Henan expands 'Pubing 03' wheat cultivation

A new wheat variety bred through hybridization with crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) has begun undergoing extensive cultivation in China's Yellow River-Huaihe River region, with an aim to develop a variety with improved disease resistance and climate adaptability.

Named "Pubing 03," the variety was developed by the Zhongyuan Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Henan province, a key agricultural hub. It boasts resistance to diseases, cold, and lodging while delivering high yields, researchers said.

Henan Zhongyuan Nonggu United Seed Industry Co acquired the rights to produce and operate the variety for 6.66 million yuan ($910,000) in October. General Manager Fan Yongsheng said the company has planted "Pubing 03" across 120 hectares this year and plans to expand cultivation next year to provinces including Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shaanxi.