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In the experiments conducted in 2013/2014 at the National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV) experimental station in Elvas - Portugal, the agronomic and forage quality traits of various species (Triticale (X Triticosecale wittmack), Oat (Avena sativa L.), Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.), Red vetchling (Lathyrus cicera L.). Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa, Roth), Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and Fiel pea (Pisum sativum L.)) in pure stands as well as in mixtures were evaluated. The objective was to identify interesting species or fodder mixture able to produce early interesting biomass, both in quantity and quality, for the periods when there is scarcity of pasture. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used in the experiment. The studied parameters were: dry matter yield, crude protein content, neutral detergent fiber content (NDF) and in vitro digestibility. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (P < 0.05) among treatments for all agronomic and forage quality parameters. Lowest dry matter production was recorded in the combination on red vetchling in the first cut (133 kg ha-1) and with grasspea in the second cut (1266 kg ha-1), but these treatments are characterized by the highest values of protein contents (16-23%), the highest digestibility (66-81%) and the lowest NDF content (24-39%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain quality is an essential component in wheat breeding programs since influences the commercial value of wheat. This study was conducted to determine the effects of genotype, season and sowing date on quality parameters of seventeen bread wheat commercial varieties and three advanced lines from Portuguese Wheat Breeding Program (Plant Breeding Station, Elvas, Portugal) under irrigated Mediterranean systems. Field experiments were conducted at two locations of Southeast Portugal (Elvas and Beja), during two growing seasons. At Elvas, results showed that environment (season) had highest contribution on variation of quality traits. At Beja experiments, the level of environment (season) influence decreased in relation to Elvas experiments: season was the most important factor to explain the variation of protein content and test weight, but for alveograph parameters (W and P/L ratio) it was found that genotype had higher influence. Sowing date was ever the most important factor to explain thousand kernel weight. The results confirmed that genetic potential is crucial to obtain high quality wheat but it is necessary a good environment to promote its expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) is a major crop worldwide, and it is highly susceptible to heat. In this work, grain production and composition were evaluated in Portuguese T. aestivum germplasm (landraces and commercial varieties), which was subjected to heat after anthesis (grain filling stage). Heat increased the test weight (TW) in Nabão, Grécia and Restauração, indicating an improved flour-yield potential. Mocho de Espiga Branca (MEB) and Transmontano (T94) showed higher thousand-kernel weight (TKW). Gentil Rosso presented increased soluble sugars, which are yeast substrates in the bread-making process. Ardila stood out for its protein increase under heat. Overall SDS was unaffected by higher temperature, but increased in T94, indicating a better dough elasticity for bread-making purposes. Under heat, lipid content was maintained in most genotypes, being endogenous fatty acids (FAs) key players in fresh bread quality. Lipid unsaturation, evaluated through the double bond index (DBI), also remained unaffected in most genotypes, suggesting a lower flour susceptibility to lipoperoxidation. In Grécia, heat promoted a higher abundance of monounsaturated oleic (C18:1) and polyunsaturated linoleic (C18:2) acids, which are essential fatty acids in the human diet. This work highlighted a great variability in most parameters both under control conditions or in response to heat during grain filling. Cluster analysis of traits revealed a lower susceptibility to heat during grain filling in Ardila, Restauração, and Ruivo, in contrast to MEQ, which seems to be more differentially affected at this stage. Characterization and identification of more favorable features under adverse environments may be relevant for agronomic, industrial, or breeding purposes, in view of a better crop adaptation to changing climate and an improved crop sustainability in agricultural systems more prone to heat stress.