Multi-trait assessment of wheat variety mixtures performance and stability: Mixtures for the win!

Abstract

In the current quest for a more sustainable, environment-friendly agriculture, variety mixtures are often suggested as a practical option to increase the stability of food production systems. Their effects on yield have been extensively researched, yet clear conclusions remain elusive, notably in terms of mechanistic processes and optimal variety combinations. Furthermore, in the case of wheat, yield is not the only component in the equation: grain quality is crucial for the bread value chain, yet the effects of variety mixtures on wheat quality and its stability have rarely been investigated. To that end, we conducted a multi-year, multi-site wheat variety mixture experiment investigating the role of variety mixtures on the performance and stability of five traits linked to grain yield and quality, and the mechanisms underlying these effects. Eight varieties were grown in pure stands and mixtures of 2 and 8 varieties, following a full diallel design. We considered the responses of grain yield, protein content, thousand kernel weight, hectoliter weight, and Zeleny sedimentation value. Results showed that mixtures generally outperformed pure stands in terms of global performance and stability for the 5 parameters. We particularly noticed an increase in quality stability and in Zeleny sedimentation value in mixtures, showing the potential of mixtures to improve crop quality. Moreover, we highlighted the important role of light interception for increased mixtures benefits. A more detailed investigation into individual mixture performances led us to some practical rules for optimal variety combinations: we advise combining varieties with similar heights and phenologies but different tillering abilities and yield potential. This study thus shows that variety mixtures represent a promising solution to sustainably increase the stability of wheat yield and quality. With practical recommendations, our results could benefit farmers but also processors and bakers, and promote the adoption of wheat variety mixtures.