Sulfur uptake and distribution, grain yield, and quality of hybrid and inbred winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties under early and late waterlogging

Background Waterlogging at early and later growth stages could affect sulfur (S) uptake, distribution, yield, and quality of winter wheat. We hypothesized that the hybrid winter wheat variety (Hyvento), with a high degree of heterosis and genetic diversity, is likely to uptake and utilize S more efficiently and withstands waterlogging better than the inbred wheat variety (Kredo). Aims The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of 2‐week waterlogging at the end of tillering stage (Feekes Stage 6) and/or ear emergence stage (Feekes Stage 10.1) on grain yield, yield components, S‐uptake and its partitioning, and composition of grain storage proteins (glutenins and gliadins) of hybrid (Hyvento) and inbred (Kredo) winter wheat varieties. Methods Plants were grown in large containers (120 L) in a semi‐controlled greenhouse and harvested three times immediately after each waterlogging treatment and at agronomic maturity. Grain yield, S concentration in different plant organs, total protein content, and patterns of gluten proteins (gliadin and glutenin) and their subunits (by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) in grains were evaluated. Results Grain yield of the inbred variety was more negatively affected under early and late waterlogging than the hybrid variety and was associated with reduced grain size. The decline in grain yield was significantly higher under late waterlogging (30%–31%) than early waterlogging (17%–18%). Compared to the hybrid variety Hyvento, the waterlogging‐induced decline in S concentration in grains, husk, and straw was markedly lower in the inbred variety Kredo. While early waterlogging did not affect total grain protein content in either of the varieties, late waterlogging significantly reduced the total grain protein content (18%) in the inbred variety Kredo. Similarly, the grain gliadin content of the hybrid variety was not affected by both waterlogged conditions, whereas 32% and 23% reductions were recorded for the inbred variety under early and late waterlogging, respectively. Nevertheless, waterlogging significantly increased the proportion of S‐poor high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits and ω‐gliadin in the inbred variety. Conclusion It could be inferred from the present study that hybrid winter wheat variety is relatively resistant to waterlogging than the inbred wheat variety, and thereby produces higher grain yield. Efficient uptake and metabolism of S could be one of the mechanism