Triticeae Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg © 2025 CropSci Publisher, registered at the publishing platform that is operated by Sophia Publishing Group, founded in British Columbia of Canada. All Rights Reserved.
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg © 2025 CropSci Publisher, registered at the publishing platform that is operated by Sophia Publishing Group, founded in British Columbia of Canada. All Rights Reserved. CropSci Publisher is an international Open Access publishing specializing in Triticeae genome, trait-controlling, Triticeae gene expression and regulation at the publishing platform that is operated by Sophia Publishing Group (SPG), founded in British Columbia of Canada Publisher CropSci Publisher Editedby Editorial Team of Triticeae Genomics and Genetics Email: edit@tgg.cropscipublisher.com Website: http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg Address: 11388 Stevenston Hwy, PO Box 96016, Richmond, V7A 5J5, British Columbia Canada Triticeae Genomics and Genetics (ISSN 1925-203X) is an open access, peer reviewed journal published online by CropSci Publisher. The journal publishes original papers involving in all aspects of Triticeae sciences. Subject areas covered comprise classical genetics analysis, structural and functional analysis of Triticeae genome, gene expression and regulation, efficient breeding of improved varieties, as well as transgenic varieties. It is positioned to meet the needs of breeders, geneticists, molecular biologists, and anyone, worldwide, engaged in the field of Triticeae research. All the articles published in Triticeae Genomics and Genetics are Open Access, and are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. CropSci Publisher uses CrossCheck service to identify academic plagiarism through the world’s leading plagiarism prevention tool, iParadigms, and to protect the original authors’ copyrights.
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics (online), 2025, Vol. 16, No.5 ISSN 1925-203X http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg © 2025 CropSci Publisher, registered at the publishing platform that is operated by Sophia Publishing Group, founded in British Columbia of Canada. All Rights Reserved. Latest Content Application of Precision Agriculture Methods in Increasing Wheat Production Zhongying Liu, Wei Wang Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 195-202 Enhancing the Nutritional Components of Wheat for the Development of Functional Foods Jiamin Wang, Jin Zhang Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 203-211 Advances in Mechanized Wheat Harvesting and Post-Processing Technology MinghuaLi Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 212-219 Discussion on Fertilization Scheme for High and Stable Wheat Yield Based on Field Experiment Wenyu Yang, Rugang Xu, Qiuxia Sun Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 220-229 Effects of Different Tillage Practices on Root Development and Drought Resistance in Wheat Xingzhu Feng Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 230-236
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 195-202 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 195 Feature Review Open Access Application of Precision Agriculture Methods in Increasing Wheat Production Zhongying Liu, Wei Wang Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: wei.wang@jicat.org Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5 doi: 10.5376/tgg.2025.16.0021 Received: 16 Jul., 2025 Accepted: 28 Aug., 2025 Published: 10 Sep., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Liu and Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu Z.L., and Wang W., 2025, Application of precision agriculture methods in increasing wheat production, Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 16(5): 195-202 (doi: 10.5376/tgg.2025.16.0021) Abstract Wheat plays a critical role in global food security, yet its production faces significant challenges including yield stagnation and increasing environmental pressures. This study investigates the application of precision agriculture (PA) technologies to enhance wheat productivity while promoting sustainable practices. Key PA tools discussed include remote sensing, GPS-guided equipment, sensor networks, and data-driven decision support systems, all contributing to optimized irrigation, nutrient management, and integrated pest control. A case study from the Indo-Gangetic Plains illustrates tangible improvements in yield and resource efficiency following the implementation of PA strategies. The findings suggest that precision agriculture not only increases the economic return for wheat farmers but also mitigates environmental impacts. Moving forward, the integration of climate-smart approaches, automation, and enhanced farmer training will be pivotal in scaling PA adoption globally. Keywords Precision agriculture; Wheat production; Sustainable farming; Smart technologies; Yield optimization 1 Introduction Wheat is an important staple food in the world. It has a great impact on global food security. As the population continues to grow, the demand for wheat is also increasing. Therefore, we need to improve agricultural methods to meet future needs (Abideen et al., 2023). In order to increase production, we need to use some new methods, such as improving varieties, adjusting planting methods, and improving field management (Sharma et al., 2015). Now there are some new problems, such as climate change, new diseases, and soil deterioration, which also make us need to find good ways to increase wheat production. Precision agriculture is a relatively new agricultural method. It can use fertilizers and water reasonably according to different conditions in the field, helping farmers to grow crops better (Finco et al., 2023). Precision agriculture uses some modern technologies, such as sensors, computer systems, and data models, to help farmers make smarter decisions (Gebbers and Adamchuk, 2010). Because it determines how to apply fertilizer and irrigation according to the actual conditions of the plot, it can not only increase yields, but also reduce damage to the environment, and is also helpful for the development of green agriculture (Diacono et al., 2012). This study intends to explore the application of precision agriculture methods in increasing wheat yields. This study examines the effectiveness of precision agriculture technologies in improving yield stability and the ability to cope with climate change, as well as their role in improving nitrogen management and reducing environmental footprint. By analyzing the latest advances and challenges in precision agriculture, this study aims to explore how these methods can be used to meet the growing demand for wheat and ensure global food security. 2 Core technologies of Wheat Precision Agriculture 2.1 Remote sensing and satellite images Remote sensing and satellite images are an important part of precision agriculture. They can be used to observe the growth and health of wheat. These technologies can capture very clear ground images, and by analyzing these images, we can understand the growth status of wheat, such as indicators such as greenness (Shafi et al., 2019). Data such as NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) and GCI (Chlorophyll index) have been shown to
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 195-202 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 196 help us predict wheat yield and quality (Figure 1) (Rebouh et al., 2023). With this information, farmers can better arrange fertilizers, irrigation and other tasks, use them more accurately, and improve their yields. Figure 1 Wheat crop. (A) Optical image; (B) spectral image; (C) NDVI mapping (Adopted from Shafi et al., 2019) 2.2 Geographic information system (GIS) and GPS GIS and GPS are commonly used tools in precision agriculture. They can help farmers accurately map their fields and record the specific conditions of each field (Hanson et al., 2022). In this way, targeted arrangements can be made for how to plant, how much fertilizer to apply, and how much water to irrigate in different areas. GIS and GPS can also integrate various data together, allowing us to see the overall situation of the field more clearly (Finger et al., 2019). With this information, farmers can make more reasonable planting plans, reduce waste, and be more environmentally friendly. 2.3 Internet of things (IoT) and sensor networks The Internet of Things and sensor networks are changing the way wheat is grown. Now, sensors can be placed in many fields. These devices can collect real-time information, such as soil moisture, temperature, weather, and whether the wheat is sick (Sharma et al., 2021). This data can be directly transmitted to mobile phones or computers, so that farmers can understand the situation in the fields at the first time and make timely adjustments. These technologies can also automatically control operations such as irrigation and fertilization, reduce labor, and save time and effort. Coupled with machine learning algorithms, problems such as drought, pests and diseases can be predicted in advance, helping farmers prepare in advance, increase yields, reduce waste, and promote the development of green planting. 3 Improving Resource Efficiency and Yield through Precision Agriculture 3.1 Optimizing irrigation practices In areas where water is scarce, how to use water more effectively and produce more wheat is a key issue. There are many ways to use precision agriculture, such as "water shortage irrigation" and "wide-width precision planting", which have been proven to use less water and increase yields (Li et al., 2015). This approach arranges irrigation plans based on how much water wheat needs and what the climate is like. In this way, water is saved, more grain can be harvested, and farming can be more adaptable to climate change and more stable. 3.2 Site nutrient management Rational fertilizer use is also an important part of precision agriculture. Different plots of soil nutrients are different, so fertilization cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, precise control of the use of nitrogen fertilizer can not only make wheat absorb better, but also make the yield more stable (Sadhukhan et al., 2024). Now we can also use remote sensing and sensor technologies to help farmers know which plots of land are lacking what fertilizers, and then prescribe the right medicine. This not only reduces the use of fertilizers and pollution, but also makes the land healthier and the environment safer, which is really a win-win situation. 3.3 Integrated pest and disease management Pests and diseases are a long-standing problem that affects wheat yields. The solution of precision agriculture is to monitor early and deal with them in a timely manner. Farmers can use remote sensing and IoT devices to check the situation in the fields in real time. Once a problem is found, they can take action immediately without waiting
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 195-202 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 197 for the spread of pests and diseases to remedy it (Barrile et al., 2025). This approach is more accurate and more environmentally friendly than the old-fashioned spraying of pesticides. It can also reduce dependence on chemical agents and protect the surrounding biodiversity. Moreover, wheat is more resistant to pests and diseases, and the yield is naturally more stable. 4 Data analysis and Decision Support Systems 4.1 Big data in agricultural decision-making Nowadays, agriculture is no longer based on experience alone, but also on data. Big data can collect a lot of information from sensors, satellites, weather stations and other places. After analyzing this data, farmers can know the situation of the land and crops more clearly and make better decisions (Chukwuma et al., 2024). For example, they can understand whether the soil is lacking water, whether the wheat is sick, or whether the weather will get bad. This information can help farmers save resources and increase yields (Saggi and Jain, 2022). 4.2 Machine learning and artificial intelligence Machine learning and artificial intelligence are now also used in farming. They can use data to make predictions, such as how much wheat can be harvested, when to water, and whether to add fertilizer (Araújo et al., 2023). Some AI tools can also help reduce the use of pesticides and improve crop quality. These technologies are particularly suitable for responding to climate change or emergencies. Farmers can use these smart tools to farm more easily without having to rely on experience all the time. 4.3 Decision support system (DSS) for farmers A decision support system, or DSS, is a tool used to help farmers make decisions. It integrates data from different places (such as soil, water, pests and diseases information) and then gives suggestions through analysis (Zhai et al., 2020). For example, there is a tool called AgroDSS, which allows farmers to upload their data and see some prediction results and know which parts of the field need special attention (Rupnik et al., 2019). These systems can help farmers avoid detours and make farming more efficient and environmentally friendly. 5 Economic and Environmental Impacts of Precision Agriculture (PA) in Wheat Cultivation 5.1 Cost-benefit analysis and farmers’ return on investment Precision agriculture can help farmers save a lot of money. For example, it can adjust the amount of fertilizer and pesticides according to different conditions in the field, which can not only save input but also increase income. Studies have found that the use of precision technologies such as "variable rate fertilization technology" (VRT) can reduce costs and increase profits, especially in areas where wheat is more cultivated (Fabiani et al., 2020). In winter wheat cultivation, if precision agriculture methods are used, the cost of fertilizers and pesticides can be greatly reduced. Although it costs some money to buy equipment or install systems at the beginning, farmers can generally make back the money later because of the high efficiency and stable yield, so the investment is still very cost-effective. 5.2 Reduce environmental footprint Another great benefit of precision agriculture is that it is more environmentally friendly. It allows us to use fertilizers and water more rationally, without more or less. As mentioned earlier, VRT technology can help us control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer, reduce nutrient loss, and protect groundwater from pollution (Denora et al., 2023). In addition, with precision agriculture, energy use is more economical and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced (Balafoutis et al., 2017). This is particularly important for green agriculture. If you want wheat to grow for a long time and grow steadily, the environment cannot be destroyed. 5.3 Sustainability and climate resilience Now that weather changes are becoming more and more unstable, precision agriculture can also help. It allows farmers to flexibly adjust according to actual conditions, such as which fields should be irrigated and which fields should be fertilized. These technologies can improve resource utilization efficiency and prevent wheat production from decreasing in various climates (Yost et al., 2016). Once the climate changes suddenly, the system can respond quickly, and farmers can take measures before problems arise. This is very useful for ensuring food security and responding to future climate challenges (Wang et al., 2024).
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 195-202 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 198 6 Challenges and Barriers to Implementation 6.1 Technology and infrastructure limitations Although precision agriculture is very useful in wheat cultivation, it is not easy to promote in many places. The most common problem is that the technology is expensive and small farmers cannot afford these equipment and services (Mizik, 2022). Sometimes, equipment from different brands is not compatible, and data security issues are also a headache (Wang et al., 2023). In some places, even the Internet is not stable, let alone using advanced agricultural machinery. These problems are even more obvious in rural areas or developing countries. 6.2 Economic and knowledge barriers Many farmers dare not try precision agriculture easily because the initial investment is too high and they are afraid of losing money (Kroupová et al., 2024). Especially for small farmers, funds are already tight, and they are even more afraid to invest when the payback period is long. Another practical problem is that many farmers do not know much about these new technologies and do not know how to use them. Many people have to relearn and train for a period of time before they can figure it out. Sometimes, we need the help of agricultural consultants or professional teams to really use these technologies well. 6.3 Policy and regulatory considerations Policies also have a great impact on the promotion of precision agriculture. If there is good policy support, farmers are more willing to try. But now, many regions do not have relevant subsidies or incentives (Kendall et al., 2021). In addition, everyone has concerns about data privacy. If the equipment is used, whether the information is safe and who can see the data also needs to be managed (Ofori and El-Gayar, 2020). The government can introduce some more practical policies, such as subsidies for the purchase of equipment, or investment in the construction of networks and infrastructure. In addition, the national level can also promote the popularization of agricultural technology, so that precision agriculture can be implemented faster and truly help farmers. 7 Case Study: Precision Agriculture for Wheat Production in the Indo-Gangetic Plain 7.1 Background and environment The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) is an important agricultural region in South Asia, where wheat is grown extensively (Jain et al., 2017). However, the region is facing many problems, such as slow growth in wheat yields, declining soil quality, and the impact of climate change, which puts food security at risk (Figure 2). Many lands here are cultivated intensively, resulting in less groundwater being pumped out and greenhouse gases being emitted into the air (Benbi, 2018). Precision agriculture has become a good solution, which can help farmers grow more while protecting the environment. 7.2 Implementation of PA technology Many precision agriculture technologies have been used in this region. For example, "no-tillage" is one of them, as well as "precision fertilization" and "using satellite data to monitor yields" (Dinesh et al., 2024). Studies have found that no-tillage combined with retaining crop residues can prevent soil hardening and make the soil more water-retaining, resulting in better wheat growth (Kumar et al., 2013). Using tools like Green Seeker to apply nitrogen fertilizer can help farmers use fertilizer more rationally, saving money and protecting the environment (Kumar et al., 2018). In addition, using satellites to see the situation in the field can help farmers find where the yield is low, so that they can manage it in a targeted manner, and the yield will increase. 7.3 Results and lessons learned After using precision agriculture in the IGP region, wheat yields have increased significantly. No-tillage has made yields more stable and farmers have earned more, especially in places with large weather changes (Keil et al., 2020). Precision fertilization has also led to higher yields and improved the nutrient structure of the soil, indicating that this method is suitable for long-term use (Pooniya et al., 2015). Through satellite data, farmers can better understand the situation in their fields and know where they can be improved, thereby reducing yield gaps. However, it is not easy to make these technologies more popular. For example, network equipment and agricultural machinery are not enough, and farmers also need more training and guidance. Moreover, there must be some government policies to support it, such as subsidies, training programs, etc. (Park et al., 2018).
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 195-202 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 199 Figure 2 Climatic changes between the RCP8.5 scenario and present-day (Adopted from Daloz et al., 2021) Image caption: Spatial maps of the differences between the RCP8.5 scenario (2046-2065) and the present climate (1986-2005) in: a) mean precipitation (mm.day-1) and b) mean surface temperature over India simulated by the climate model WRF. The dashed lines indicate when the differences are statistically significant at the 99% level using a t-test. Blue dots show the placement of the DSSAT simulation sites spread across the IGP. The areas encompassed by the black and white boxes represent the IGP (Adopted from Daloz et al., 2021) 8 Future Directions and Research Focus 8.1 Integration with climate-smart agriculture Combining precision agriculture (PA) and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a good direction to improve wheat's ability to cope with climate change in the future. Doing so can help farmers make better use of resources such as water and fertilizer, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Finger et al., 2019). These two methods are combined to use data to guide planting, so that planting methods can be adjusted in time according to changes in weather and environment, which not only stabilizes yields but also reduces the impact on the environment (Mgendi, 2024). Future research can focus on how to better combine these two technologies to solve the two problems of food security and climate change. 8.2 Advances in automation and robotics Robots and automatic equipment are now also used in agriculture. These technologies can help farmers do many things, such as planting, weeding and harvesting, and they are fast, accurate and labor-saving. Many robots are supported by artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can analyze complex data and make decisions on their own (Sharma et al., 2021). Next, research can go in the following directions: how to make robots cheaper and more suitable for small farmers; and how to make these machines work well in different environments and less prone to problems. 8.3 Capacity building and digital literacy Although precision agriculture is easy to use, many farmers still don’t know how to use it, especially in developing countries. Some people don’t understand technology very well and have no chance to use these devices (Kendall et al., 2021). Therefore, training farmers is very important. Through education and training,
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Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 203-211 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 203 Research Insight Open Access Enhancing the Nutritional Components of Wheat for the Development of Functional Foods Jiamin Wang, Jin Zhang Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: jin.zhang@hitar.org Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5 doi: 10.5376/tgg.2025.16.0022 Received: 30 Jul., 2025 Accepted: 09 Sep., 2025 Published: 23 Sep., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Wang and Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang J.M., and Zhang J., 2025, Enhancing the nutritional components of wheat for the development of functional foods, Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 16(5): 203-211 (doi: 10.5376/tgg.2025.16.0022) Abstract As an important food crop in the world, wheat is not only the main source of energy supply, but also an important basic raw material for the development of functional foods. This study systematically reviewed the composition characteristics of key nutrients in wheat (such as protein, dietary fiber, iron, zinc, selenium, etc.) and their potential benefits to human health, and explored feasible paths to improve the nutritional quality of wheat through traditional breeding, biofortification, gene editing and other strategies. At the same time, the influence mechanism of different agronomic management measures (such as soil nutrient optimization and irrigation control) on the accumulation of wheat nutrients was analyzed, and the application examples of high-iron and high-protein wheat in the development of functional foods in South Asia, Australia and China were summarized through case studies, verifying its great potential in improving nutrition and health and promoting market diversification. The study emphasized that in order to achieve large-scale promotion of nutritionally fortified wheat, it is necessary to comprehensively consider yield stability, consumer acceptance and the application of precision breeding technology. This study hopes to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the innovative development of wheat functional foods. Keywords Wheat; Functional foods; Biofortification; Gene editing; Agronomic management 1 Introduction Wheat is a staple food eaten every day by many people around the world, and it plays an important role in daily diet and food security. But now, people have higher and higher requirements for food. They no longer just look at whether they can eat enough, but also hope that food can provide more balanced nutrition and bring more health benefits. Therefore, people have higher expectations for the nutritional value of wheat products-not only to replenish energy, but also to help metabolism and physiological health. This change is particularly important for solving the problems of malnutrition and nutrient deficiency, especially in some developing countries where wheat is the staple food (Saini et al., 2020; Khan et al., 2021; Melash et al., 2023; Kong et al., 2024). If you want to develop functional foods that are truly beneficial to health, it is necessary to improve the nutritional content of wheat. Functional foods not only make people full, but also bring additional health benefits. Now, researchers have found many ways to increase the content of protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in wheat through biofortification, genetic modification, fermentation and some new processing technologies, and also improve their utilization in the human body. For example, colored wheat varieties rich in anthocyanins and carotenoids, as well as modified wheat bran and wheat germ, these new materials have performed very well in improving the nutrition and functionality of wheat products (Onipe et al., 2021; Singh et al., 2021; Bayat et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2022; Kartseva et al., 2023; Bouchtaoui et al., 2024). These advances can not only help people better meet changing nutritional needs, but also have great significance for preventing nutrient deficiencies and chronic diseases. This study will integrate the current research progress on improving the nutritional content of wheat to develop functional foods, including global wheat consumption trends and their impact on nutritional needs, the importance of wheat nutritional fortification in functional food innovation, the latest advances in wheat biofortification, processing and fermentation technologies, and the challenges and future prospects of integrating these strategies
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 203-211 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 204 into the food system, in order to comprehensively explain how to better meet the changing nutritional and health needs of the global population through wheat nutritional improvement. 2 Key Nutritional Components in Wheat 2.1 Protein and amino acid profiles Wheat is an important source of protein in daily life. The nutritional quality of wheat is mainly measured by the protein content (GPC) and essential amino acids in the grain, such as the amount of lysine. Protein content and amino acid composition vary greatly depending on the variety and planting environment. Now, some advanced simulation tools can predict these changes more accurately. It is worth noting that whether it is due to genes or the environment, changes in GPC will be accompanied by changes in amino acid composition, and these changes are directly related to human nutrition. However, when breeding, if you blindly pursue the increase of trace elements (such as zinc), the protein content and gluten quality may decrease. Therefore, when breeding, you must pay attention to balance, both to ensure the protein level and not ignore the increase of trace elements (Kaur et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2019). 2.2 Dietary fiber, resistant starch, and health benefits Dietary fiber is an important component of wheat, especially in whole-wheat foods. Dietary fiber is mainly hidden in cell wall polysaccharides, such as arabinoxylan. Wheat is an important source of dietary fiber in many people's diets. For example, bread contributes a lot. Studies have found that eating more wheat fiber can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. The content and types of dietary fiber and resistant starch vary greatly among different wheat varieties, which provides an opportunity to cultivate healthier wheat. In addition, the aleurone layer of wheat is rich in fiber and various active substances, but unfortunately it is often ground away during processing. If the aleurone layer can be retained and whole grains or less processed wheat products are eaten, the nutrition will be better (Figure 1) ( Shewry and Hey, 2015; Liu et al., 2020; Meziani et al., 2021; Sabença et al., 2021; Huertas-García et al., 2023). Figure 1 Wheat grain constitution (Adopted from Sabença et al., 2021) 2.3 Micronutrients (iron, zinc, selenium) and bioavailability Wheat is also an important source of important trace elements such as iron, zinc and selenium, which are very helpful in preventing malnutrition. Through breeding or foliar fertilization, researchers have increased the iron and zinc content in wheat grains. However, because wheat contains phytic acid, phytic acid easily combines with minerals, which will affect the absorption of these elements in the human body. Studies have found that different wheat varieties vary greatly in trace element content and phytic acid levels. Some local varieties and specific genotypes of wheat have better absorption of zinc and iron. The endosperm is also rich in minerals and vitamins, so eating whole wheat foods is very helpful in supplementing trace elements. Although biofortification can increase the trace element content in wheat, in order to make these elements better absorbed by the human body, we must continue to find ways and make comprehensive improvements in the breeding and processing processes (Shewry et al., 2013; Kaur et al., 2019; Hernández-Espinosa et al., 2020; Jiang et al., 2023).
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 203-211 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 205 3 Strategies to Enhance Nutritional Quality 3.1 Traditional breeding and selection for nutritional traits Traditional breeding and screening are still important methods to improve the nutritional level of wheat. Different wheat varieties have very different protein content (GPC) and other nutrients in the grain. Through careful selection and cultivation, these differences can be used well. Now, scientists have used genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) to find some genes and markers related to high protein and good nutrition (Alomari et al., 2023; Kartseva et al., 2023), making the breeding process faster and more accurate. In addition to selecting good varieties, reasonable fertilization, such as supplementing nitrogen fertilizer, can also increase protein levels while increasing yields. However, these effects will also be affected by weather and environmental changes (Reznick et al., 2021). Overall, if you want to make wheat more nutritious, rich genetic resources and accurate seed selection are really important. 3.2 Application of biofortification technologies Biofortification using breeding and agronomic methods is a good way to increase the content of trace elements in wheat. For example, spraying zinc or iron-containing fertilizers, or cultivating wheat varieties rich in these elements, have been shown to significantly increase the zinc and iron content in grains (Jiang et al., 2023). Taking zinc as an example, zinc-fortified wheat not only increases the total amount, but also improves the absorption and utilization rate of zinc, and increases some other nutrients (Jiang et al., 2023). This method is particularly helpful for those who rely on wheat as their staple food, and can effectively prevent "hidden hunger". In addition, some studies have also found that the use of nano-trace element fertilizers, combined with reasonable weed control management, can also further increase the protein, carbohydrate and amino acid content in wheat grains (Al-Gburi and Al-Gburi, 2023). 3.3 Exploration of gene editing and transgenic approaches With the development of molecular genetics, gene editing and transgenic technologies can now be used to further improve the nutrition of wheat. Scientists have found a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) related to protein content and nutritional properties (Kartseva et al., 2023). This provides a direction for precise improvement of wheat. Some genes, such as the gene encoding trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase, are involved in protein synthesis, transportation and recycling. Improving these genes can help improve the quality of grain protein (Alomari et al., 2023). Through genetic engineering, wheat varieties with high resistant starch have also been cultivated. This type of wheat has more resistant starch, higher dietary fiber density, and no effect on taste (Bird and Regina, 2018). These new technologies, together with traditional breeding and biofortification, have opened up new ways to cultivate more nutritious wheat suitable for functional foods. 4 Impact of Agronomic Practices on Nutrient Content 4.1 Soil nutrient management and micronutrient accumulation To get more trace elements in wheat grains, soil nutrient management must be done well. Compared with using only inorganic fertilizers, adding farmyard manure (FYM) or crop residues can enrich the trace elements such as manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) in the soil. Long-term use of farmyard manure can also keep the soil at a high level of trace elements and reduce the loss of elements during planting, which is very helpful for stabilizing wheat yield and improving quality (Shiwakoti et al., 2019). Applying trace element fertilizers, such as zinc fertilizer and selenium fertilizer, is also a common method, which can significantly increase the content of these minerals in wheat grains. The effect of fertilization will be affected by the terrain and fertilization method, among which foliar fertilization often has a better effect. If organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers are used together, the nutrient absorption rate can be further improved, soil health can be improved, and wheat can accumulate more key elements (Chang et al., 2024; Sharma et al., 2024). 4.2 Influence of irrigation and fertilization regimes Irrigation and fertilization have a great impact on wheat yield and nutrient content. Reasonable arrangement of water and nitrogen fertilizer can not only increase wheat yield, but also make resource utilization more efficient.
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 203-211 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 206 Studies have shown that after irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer application, wheat yield and water use efficiency are about 40% and 15% higher than the control group, respectively (Li et al., 2022). Under drip irrigation conditions, the use of chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers together not only makes wheat grow better, but also increases the nutrients in the soil and the utilization rate of fertilizers (Chang et al., 2024). In the critical period of wheat growth, using farmyard manure in batches, combined with liquid organic improvers, is particularly suitable for organic farming systems, which can further increase wheat yield and biological activity in the soil (Sharma et al., 2024). , the method of foliar and soil fertilization can alleviate the adverse effects and promote wheat growth and water use even when water sources are limited (Alotaibi et al., 2023). 4.3 Combined effects of climate and environmental conditions Climate change and environmental conditions, along with agronomic management, can affect the nutritional content of wheat. For example, rising temperatures, increased droughts, and increased carbon dioxide in the air can reduce wheat yields and reduce grain quality. However, proper water and fertilizer management can mitigate these negative effects to a certain extent (Melash et al., 2023). In fact, wheat yield and nutrient utilization are not only affected by climate, but also by the nutrient status of the soil itself. For example, high levels of phosphorus, potassium, and organic carbon in the soil often have a greater effect than climate factors alone, especially when there is a lack of water and nitrogen (Li et al., 2022). In order to cope with climate change, it is useful to adopt conservation agriculture measures. For example, retaining crop residues on permanent high ridges and applying precise fertilizers can increase the yield and resource utilization of the farming system even in adverse conditions, and improve the sustainability of agriculture (Hasanain et al., 2025). Proper adjustment of farming methods, crop rotation, management of organic matter, and optimization of irrigation can also make the soil healthier and improve nutrient recycling. In this way, the wheat farming system will be more resilient to risks and its yield will be stable in the long term (Al-Shammary et al., 2024; Huang et al., 2025). 5 Functional Food Applications of Nutrient-Enriched Wheat 5.1 Application of high-protein wheat in sports nutrition products High-protein wheat and some of its processed products, such as sprouted wheat concentrate, have high nutritional value and are very suitable for sports nutrition foods. Among these ingredients, the content of essential amino acids, vitamins (such as B1, B2, B6) and dietary fiber are relatively high. For athletes and people who exercise regularly, it can help them restore muscles, replenish energy, and improve their overall nutritional level. The complex nutritional supplements developed with sprouted wheat grains are not only high in nutritional value, but also stable. Now, these ingredients have begun to be used in sports drinks and various functional foods for athletes (Kazina et al., 2021; Tomé-Sánchez et al., 2021). 5.2 Potential of fiber-rich wheat for glycemic control foods Wheat bran is a good source of dietary fiber, so it has great potential in the development of blood sugar control foods. Modified wheat bran and bioprocessed wheat ingredients have higher fiber solubility and absorption rate, and are more functional when used in food. This fiber-rich wheat material not only helps intestinal health, but may also be beneficial for regulating blood sugar. It is particularly suitable for developing functional foods for diabetics or people who want to control blood sugar. In addition, modified wheat bran can also be used in gluten-free foods and baked products to diversify the types of healthy foods (Onipe et al., 2021; Saini et al., 2022). 5.3 Contribution of iron- and zinc-enriched wheat to micronutrient deficiency reduction Biofortified wheat varieties, especially colored wheat rich in iron and zinc, have been a great help in improving trace element deficiencies. These wheats not only supplement iron and zinc, but also contain rich antioxidants such as anthocyanins. After eating, they help prevent metabolic syndrome and some chronic diseases. If this ironand zinc-rich wheat is added to the staple food that everyone eats, it can effectively reduce the problem of trace element deficiency in people who eat wheat as a staple food. This approach can also support the development of public health projects and lay the foundation for the promotion of functional foods (Saini et al., 2020; Fitileva and Sibikeev, 2023).
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