Harnessing Wheat Germplasm Diversity for Enhanced Nutritional Quality: A Multivariate Exploration

ABSTRACT Background The nutritional composition of wheat is pivotal for food security and public health, given its global significance as a staple crop. This study focuses on 274 diverse wheat germplasm accessions to evaluate the biochemical traits: starch, protein, amylose, total soluble sugars (TSSs), and phytic acid. This research seeks to provide insights that can inform variability in the nutritional composition of wheat germplasm and targeted breeding strategies designed to optimize dietary outcomes. The correlation matrix aids in identifying germplasm with desirable biochemical traits, such as high‐protein accessions with lower starch or high‐amylose accessions for improved functional properties. Results Quantitative analysis revealed that starch content ranged from 52.30 to 76.49 g/100 g, while protein levels varied from 8.5% to 19.07%, exhibiting significant inverse correlations with starch ( r = −0.61) and amylose ( r = −0.96). Amylose content ranged from 7.87 to 17.59 g/100 g, and TSS levels ranged from 3.27 to 5.76 g/100 g. Phytic acid ranged from 0.39 to 1.13 g/100 g. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the first two components explained 84.5% of the variance, while hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) identified three distinct clusters based on these nutritional traits. Conclusion This research provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic variability in wheat germplasm, facilitating targeted breeding strategies for developing nutrient‐dense varieties. The robust correlation matrix supports the identification of specific germplasm suited for specific applications, promoting sustainable agriculture. Future investigations should focus on genomic interactions and sustainable methodologies to enhance long‐term agricultural resilience.