Evaluation of genetic progress in soft wheat
The study conducted by Arvalis and the UFS from 2025 onwards highlights constant and continuous genetic progress in straw cereals since the 1980s. This trial network, spread across 65 sites in 2025 (74 in 2026, renewed in 2027), is based on comparing older and newer varieties grown under the same conditions in order to objectively assess changes in key traits such as yield, disease resistance and quality. GEVES contributes to this network through its sites at Anjouère and Montpellier.
Yields at national level do indeed appear to have reached their highest point since the late 1990s; soft wheat yields, in particular, have stagnated at around 72 quintals per hectare, having increased by 1.3 q/ha/year up until 1996: are we witnessing a slowdown in genetic progress?
Preliminary results from the study indicate that, on the contrary, yields remain constant, with an average increase of around 0.47 quintal per hectare per year. The stagnation in agricultural yields cannot therefore be explained by a halt in genetic progress, but appears to be the result of climatic fluctuations, which are being observed with increasing regularity in France, both in terms of frequency and intensity. Genetic progress therefore compensates for the negative effects of climate change, enabling yields to remain stable rather than decline.
An analysis of yield components reveals a trend towards stability in the number of ears per m². By contrast, ear fertility (number of grains per ear) and TGW (Thousand-Grain Weight) have increased over the last forty years, explaining the productivity gains observed.
Furthermore, certain characteristics, such as plant height and average time to heading, have not changed significantly, although the latest-maturing varieties – which are more susceptible to drought and late-season heat stress – have gradually disappeared from the Catalogue.
In terms of quality, we note a slight decrease in the protein content of the most recent varieties compared with the older ones, due to a dilution effect linked to higher productivity levels. However, genetic progress has improved nitrogen use efficiency, thereby limiting this decline. Specific gravity, an important criterion for market access, remains broadly stable.
Finally, trials have shown that recent varieties are more resistant to the main leaf diseases (yellow rust, septoria and brown rust). This development has led to a gradual reduction in the impact of these diseases. It should be noted, however, that these resistance traits remain susceptible to being overcome by the adaptation of pathogens, which can occur very rapidly and unpredictably.
In conclusion, the initial results from this trial network confirm steady and continuous genetic progress since the 1980s. The improved performance of recent varieties in terms of the key characteristics desired by the sector (yield, quality, disease resistance) demonstrates that genetics plays a key role in maintaining production in the face of climatic constraints. These results will, however, need to be corroborated by data from the next two trial seasons.
