Factors Affecting the Storage Grain Protein Content of Tetraploid Wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) and Their Management

Abstract

This review work aims to evaluate the factors affecting the storage grain protein content of tetraploid Wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) and their management. For commercial production of tetraploid wheat, grain protein content is considered very important. As the grain receive great market attention due to protein premium price paid for farmers, mainly above 13% that will give about 12% of protein in the milled semolina. However, this review state that grain protein content of tetraploid wheat is sensitive to environmental conditions prevailing before and during grain filling, crop genetics and cultural practices. This and associated problems universally call agronomic based alternative solution to ameliorate protein concentration in durum wheat grain. This could be modified through manipulating seeding rates, selection crop varieties, adjusting nitrogen amount and fertilization time and sowing date. The decision of time of nitrogen application however should be made based on the interest of the farmers. If the interest gears towards grain yield, apply nitrogen early in the season and apply the fertilizer later if heading for better protein concentration.