Key message Two novel QTLs conferring Fusarium stalk rot resistance were identified in the Kemater flint landrace population, thereby broadening the genetic base for FSR resistance breeding. Given the polygenic inheritance of Fusarium stalk rot resistance, genomic selection could be explored as a potential strategy for improving resistance to stalk rot in maize. Abstract Fusarium stalk rot (FSR) is one of the most prevalent an...

Key Message Optimized phenomic selection in durum wheat uses near-infrared spectra, feature engineering and parameter tuning. Our study reports improvements in predictive ability and emphasizes customized preprocessing for different traits and models. Abstract The success of plant breeding programs depends on efficient selection decisions. Phenomic selection has been proposed as a tool to predict phenotype performance based on...

Key message Heterosis effects for dough quality and baking volume were close to zero. However, hybrids have a higher grain yield at a given level of bread making quality compared to their parental lines. Abstract Bread wheat cultivars have been selected according to numerous quality traits to fulfill the requirements of the bread making industry. These include beside protein content and quality also rheological traits and baki...

Key message Hyperspectral data is a promising complement to genomic data to predict biomass under scenarios of low genetic relatedness. Sufficient environmental connectivity between data used for model training and validation is required. Abstract The demand for sustainable sources of biomass is increasing worldwide. The early prediction of biomass via indirect selection of dry matter yield (DMY) based on hyperspectral and/or...

Key message Hyperspectral and genomic data are effective predictors of biomass yield in winter rye. Variable selection procedures can improve the informativeness of reflectance data. Abstract Integrating cutting-edge technologies is imperative to sustainably breed crops for a growing global population. To predict dry matter yield (DMY) in winter rye ( Secale cereale L.), we tested single-kernel models based on genomic (GBLUP)...

Key message Hybrid wheat breeding is a promising strategy to improve the level of leaf rust and stripe rust resistance in wheat. Abstract Leaf rust and stripe rust belong to the most important fungal diseases in wheat production. Due to a dynamic development of new virulent races, epidemics appear in high frequency and causes significant losses in grain yield and quality. Therefore, research is needed to develop strategies to...