Yield potential and grain quality of winter wheat varieties and hybrids in the continental climate of Azerbaijan

This study presents a long-term assessment of grain quality indicators in winter wheat varieties and hybrids under the continental climate of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azerbaijan. In 2020– 2025, a total of 57 durum wheat hybrids, 35 bread wheat hybrids, and 46 varieties were evaluated for yield, 1000 grain weight, crude protein, gluten, test weight, ash content, and vitreousness. Grain yield ranged from 275.2 to 569.0 g/m². Crude protein reached up to 21.5%, gluten up to 54.0%, and vitreousness up to 98.5%. A positive correlation between protein and gluten content was observed. The highest 1000 grain weight (61.8 g) was recorded in the hybrid Yaqut × Alinca-84. Maximum yield (569 g/m²) was found in Alinca-84 × Zatino. The results support practical recommendations for selecting varieties and hybrids adapted to local conditions.