Historical shifts in the seed mineral micronutrient concentration of US hard red winter wheat germplasm

Summary

This field study examined how breeding for increased wheat yield has affected seed micronutrient density in 14 US hard red winter wheat varieties across production eras spanning over a century. The authors found significant negative correlations between grain yield and seed zinc concentration at both Kansas trial locations, and between grain yield and iron concentration at one location, suggesting that genetic gains in yield have inadvertently reduced seed micronutrient density. Environmental effects significantly modulated these trends, indicating that location-specific factors influence the expression of micronutrient traits.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted in the United States (Kansas) using US hard red winter wheat germplasm, so findings directly address North American wheat breeding history and trait correlations. Applicability to UK wheat production depends on whether UK varieties have undergone similar yield-focused breeding pressures; differences in soil, climate, and breeding objectives may limit direct transferability, though the methodological approach and conceptual framework are internationally relevant.

Key measures

Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) concentration in wheat seed (measured by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy and hydride-generated atomic absorption spectrometry); grain yield; variety release date

Outcomes reported

The study measured iron, zinc, copper, and selenium content in seeds of 14 US hard red winter wheat varieties spanning over a century of production, grown in replicated field trials at two Kansas locations. Regression analysis examined relationships between micronutrient concentration, grain yield, and variety release date.

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