Performance and evolutionary adaptation of heterogeneous wheat populations

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the potential heterogeneous composite cross populations (CCPs) increase sustainability and resilience wheat cropping systems, a so far largely neglected approach. For purpose, 10 CCPs originating from one CCP created in 2001 having evolved under different environmental conditions since F 5 , were compared 15 16 with recently released cultivars inbred lines extracted randomly populations. Field trials performed over 2 years at organic conventional locations. Under conditions, yields similar those recent commercial comparable protein content, considerably higher than that lines. conventionally-bred outyielded other experimental entries. organically-bred had highest contents both farming systems followed by cultivars. yield stability foliar disease resistances on average lines, indicating due their high genetic diversity, not background. environments differed some morphological phenological traits, adaptation taken place through natural selection. Greater tillering capacity increased soil cover juvenile stage indicates niche complementarity CCPs, may contribute improved resource use an overall ecological intensification. We conclude, cultivation or represents important opportunity cultivation, which should be given greater consideration future research breeding.