Field experimental data for 7 elite Australian wheat cultivars and 5 near-isogenic lines with matched phenology alleles

This dataset originates from a study evaluating genetic yield gains in wheat since the APSIM crop simulation model was initially parameterized using Hartog (Pavon 76) data. The dataset includes field experiment results comparing Hartog with elite wheat cultivars adapted to various Australian wheat belt regions, with experiments conducted in 2014 and 2015 at four locations: Gatton (QLD), Junee (NSW), Temora (NSW), and Minnipa (SA).
The dataset comprises:
1. Genotypic Information:
• Hartog (baseline cultivar) and elite high yielding cultivars identified from from National Variety Trials (NVT).
• Near-isogenic lines (NILs) in a Sunstate background, matched for key phenology loci (Ppd-B1, Ppd-D1, Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1, Vrn-D1) to facilitate comparisons.

2. Experimental Conditions:
• Rainfed (dryland) and irrigated trials (at Gatton in 2014).
• Regional variation in soil, climate, and management conditions.

3. Measured Variables:
• Yield Performance: Grain yield comparisons across cultivars and environments.
• Crop Physiology: Changes in traits influencing yield, such as biomass accumulation, harvest index, phenology, and water-use efficiency.
• Phenological Data: Flowering time and haun stage observations.
• Environmental Data: Soil moisture, rainfall, and irrigation levels.
• Retrospective Analysis (2024): Near-infrared (MIR) analysis of surviving dry matter samples for nitrogen (N), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C) as an indicator of water-use efficiency.

The dataset supports model refinement for APSIM by identifying physiological traits responsible for yield gains in modern cultivars. It was initially funded by CSIRO (2014–2015) and later revived through GRDC investment UOM2312-001RTX ( in 2024) to integrate new analyses.