Hybrid wheat and abiotic stress

Abstract

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the major crops for human nutrition and an important one for food security. However, wheat yields are highly dependent upon environmental conditions and are affected by various types of abiotic stresses. One strategy for improving wheat yield stability across environments is to harness hybrid vigour. Estimates of yield improvements associated with hybrid vigour in wheat range from 5 to over 20%, which needs to be further enhanced to meet the future global demand. This yield advantage comes with improved yield stability under both biotic and abiotic stress conditions. This chapter focuses on the current status of hybrid wheat breeding, including hybrid seed production systems, hybrid performance under abiotic stresses and prediction of hybrid performance.