Identification of heat tolerant durum and common wheat germplasm under field conditions

Abstract

Key findings • Considerable genetic variation was observed for heat tolerance under late-season planting. • In general, heat stress reduced yield and single-grain weight, shortened the time to anthesis, and made the plants shorter by an average of ~20 cm. • The most heat-tolerant durum types were Kalka and Caparoi, while amongst the hexaploid varieties, Sokoll, Halberd and Excalibur were ranked as heat tolerant. • The next step is to validate the results under managed environments using the Managed Environment Facilities. • Identify varieties able to maintain grain yield and bread-making quality under heat stress.