Genotype difference in kernel discolorations in CWRS and CWAD wheats

Abstract

Kernel discolorations of wheat, such as black point (including smudge and penetrated smudge), red smudge and Fusarium-damaged kernel (FDK), are important downgrading factors in western Canada. This study was undertaken to determine cultivar differences in incidences of these kernel discolorations and their downgrading effects in CWRS and CWAD wheats. Grain samples were taken at maturity from six CWRS and four CWAD cultivars in a four-year (1997-2000) field study at six sites: one in the Grey soil zone, two in the Brown soil zone and three in the Black soil zone in western Canada. For CWRS cultivars, Garnet tended to have lower incidences in black point, smudge and FDK and resulted in the least downgrading compared with other CWRS cultivars. For CWAD cultivars, Kyle tended to have lower incidence of black point, Plenty had less smudge caused downgrading effects, DT 369 had lower penetrated smudge incidence, but higher red smudge incidence, and Plenty tended to have severer FDK-caused downgrading effects compared with other CWAD cultivars. CWAD class had higher frequency of downgrading than CWRS class and it usually had higher incidences of all kernel discolorations (black point, smudge, penetrated smudge, red smudge and FDK) and greater downgrading effects than CWRS class.