GRINDING TIME—A SCREENING TEST FOR KERNEL HARDNESS IN WHEAT

Abstract

A test for screening early generation wheat lines for kernel hardness is described. The test is rapid, uses small samples and is easily performed. Resulting grinding times can be used to classify wheat according to hardness, to detect possible seed damage, to give an estimate of the potential milling and baking quality of wheat and to make quality screening more efficient. Differences between hard and soft wheats are large so that protein content, kernel size and percent moisture have little effect on the use of grinding time as a quality screening test in wheat breeding programs in western Canada.