Abstract Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) is a major staple crop with growing importance in arid regions, including Oman, where identifying genotypes with stable agronomic performance and desirable processing properties is important for strengthening local food systems. Four bread wheat genotypes (SQU-4, SQU-32, SQU-39, and SQU-45) were evaluated across two agro-ecologically distinct arid locations, Muscat (MCT) and Jimah, to assess genotype performance under naturally varying environmental conditions. Significant genotype × environment (G×E) interactions were observed for key agronomic and quality traits, indicating strong environmental modulation of genotype expression. SQU-39 (MCT) showed the highest grain yield and harvest index, while SQU-32 (Jimah) produced the most productive tillers. SQU-4 showed consistently lower yield potential across sites. Variation in 1000-grain weight and grain number per spike further reflected environmental influence. Physicochemical and functional analyses revealed notable functional differentiation among genotypes. SQU-39 (Jimah) exhibited the highest water absorption (85.6%), whereas SQU-32 (MCT) displayed superior solubility (8.8 g/L) and crystallinity (93.9 ± 1.4%), traits associated with dough strength. SQU-39 (MCT) showed high hygroscopicity, indicating favorable moisture retention properties. Thermal analysis identified SQU-4 (MCT) as the most thermally stable genotype, with a glass transition temperature of 135 °C and multiple melting peaks (200 °C, 201 °C, 224 °C), suggesting suitability for high-temperature processing. FTIR analysis indicated strong O–H bonding in SQU-45 (Jimah), reflecting enhanced moisture interaction. SEM imaging revealed smooth starch granules in SQU-4 and rougher textures in SQU-45, consistent with differences in processing quality. The study demonstrates substantial G×E-driven variation in agronomic and functional traits among Omani wheat genotypes. Genotype SQU-39 combined strong yield and functional properties demonstrated superior agronomic and functional attributes under arid conditions, SQU-4 possessed desirable thermal stability, and SQU-32 showed as a promise for environments with lower input conditions. These findings support the targeted selection and adaptation of wheat genotypes to diverse arid production systems.
Al‐Habsi et al. (Tue,) studied this question.