Durum wheat for the future: challenges, research and prospects in the 21st Century

Durum wheat for the future: challenges, research and prospects in the 21st CenturyPasta, made from durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.), is a staple food product in many parts of the world.Durum wheat grain is characterised by high levels of protein and yellow pigment, is very hard (which is ideal for making semolina), has strong and stable dough ideal for the production of high quality pasta and other durum derived products.Globally, some 35-40 million tonnes of durum are produced annually.Most production is centred in the Mediterranean region, Canada, North America, Mexico, Maghreb countries, and India, with small amounts of highly valued durum being produced in Australia.Durum wheat is typically grown under rain-fed conditions in the semi-arid regions of the world.Rainfall can vary dramatically in these regions, and consequently the quality of the grain can be variable.A range of pathogens, but primarily Fusarium species (and some rusts); also significantly affect durum production.The adverse impact of mineral deficiencies, disease and water stress on the plant have previously limited the ability of durum breeders to significantly increase yield, while also ensuring high grain quality, in new varieties.However, the complexities of these traits have not necessarily been explored to the same extent in durum wheat as for common (bread) wheat.Hence, research that addresses these challenges will be important for the future growth of the durum industry worldwide.Papers presented in this Special Issue of Crop and Pasture Science demonstrate the broad array of research that is being conducted worldwide in an attempt to understand and address the barriers to high-yielding, high-quality durum wheat production.This Special Issue largely arose out of discussions between durum wheat researchers at two recent international symposia on the genetics and breeding of durum wheat (Adelaide, Australia, 2012 and Rome, Italy, 2013).Being a minor wheat crop, typically many research reports on durum become dispersed in the main literature on wheat and other crops therefore, a dedicated journal issue addressing this important crop is welcome amongst durum wheat Journal compilation