Water Conditions During the Winter Wheat Growth Period of 2010-2011 and the Effect on Wheat Quality in Eastern Henan
豫东地区2010年至2011年冬小麦生育期水分条件及对小麦品质的影响

According to the national Climate Monitoring Bulletin the climate was extremely unusual during autumn of 2010 to spring of 2011 across eastern Henan as there was persistent drought throughout the growth of winter wheat. The 30% reduction in average precipitation had a relatively large impact on the quality of wheat, whereas heat and light conditions remained the same as previous years. Shangqiu is a typical wheat growing area in eastern Henan and the focus of our study. As factors of precipitation, we analyzed meteorological data from 2010-2011 in eastern Henan and evaluated soil moisture conditions with fuzzy comprehensive evaluation models. Wheat samples of "Aikang 58" from eight "three sentiment" monitoring stations in Shangqiu during 2011 were analyzed in laboratory. We found that the water condition and winter wheat quality were closely related. The qualities of traits of winter wheat were reduced because of the extreme drought, but irrigation dramatically decreased these adverse effects. In the eight monitoring stations, the minimum protein content and Zeleny sedimentation value of the samples was 39%, 17% lower than the average historical value. It was 6% of the maximum decline volume of peak viscosity marking the characteristic of starch gelatinization. At the same time, there was a negative effect on rheological properties. For example, the form time and stability time of dough were decreased 32% and 30% respectively. Tensile parameters such as tensile area and extending dropped. In fully irrigated areas, water conditions were able to meet the growth requirements of winter wheat and the quality was close to perennial indicators. Under drought conditions, moderate irrigation enhanced the quality of wheat. In addition, the drought tolerance of winter wheat varieties was different. Therefore, the influence of water conditions on wheat quality may vary across different varieties. Under global change, climate extremes will occur more frequently and heat quality changes caused by the combined effects of temperature, light and moisture conditions will become more complex.