Evaluating Wheat Seed Quality: Performance, Stability, and Genetic Control Across Six Greek Environments Using Multiple Selection Designs

Wheat seed quality is a key factor of end-use performance and nutritional value, yet it is strongly influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The present study evaluated the performance, stability, and genetic control of wheat seed quality traits across six contrasting environments in Greece, focusing on genotypes derived from three selection designs (McGinnis & Shebeski, honeycomb, and gridding) and a local landrace. The measured traits included crude protein, fat, ash, starch, crude fibre, Zeleny sedimentation, carbohydrate, soluble fraction, non-starch fraction, and moisture. A combined ANOVA revealed significant effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction on all traits. Crude protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate were predominantly governed by genotype, while starch, Zeleny sedimentation, soluble fraction, non-starch fraction, and moisture were more influenced by environmental factors, while crude fiber showed balanced genotype × environment effects. Stability analysis identified genotypes with consistent expression of key quality traits across environments, demonstrating the relevance of stability parameters for reliable selection. Correlation analysis indicated positive associations among protein, fat, Zeleny sedimentation, and crude fiber, and negative relationships with starch, carbohydrate, soluble fraction, and non-starch fraction, revealing trade-offs among wheat seed quality components. Selection method influenced trait expression, with gridding-derived lines excelling in protein and fat, McGinnis & Shebeski lines in Zeleny sedimentation and fiber, and honeycomb-derived lines in starch, carbohydrate, soluble, and non-starch fractions. Overall, the results support the use of multi-environment evaluation and stability-based selection to improve wheat seed quality in a predictable and targeted manner.