High temperature during grain-filling stage is a limiting factor for wheat production in Yellow and Huai Valley, and breeding methodology has been established for improving heat tolerance in wheat. New wheat variety Zhongmai 895 with high yield, good quality, and outstanding heat tolerance was developed, with accumulated sowing acreage of 3 million ha, while the maximum annual sowing acreage of 700,000 ha, being the third largest wheat variety in 2019. It is characterized with top grain-filling rate and heat tolerance among current varieties, short stature and lodging resistance, high and stable yield, resistance to yellow rust and powdery mildew, outstanding performance under reducing irrigation and late sowing conditions, excellent qualities for noodle and steamed bread, and is recommended for extension in large area. Zhongmai 895 is also an outstanding parent, and 6 elite varieties and advanced lines were derived.

Zhongmai 895 in late grain-filling stage