GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL-EFFECTS ON VITREOUSNESS OF DURUM-WHEAT

The effect of genotype, nitrogen fertilization and location on vitreousness of 20 durum wheat varieties was studied under rainfed conditions. All these interacting factors affected virtreousness with genotype being the most important. Nine of the varieties tested, produced grains of high vitreousness under different environmental conditions even without nitrogen fertilization. Screening for vitreousness appeared more efficient if no nitrogen fertilization is used and in locations where vitreousness is generally low. There was a tendency for largeseeded varieties to produce grains of high vitreousness. Vitreousness of varieties was correlated with crude protein content when nitrogen supply was low. It was concluded that breeding is a very potent way to improve vitreousness. © 1979 H. Veenan zonen B.V.