EVALUATION OF SCREENING TESTS FOR QUALITY OF BREAD WHEAT

Abstract

Eight tests designed to screen early generations of wheat, Triticum aestivum L. em Thell., for breadmaking quality were evaluated. Sedimentation value, mixograph development time, centrifuge absorption and nitrogen content (in that order) were the most repeatable of the eight tests. Flour yield and starch damage were least repeatable. The heritability of mixograph development time was low because of a significant cultivar by year interaction. Nitrogen content, sedimentation value and centrifuge absorption were shown to contain all the information about loaf volume and farinograph absorption that was available in the set of eight tests. It was therefore concluded that nitrogen content, sedimentation value and centrifuge absorption are the most useful of the eight tests for purposes of plant breeding programs.