Introduction
This research investigates the impact of various cultivation factors on the growth of durum wheat under speed breeding (SB) conditions. The study focuses on pot size, soil type, fertilizer dose interactions, and foliar fertilizer application, aiming to enhance wheat productivity in controlled environments.
Methods
The study was conducted in 2020 at Dicle University, Diyarbakır, Türkiye, using a semi-controlled greenhouse. The environment was maintained with a 22-hour photoperiod, temperatures of 22/17°C (day/night), 70% humidity, and a light intensity of 316.15 µmol/m²/s using a combination of LED lamps. The Sampiyon durum wheat cultivar served as the plant material.
Results
The research identified that the highest productivity was achieved using deep pots (270 cm³), 100% peat soil, and a 20.20.0 fertilizer application. Foliar fertilizer applications yielded the best results during the tillering and stem elongation-heading stages.
Discussion
These findings provide insights into optimizing plant productivity and improving the efficiency of the SB process. As the primary goal of SB is to produce multiple generations rapidly, identifying optimal conditions is crucial for developing more resilient and productive plant varieties.
The Need for Efficient Crop Improvement
With the global population projected to require 60–80% more food by 2050, efficient crop improvement strategies are essential. Conventional breeding methods, while successful, are time-consuming. Speed breeding offers a modern alternative by accelerating the breeding cycle through controlled environmental conditions.
Speed Breeding: A Modern Approach
Speed breeding (SB) is a technique designed to shorten the breeding cycle and accelerate crop improvement. By optimizing growth factors such as light and temperature, SB promotes faster growth and earlier flowering, enabling quicker development of new crop varieties.
Genetic Gain and Speed Breeding
Genetic gain, the improvement in progeny performance over successive selection cycles, is often limited by long generation times in conventional breeding. SB offers a significant advantage by accelerating trait introgression and enabling rapid development of homozygous lines, contributing to greater genetic gain in a shorter timeframe.
Controlled Environments in Speed Breeding
SB relies on precisely controlled environments to promote rapid plant growth, flowering, and seed production. Growth chambers and greenhouses regulate temperature, humidity, and light, with photoperiod manipulation being a key aspect. Extended light periods accelerate development and enhance traits such as biomass and stem digestibility.
Challenges and Innovations in Speed Breeding
While SB has been challenging for short-day crops, recent studies have developed protocols for crops like sorghum and pigeonpea. Australian researchers have reported that SB could increase wheat production significantly, allowing multiple generations to be grown annually.
Optimizing Cultivation Techniques
This study focuses on optimizing cultivation techniques under SB conditions by examining factors such as pot size, soil type, nutrients, and foliar fertilization. The research provides practical contributions by improving the environmental and technical conditions necessary for effective SB implementation.
Experimental Setup
The study was conducted in a semi-controlled greenhouse equipped with plant-growing tables, air conditioning, and a humidifier. The experimental setup followed the SB protocol, maintaining optimal growth conditions with a 22-hour light/2-hour dark photoperiod.
Key Experiments and Findings
Four independent experiments were conducted to optimize cultivation parameters: pot size, soil type, fertilizer type and dose, and timing of foliar fertilizer application. The deepest pots yielded the highest productivity, while 100% peat soil provided the best growth conditions. The 20.20.0 fertilizer application was most effective, and foliar fertilizers applied during critical growth stages enhanced productivity.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of optimizing cultivation factors under SB conditions to enhance wheat productivity. By accelerating plant growth and shortening generation times, these practices contribute to the rapid development of more resilient and productive plant varieties.
🔗 **Fuente:** https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2025.1630915/full