Adaptability evaluation and germplasm filtration of Aegilops tauschii in glasshouse on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Context Aegilops tauschii is an important germplasm resource to improve common wheat, which is less used in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Aim To select Aegilops tauschii germplasm resource that might adapt to the climate of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in the future and retain eminent agronomic traits. Methods Three experimental groups (JA, JB and JC), each with 177 accessions from around the world, were cultivated in a glasshouse in conditions that simulated the temperature and humidity of the growing season in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, so that the harvest rate and important agronomic traits can be tested. Key results First, long-term low-temperature process was inconspicuous towards the accomplishment of its life cycle. In total, 36.72–42.37% of accessions can complete the life cycle and the accessions were fertile in all experimental groups. Second, low temperature and longer process time created positive effects on plant traits of Aegilops tauschii but negative effects on grain phenotypic traits. Third, humidity was a more important environmental factor than was temperature for the limitations of the plant traits and the improvement of grain phenotypic traits. Fourth, long-term low temperature and low temperature–high humidity conditions seemed to be more favorable for the expression of 1Dx5 + 1Dy10 subunits. Conclusions In total, 57 of the 177 accessions were selected that might be suitable for future cultivation of Aegilops tauschii germplasm resources on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, and 10 accessions had excellent agronomic traits. Implications These findings have laid groundwork for the breeding of Aegilops tauschii that has excellent agronomic traits and can be cultivated in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.