A new wheat variety bred through hybridization with crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) has begun undergoing extensive cultivation in China's Yellow River-Huaihe River region, with an aim to develop a variety with improved disease resistance and climate adaptability.

Named "Pubing 03," the variety was developed by the Zhongyuan Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Henan province, a key agricultural hub. It boasts resistance to diseases, cold, and lodging while delivering high yields, researchers said.

Henan Zhongyuan Nonggu United Seed Industry Co acquired the rights to produce and operate the variety for 6.66 million yuan ($910,000) in October. General Manager Fan Yongsheng said the company has planted "Pubing 03" across 120 hectares this year and plans to expand cultivation next year to provinces including Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shaanxi.

Crested wheatgrass, a wild relative of wheat, is highly resistant to drought, cold, and diseases, making it a valuable gene donor for wheat improvement. Despite global scientific efforts, hybridization with crested wheatgrass had largely failed until a CAAS team led by researcher Li Lihui succeeded after three decades of work, according to Zhang Jinpeng, a researcher at the CAAS Institute of Crop Sciences and a member of Li's team.

Zhang said "Pubing 03" is resistant to powdery mildew, leaf rust and stripe rust, while its shorter height and elastic stem reduce the risk of lodging. The variety's slower growth during the seedling stage and thinner leaves enhance cold resistance, making it easier to grow and manage than common varieties.

"This winter's warmer climate has accelerated the growth of common wheat varieties, potentially leaving them vulnerable to cold spells in spring," Zhang said. "In contrast, 'Pubing 03' offers stability under extreme weather conditions."

Trial fields yielded 10,500 kilograms per hectare, Zhang said, noting that while the yield is slightly lower than some high-yield varieties, the new wheat is critical for ensuring stable production under challenging conditions.

Henan province is positioning Zhongyuan Nonggu, a 1,612-square-kilometer core agricultural region, as a national hub for seed industry innovation. The region is home to 58 provincial-level or higher innovation platforms, 53 seed research teams, and 82 seed enterprises, according to Sun Weifeng, director of Henan's agriculture and rural affairs department.

Since its establishment, Zhongyuan Nonggu has produced 161 new crop varieties approved by national or provincial authorities, Sun said, highlighting the region's role in advancing China's agricultural innovation and resilience.

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