM-3-7, MM-3-0, MM-4 (12-20)-2, and MM-4-8, were selected for prioritizing utilization as germplasm resources resistant to pre-harvest sprouting.

To clarify the current status of winter wheat fertilization in the winter wheat-summer maize rotation area in North China, a survey on farmers' nutrient management was conducted in winter wheat planting areas in Henan, Hebei, and Shandong provinces from 2022 to 2024. The application of chemical nutrients and organic fertilizers by farmers was analyzed, and the rationality of farmers' fertilization was evaluated based on the recommended fertilization rates corresponding to different yield levels in the region and historical literature. The results showed that the average yield of winter wheat in North China was 7 947.6 kg·hm^-2, with a yield gap of 2 529.7 kg·hm^-2. The average application rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P₂O₅), and potassium (K₂O) fertilizers and total nutrients were 218.8 kg·hm^-2, 127.0 kg·hm^-2, 63.0 kg·hm^-2, and 408.8 kg·hm^-2, respectively. Among the surveyed farmers, 15.7%, 58.7%, and 25.7% of farmers applied insufficient, appropriate, and excessive nitrogen, respectively; 12.9%, 47.7%, and 39.4% applied insufficient, appropriate, and excessive phosphorus, respectively; and 37.5%, 33.9%, and 28.6% applied insufficient, appropriate, and excessive potassium, respectively. The average proportion of farmers applying organic fertilizers in winter wheat cultivation was 30.4%, among which the proportion of farmers applying commercial organic fertilizers was 10.0%, with an application rate of 1.5 t·hm^-2; the average input proportion of farmyard manure (including manure and straw) was 23.0%, with an input rate of 11.8 t·hm^-2. The average yield of winter wheat in the winter wheat-summer maize rotation area in North China achieved 75.9% of the yield potential, indicating significant potential for further yield improvement. The main issue with nitrogen fertilizer application was over-application, but for high-yielding farmers who were also nitrogen-deficient. The main problem with phosphorus fertilizer application was over-application by farmers of all yield levels. The main issue with potassium fertilizer application was over-application by medium and low-yielding farmers and under-application by high-yielding farmers. Overall, potassium application was insufficient. The proportion of organic fertilizers applied by farmers was relatively low. Targeted scientific fertilization technology promotion should be carried out based on the characteristics of different yield levels and the current application status of the three nutrients.

Late sowing is one of the primary factors restricting wheat production in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Cultivating late-sowing-tolerant wheat varieties can effectively mitigate yield losses due to delayed sowing. To elucidate the characteristics of late-sowing-tolerant wheat varieties, this experiment compared grain yield and its components, organ development processes, and the utilization of thermal and solar resources among four wheat varieties of Yangmai 25, Yangmai 28, Yangmai 30, and Yangmai 39 under late-sowing pattern with increased planting density. The results indicated that delaying the sowing date led to a significant reduction in grain number and grain yield. Under late-sowing conditions, Yangmai 25 and Yangmai 30 exhibited significantly higher grain yields, primarily attributed to their greater spike numbers. Furthermore, Yangmai 30 exhibited significantly more grains per spike. Under late-sowing pattern with increased planting density, tiller number decreased, while tiller fertility increased significantly. Yangmai 25 exhibited significantly more tillers developed in spring season compared with other varieties, while Yangmai 30 exhibited higher tiller fertility. Although late sowing reduced leaf age and tiller number, Yangmai 25 and Yangmai 30 showed relatively faster leaf age progression and greater total tiller number. Meanwhile, late sowing significantly shortened the period from tillering to jointing and the period from anthesis to maturity. This might be unfavorable for the occurrence of tillering and the filling of grains. Among the four varieties, Yangmai 25 showed an earlier jointing stage and a prolonged duration from jointing to booting, whereas Yangmai 30 exhibited an earlier booting stage and a prolonged duration from booting to anthesis. The former helped accumulate more thermal and solar resources during the productive tillering phase, while the latter provided more time and more thermal and solar resources for floret differentiation. In conclusion, the late-sowing-tolerant varieties, Yangmai 25 and Yangmai 30, share key adaptive traits: accelerated tillering-phase development with efficient temperature and solar radiation resource capture, concomitantly with prolonged process during the productive tillering phase and sufficient accumulation of temperature and solar radiation.

To establish a molecular identification system and DNA fingerprint database for hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f.) varieties in China, this study aimed to screen a set of SSR core primers suitable for national variety identification standards, thereby providing technical support for variety authentication, management, and new variety protection. Based on previously reported SSR markers of hulless barley, PCR amplification, marker screening, and validation were performed across diverse varieties, followed by analyses of genetic diversity and discrimination efficiency. Using 155 hulless barley accessions, 200 SSR primer pairs were subjected to polymorphism screening. Twenty-one core primers were selected based on criteria including clear and easily interpretable peak patterns, high polymorphism (mean PIC=0.68), amplification stability, and even chromosomal distribution. Reference varieties (e.g., Yunqing 4, Diqing 4, and Kunlun 8) were employed to validate the stability and reliability of these primers. The constructed DNA fingerprint database for 155 accessions detected 137 alleles, ranging from 2 to 10 per locus (mean=6.52). The polymorphism information content (PIC) values varied between 0.39 and 0.85 (mean=0.68), with 95.24% of loci classified as highly polymorphic (PIC>0.5). These 21 primers achieved a discrimination efficiency of 99.991%, distinguishing 153 out of 155 accessions. Cluster analysis, population structure analysis, and principal component analysis classified the 154 accessions into three distinct groups, revealing rich genetic diversity and simple genetic backgrounds in 45.81% of the accessions. The SSR-based identification system developed in this study demonstrated high accuracy and practical applicability, enabling authenticity verification, auxiliary screening of approximate varieties in DUS testing, and intellectual property protection. Furthermore, the DNA fingerprint database and genetic diversity analysis provide valuable molecular-level insights for future hulless barley breeding programs.

The stability and variability of wheat quality influence its processing performance and end-use property. This study evaluated the quality performance and its stability of Lunxuan 49, a new high-quality strong-gluten variety, under diverse environments. Through field trials conducted at 18 locations in the Northern Part of Huang-Huai Winter Wheat Region, including Hebei, Shandong, and Henan Provinces, comprehensive analyses were performed on its milling quality, end-use quality, and the effects of soil physicochemical properties on quality. The results showed that averaged grain hardness, test weight, grain protein content, wet gluten content, dough development time, stability time, flour water absorption, tensile area and maximum resistance were 70.54 HI, 828.78 g·L^-1, 14.41%, 30.75%, 3.36 min, 16.92 min, 59.50%, 154 cm², and 710 BU, respectively. Most quality traits exceeded the strong-gluten wheat standards. The coefficients of variation (CV) for all traits were below 10%, except for development time, stability time, stretch area, tensile resistance and maximum tensile resistance. Baking quality analysis revealed that Lunxuan 49 (blended flour from 18 sowing sites) achieved a comprehensive score of 85, comparable to Australian mixed wheat, with superior texture properties (resilience: 46.4%, springiness: 97.68). Environmental interaction analysis revealed that Lunxuan 49 was sensitive to soil available phosphorus, pH, and electrical conductivity, while maintaining overall stability across diverse soil conditions. This study lays a theoretical basis for identifying optimal planting regions for Lunxuan 49. The high stability and broad adaptability of Lunxuan 49 play a critical role in accelerating the industrialization of strong-gluten wheat in Hebei, Shandong, and Henan Provinces.

To screen the optimal mulching cultivation method for dryland wheat to improve water use efficiency and yield, a long-term positioning experiment was carried out in Yongshou County on the Weibei dryland for 12 growing seasons (2012—2024). Four treatments were set up: no mulching control (CK), straw mulching (SM), ridge mulching with furrow sowing (RMFS), and plastic film mulching (PFM), to systematically evaluate the long-term effects of different mulching methods on dryland wheat yield formation and water use. The results showed that compared with CK, the average wheat yield over the 12 growing seasons increased by 9.0%, 2.7%, and 12.7% under SM, RMFS, and PFM treatments, respectively, and biomass increased by 5.5%, 1.8%, and 12.8%, respectively. Compared to CK, the average pre-sowing soil water storage of SM, RMFS, and PFM increased by 7.4%, -0.3%, and 5.7%, respectively; the average post-harvest soil water storage of SM, RMFS, and PFM increased by 8.4%, 9.5%, and 4.4%, respectively; the average summer fallow soil water storage of SM, RMFS, and PFM increased by 23.5%, 2.3% and 16.0%, respectively. Compared to CK, RMFS and PFM increased surface soil temperature by 0.3-0.5 ℃, while SM decreased surface soil temperature by 0.4-0.6 ℃. Crop water consumption during the growing period under SM, RMFS, and PFM increased by 12.2%, 6.3%, and 8.0%, compared with CK, precipitation use efficiency increased by 6.0, -0.1, and 4.7 percentage points, and fallow period water use efficiency improved by 14.4, 0.8, and 9.1 percentage points, respectively. Comprehensive comparison indicated that PFM had the best effect on yield increase, while SM had the greatest advantage in water retention.