The wheat cultivars IAC 25 (Pedrinhas) and IAC 161 (Taiamã) originated from artificial crosses and selected by the pedigree method, were evaluated in relation to grain yield and to reactions of the causal agents of leaf and stem rusts and to Helminthosporium sp. These cultivars were also evaluated in relation to industrial bread qualities. The trials were carried out in upland conditions at the Paranapanema Valley, State of São Paulo, Brazil, and also under sprinkler irrigation at the North region of the same State. Grain yield of the new cultivars did not show significant differences from 'Anahuac' used as a control in upland conditions. However, in this condition, 'Pedrinhas' showed the advantage of being an early cultivar (100-115 days from emergence to maturation). Under sprinkler irrigation and acid soil conditions, 'Pedrinhas' and 'Taiamã' presented higher grain yield than 'Anahuac'; on low acidity soils no differences were observed among cultivars in relation to grain yield. In nutrient solution tests, 'Pedrinhas' and 'Taiamã' were moderately tolerant to Al3+; 'Taiamã' was highly sensitive to iron excess and 'Pedrinhas' moderately tolerant; and both cultivars were tolerant to manganese excess. Under greenhouse conditions 'Taiamã' presented resistance and 'Pedrinhas' moderate resistance to stem rust. 'Pedrinhas' was more susceptible to leaf rust than 'Taiamã' and 'Anahuac'; and the three cultivars were susceptible to Helminthosporium sp. under field conditions. Considering bread characteristics trials the flour from 'Taiamã' was superior in relation to "Pedrinhas', giving breads with excellent physical quality, showing a superior specific volume in comparison with the breads made with commercial wheat flour.
wheat crop; upland condition; sprinkler irrigation condition; rust, physiological races; disease resistance; bread characteristics