Multi-environment analysis of nutritional and grain quality traits in relation to grain yield under drought and terminal heat stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract Heat and drought stress on wheat genotypes are examined in the study, emphasizing the need to improve grain yield, nutrition, and quality. Sixteen modern wheat cultivars were tested in nine environments, including normal, heat, and drought, in three peninsular Indian locations. Genotype performance in yield, nutrition, and quality parameters is assessed using multi-environment trials like AMMI and GGE Biplot. We discovered intriguing stress dynamics in Zn and Fe. Under heat stress, zinc yield increases but decreases under drought stress, while iron does the opposite. Selecting zinc, starch, and kernel weight under stress can boost yield. Protein content and yield are inversely related, making it difficult for breeders to optimize both traits. G x E interactions and stability indices have found genotypes like G12 (MP 1358) and G5 (HI 1544) with high grain yield and iron content, making them crop improvement sources. G12 (MP 1358) has high protein content. Also notable are zinc-rich G11 (MACS 4058) and G15 (WH 730). Genotype G12 (MP 1358) improved crop yield, nutritional quality, and stability "win-win". This study shows the complexity of nutrient metabolism under different stress conditions and suggests targeted breeding to improve wheat grain quality and micronutrient profiles without yield loss.