Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 148-155 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 149 2 Genetic Basis of Wheat Nutritional Quality 2.1 Genetic determinants of protein and micronutrient content The nutritional composition of wheat is determined by many genes. These genes affect the protein and various trace elements in the grain, such as iron, zinc and magnesium. The protein content (GPC) in wheat is one of the important indicators for judging whether it is nutritious. Studies have found that some gene loci (called SNPs) are distributed on chromosomes 1D, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4B and 5A, which are related to protein synthesis and nutrient transport processes (Kartseva et al., 2023). In addition, genes are also involved in wheat's absorption of macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. For example, SNPs related to these nutrients have also been found on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 1D and A3 (Aljabri and El-Soda, 2024). This information is very helpful for breeding, especially when you want to improve wheat nutrition. 2.2 Biofortification methods in wheat breeding Nowadays, biofortification is a widely used breeding method. Its goal is to select wheat varieties that contain more iron, zinc, and magnesium. Through these varieties, we can cultivate wheat with higher nutrition (Rabieyan et al., 2023; Petrović et al., 2024). Different varieties of wheat vary greatly in nutrient content. These differences can be used for selection during breeding. Not only common wheat varieties, but also some wild wheat and local old varieties are nutritious, and their genetic resources are very valuable. Introducing these excellent genes into modern varieties can improve the overall nutritional level of wheat (Zeibig et al., 2024). This method is particularly useful in some developing countries because many people rely on wheat as their staple food, but their nutritional intake is insufficient. 2.3 Genomics and transcriptomics tools for quality improvement Now that technology is becoming more and more advanced, there are more tools for improving wheat. Technologies such as "Genome-wide Association Study" (GWAS) and "Quantitative Trait Loci Location" (QTL) can help us find genes related to protein content and mineral accumulation (Figure 1) (Lou et al., 2020; Fradgley et al., 2022). With this data, breeders can more accurately select the desired varieties. Tools such as SNP chips and transcriptome analysis can also tell us which genes play a role in the synthesis and transport of nutrients (Khalid et al., 2023). These technologies can make breeding work more targeted and efficient, and help to improve the nutritional quality of wheat to a new level. 3 Agronomic Measures to Improve Wheat Quality 3.1 The role of soil and fertilization in nutrient absorption For wheat to absorb more nutrients, the soil must be good and the fertilization must be reasonable. Especially nitrogen fertilizer, it has a great impact on the protein in the grain and the overall quality. If the amount of nitrogen fertilizer and the time of fertilization can be arranged well, it will not only make the wheat grow better, but also reduce pollution (Liu et al., 2018; Melash and Ábrahám, 2022). In addition to chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers and crop rotation are also useful. Using organic fertilizers can improve soil structure, make the soil healthier, and nutrients are more easily absorbed. Crop rotation can also help restore soil nutrients, thereby improving wheat yield and nutritional quality (Li et al., 2023). 3.2 Impact of irrigation and crop management Water is important for wheat, and planting methods can also affect its yield and quality. In arid areas, if water can be applied once and for all at the right time, coupled with deep loosening of the soil and proper use of fertilizers, wheat leaves will be healthier and photosynthesis will be stronger, so that the yield will naturally increase (Huang et al., 2024). In addition, the planting method can also be adjusted, such as appropriately changing the density of sowing. This can help wheat make better use of rainwater, especially in places where rainfall is irregular. This practice allows wheat to use water when it needs it, is less susceptible to drought, grows stronger, and has a more stable yield (Yang et al., 2021). In the final analysis, these methods are all about making water and fertilizer use more accurately and truly use them when and where wheat needs them most.
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