Quality evaluation of D-zone omega gliadins in wheat

One-hundred and eighty-one wheat cultivars and breeding lines of diverse origin, together with 409 and 540 Swedish spring and winter wheat breeding lines, respectively, were analysed by electrophoretical methods for D-zone omega gliadins. Correlations were calculated between the D-zone omega gliadin and high-molecular-weight (HMW) glutenin subunit patterns, with Zeleny volume or specific Zeleny volume. The results showed that simultaneous screening of D-zone omega gliadins and HMW subunits of glutenin was possible, and that the variation in Zeleny volume was attributed approximately equally between these protein groups. Both protein patterns can be used as parameters when breeding for bread-making quality. Positive relationships were found between gliadins d7 and d2 d4, and the specific Zeleny volume. Gliadins d11 d12 and the null allele of chromosome 1B showed indications of negative relationships. Common D-zone omega gliadin patterns in the Swedish winter-wheat breeding lines were d2 d4 and d11 d12 (67% of the lines), and the null allele of chromosome 1B and d11 d12 (in 25%). Greater variation was documented in the spring breeding lines than in the winter lines.