Disentangling the genetic architecture of key traits for wheat hybrid seed production

Hybrid wheat offers significant benefits such as increased yield and high yield stability. Despite these benefits, the commercial adoption of wheat hybrids has been limited, primarily due to the high cost of hybrid seed production. Improving the efficiency of seed production requires a deeper understanding of key traits influencing hybrid seed set and their genetic bases. This study examined traits contributing to seed set beyond anther extrusion. Field trials were conducted across six environments using two European winter wheat cultivars, PIKO and HERMANN, and their derived double haploid population. Traits such as flowering time, visual anther extrusion, and plant height were measured. Field assessments of pollen shed were conducted to identify effective male pollen donors. Furthermore, traits including the interaction between male and female lines were examined. A quantitative trait locus on chromosome 1B was found for seed set, paving the way for marker-assisted selection. Our findings underscore the importance of considering traits beyond anther extrusion and pollen shed for cost-efficient hybrid seed production. Preselecting lines based on the beginning and duration of male flowering, nicking, and plant height promise to be particularly effective. Consequently, breeders can significantly increase seed set by focusing on a reduced number of key traits.