Field Crop 2025, Vol.8, No.2, 61-71 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 63 has focused on enhancing resistance to these biotic stresses, which is essential for maintaining crop health and yield in mechanized systems (Shrawat and Armstrong, 2018; Yigezu et al., 2021). Abiotic stress resistance, including tolerance to drought and heat, is equally important for wheat varieties in mechanized farming. These stresses can significantly impact wheat yield and quality, especially in regions prone to extreme weather conditions. The development of wheat varieties that can withstand such stresses ensures stable production and reduces the risk of crop failure, which is critical for the success of mechanized farming operations (Dalrymple, 1985; Abdelmageed et al., 2019). 3 Contributions of Traditional Breeding Techniques 3.1 Hybrid breeding: improving yield and modifying plant architecture Hybrid breeding has played a crucial role in enhancing wheat yield and modifying plant architecture to suit mechanized farming. By combining desirable traits from different parent lines, hybrid breeding has led to the development of wheat varieties that exhibit improved yield potential and adaptability to various environmental conditions. This approach has been instrumental in the success of the Green Revolution, where semi-dwarf wheat varieties were developed to increase productivity and prevent lodging, a common issue in taller wheat plants that can hinder mechanized harvesting (Tadesse et al., 2019a; Li, 2020). The integration of hybrid breeding with other technologies, such as genomic selection, has further enhanced the efficiency of developing high-yielding wheat varieties (Merrick et al., 2022). Moreover, hybrid breeding has contributed to the modification of plant architecture, making wheat varieties more suitable for mechanized farming. By selecting for traits such as shorter stature and stronger stems, breeders have developed wheat varieties that are less prone to lodging and can withstand the mechanical stresses of modern agricultural machinery. This has facilitated the widespread adoption of mechanized farming practices, leading to increased efficiency and productivity in wheat cultivation (Voss-Fels et al., 2019). 3.2 Selection breeding: optimizing wheat quality and regional adaptability Selection breeding has been pivotal in optimizing wheat quality and ensuring regional adaptability. Through careful selection of desirable traits, breeders have been able to enhance wheat quality parameters such as grain protein content, milling properties, and baking performance. This has been particularly important for meeting the diverse quality requirements of different markets and end-users (Ruiz et al., 2019; Rempelos et al., 2023). Selection breeding has also focused on improving the adaptability of wheat varieties to specific regional conditions, such as climate and soil type, ensuring stable yields across different environments (Mondal et al., 2016; Tadesse et al., 2019b). In addition to quality improvements, selection breeding has been used to enhance the resilience of wheat varieties to biotic and abiotic stresses. By selecting for traits such as disease resistance and drought tolerance, breeders have developed wheat varieties that can thrive in challenging conditions, thereby supporting sustainable wheat production in regions with variable climates (Mondal et al., 2016; Voss-Fels et al., 2019). This adaptability is crucial for maintaining wheat yields in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges. 3.3 Successful examples of traditional approaches in developing mechanization-friendly varieties Traditional breeding approaches have successfully developed wheat varieties that are well-suited for mechanized farming. For instance, the development of semi-dwarf wheat varieties during the Green Revolution is a prime example of how traditional breeding techniques have been used to create high-yielding, mechanization-friendly crops. These varieties not only increased yield but also improved harvest efficiency by reducing lodging and facilitating mechanical harvesting (Li, 2020). Another successful example is the breeding of wheat varieties with enhanced nutrient use efficiency and disease resistance, which are critical for mechanized farming systems that rely on reduced agrochemical inputs. By focusing on these traits, breeders have developed wheat varieties that can maintain high productivity under both high-input and low-input farming systems, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices (Fischer and
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