Approaches to improve wheat grain quality: Breeding for the falling number

The falling number (FN) reflects the level of alpha amylase activity in grain/flour and serves as an international standard of grain quality. The lower the FN the lower the quality of grain and its price. The main factor responsible for high α amylase levels and low FN values is visible or hidden preharvest sprouting (PHS) under adverse weather conditions. The decisive role in obtaining consistently high FNs belongs to breeding for preharvest...