ABSTRACT
Australia, as a wheat producing nation, is unique in that it traditionally produces only white-grained wheat and exports a large proportion of the annual crop. Similar programs have been in progress for many years in Northern NSW, Australia, and more recently Queensland, where weather damage or pre-harvest sprouting damage affects, on-average, 15-20% of the wheat harvest annually. Grain was separated from mature ears by hand and stored grain dormancy will be examined with special reference to the effects of environmental factors, particularly temperature and precipitation, or sprouting tolerance. Tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting was assessed using an artificial rain simulation facility maintained at 20°C and high relative humidity. Sprouting tolerance is a dynamic phenomenon and for accurate characterization genotype, environmental conditions and stage of maturity are all required. New sources of tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting have been identified which have the potential to dramatically improve the tolerance of white grained, bread wheats.
