Impact of Planting Dates and Cultivars on the Expression of HMW-GS, LMW-GS Genes and Gluten Quality in Wheat

A field experiment was conducted for the seasons 2022 and 2023 in Kerbala Governorate to determine the effect of some wheat varieties and planting dates on gluten protein levels, wheat quality, and expression of genes responsible for low and high molecular weight glutenin units (LMW-GS and HMW-GS).The experiment was implemented according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) according to the split plot arrangement, as the main plots included three planting dates (November 15, December 1, and December 15) and were symbolized by the symbols (D1, D2, and D3, respectively), while the sub-plots included four wheat varieties (Latifiya, Ibaa 99, Tamuz, and Rashid). Using qPCR at the second planting date (December 15th), we investigated gene expression and discovered that the "Ibaa 99" variety displayed the greatest levels of gene expression for both LMW-GS and HMW-GS while the "Rashid" variety displayed the lowest levels. With LMW-GS levels of 17.5 ± 1.7 mg/g and HMW-GS levels roughly 15.5 ± 1.4 mg/g, "Ibaa 99" also reported the highest gluten protein content on the same planting date. Between gene expression, protein synthesis, and gluten quality, our study revealed a substantial favorable connection (r = 0.95–0.99). Gene expression therefore raises protein synthesis and gluten quality. Because of its excellent day length and mild temperatures, second planting date—December 15th—seemed suitable for gene expression and protein synthesis. These results highlight the significance of timing planting to raise wheat yield and quality as well as of employing high-gene-expression wheat varieties such as "Ibaa 99." This paper shows how choice of planting date and type improves wheat quality and yield. Selecting high-performance varieties and matching planting times to environmental conditions will let researchers and farmers increase wheat yields and quality. These findings provide guidance for improving agricultural methods in many different settings.