Abstract:

The objective of this paper is to review the progress of wheat production, breeding, and crop management in China from establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 to present. Wheat production can be divided into four periods, recovery period from 1949 to 1957, stable increase from 1958 to 1978, rapid increase from 1979 to 1999, and synchronized improvement of yield and quality from 2000 to present. A brief summary was made in breeding activities before 1949. Significant progress was achieved in varietal development, and three periods were recognized, i.e., improving disease resistance, reducing plant height and increasing yield potential, and improvement of yield, processing quality, and resource use efficiency. Utilization of dwarfing genes such as Rht1, Rht 2, Rht 8, and Rht 24, as well as 1B/1R translocation has made significant contributions to wheat improvement. Milestone varieties such as Bima 1, Taishan 4, Yangmai 158, Yumai 21, and Jinmai 22 have promoted 8-9 times varietal replacements. Progress in yield improvement in the Yellow and Huai Valley and improvement for scab resistance in the Yangtze Region are internationally recognized. Other aspects include genetic resource collection, wide cross, utilization of Ms 2 gene, quality improvement, adult plant resistance based on minor genes, and genomics. Four stages in improving crop management are observed, i.e., management of planting density in 1950s, characterization of wheat developmental stages and application in increasing yield performance in various regions in 1960s and 1970s, establishment of crop cultivation models in various regions in 1980s, and improvement of processing quality and application of information technology in 1990s. Major challenges for wheat production in China in the future include improving quality, reducing production costs, and protecting environment, while the major constrains are climate changes, increased occurrence of diseases, and needs of better varieties. Research priorities in the future include development of milestone varieties through application of new technologies, integration of crop management with plant protection, soil science, and machinery application.

Key words: Common Wheat, Breeding, Breeding Methodology, Cultivation