Near infrared spectroscopy progresses quality selection in wheat breeding

Abstract Background and Objectives Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and small‐scale testing are used to evaluate wheat germplasm is a cost‐effective strategy to reduce thousands of wheat lines to hundreds and then to tens of lines. Identification of high‐quality germplasm among thousands of lines is dependent on the accuracy of the tests that are used and how well these data correlate with the large‐scale tests that are used to confirm the end‐use quality before commercial release of a new wheat variety. In this study, NIR‐based testing was investigated to determine the effectiveness of this high‐throughput, nondestructive technology. Findings To demonstrate the effectiveness of NIRS and small‐scale testing as a selection strategy, interpretive population statistics evaluating three consecutive generations (F 4 , F 5 , and F 6 ) from a wheat breeding program were compared. The F 4 (early stage) generation (2019) was predicted for milling yield with a proportion of 13.9% of lines above 74% (w/w) milling yield. From those lines that progressed to F 5 (mid‐generation in 2020), the proportion increased to 26.2% of lines above 74% (w/w) milling yield. Selected lines from F 5 were progressed to F 6 (advanced generation in 2021), where 62.4% of lines were above 74% (w/w) milling yield. Conclusions Each time the set progressed through the selection strategy, the portion of lines above 74% (w/w) milling yield increased. Significance and Novelty This study demonstrates the value and efficiency of high‐throughput selection strategies using nondestructive NIRS at the F 4 (early‐stage generation) stage and small‐scale testing at the F 5 stage of a wheat breeding program.