Historical genetic responses of yield and root traits in winter wheat in the yellow-Huai-Hai River valley region of China due to modern breeding (1948–2012)

The Yellow and Huai Valleys Winter Wheat Zone (YHVWWZ) is the predominant wheat-producing region in China. This study aimed to identify genetic gains in root characteristics and grain yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars to assist future breeding strategies. Field trials were conducted in the wetter-than-average 2014–2015 and drier-than-average 2015–2016 growing seasons. Yield and related traits were measured in 17 wheat...