The speed and efficiency of cereal breeding programs is contingent on early selection of suitable cultivars. This is most complex for wheat because of its multiplicity of end uses and the range of physical, chemical, biochemical ahd rheological functions required in these applications. Major improvements to early selection testing appear unlikely using existing methods based on chemical analysis, small scale physical dough tests and biochemical studies. New approaches to facilitate early selection include microstructural studies, molecualr biology and macromolecular component studies. However, exploitation of these approaches requires establishment of relationships between them and the various aspects of wheat quality. The present situation and future possibilities in the area of rapid wheat cultivar selection will be reviewed and discussed in this presentation.
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