Genotypic differences for nitrogen use efficiency in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Our results showed that genetic variability for N use efficiency exists in high-yielding winter wheat genotypes even at the lowest N level (N0). Genotypes Renan and Monika reached their maximal yield in the highest N level (N100), while line ZgM1 (also high yielding) reached maximal yield at the lowest N level (N0) without significant increase of yield with additional N inputs. Breeding line ZgM1 is therefore selected as genotype with high nitrogen use efficiency and will be used as the parent in the future crosses.