Trait Adjustment of Wheat in the Presence of High Grain Protein Content Gene.

Egan, a newly released hard red spring wheat resistant to orange wheat bloom midge, also has high grain protein content through Gpc-B1 gene. This gene is closely associated with the introgressed stripe rust resistance gene of this variety. Egan was planted with other hard red and soft white spring wheat varieties on 21 April 2016 on a fine sandy loam soil at the Northwestern Ag Research Center, Kalispell, MT. The experimental design was split plot with 5 N levels (0, 45, 90, 135, 180 kg ha^-1) as main plot factor and eight varieties assigned as a sub-plot factor. The target plant population was 269 plants/m² adjusted for thousand kernel weights. The experiment was carried out in both irrigated (100% evapotranspiration) and dryland sites.  Control of abiotic factors was ensured. Duration of heading to physiological maturity and rate of senescence were recorded. Yield, yield components, protein, test weights, and falling number were measured. This research will provide a basis for managing high GPC traits, but also, an understanding of the genes controlling grain protein content and its interaction with water and nitrogen will help guide breeding efforts for future varieties.