Relationship between kernel color and protein content of hard red x hard white winter wheat progeny

Utilization of high-protein Hard Red wheat germplasm in breeding high-protein Hard White winter wheats for the U.S. Great Plains raised concern regarding possible genetic relationships between kernel color and protein content. Segregating F sub(3) and F sub(4) populations from reciprocal crosses and backcrosses involving high-protein Hard Red winter wheat cultivar Plainsman V and normal-protein Hard White winter wheat line KS75216 were examined. Despite the presence of genes for protein content and kernel color on the same chromsomes (3A, 3B and 3D), kernel color and protein content appeared as independent traits. Genetic control of grain protein appeared to be complex.