Quality characteristics of durum wheat lines deriving high protein from a Triticum dicoccoides (6b) substitution

One of the objectives in the Canadian durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) breeding programs has been the selection of lines having higher protein content. The Langdon-dicoccoides (Triticum dicoccoides 6B) substitution, a source of high protein, has been introgressed into two high yielding, but lower protein Canadian lines of durum wheat. The resulting lines with protein content similar to registered cultivars were evaluated for protein quality. The introgression had no detrimental effects upon pasta cooking quality, and thus the dicoccoides 6B chromosome substitution will be a valuable route to increasing protein level for the durum wheat breeding program.