A set of 101 exotic F1 wheat hybrids developed by a novel and practical Blue Aleurone (BLA) system at The University of Sydney were evaluated under Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute, Dinajpur and Rajshahi during 2022-2023 cropping season applying standard production technology and then produced F1 wheat hybrids from the crosses between BLA derived [2n = 42(msms) + 4E] male sterile lines [2n = 42(msms)] and high yielding native cultivars with the objectives to release hybrid wheat variety suitable for Bangladesh condition. Obtained results revealed that 10 F1 hybrids gave 6-19% increased yield over the best check variety, BARI Gom 33 at Dinajpur and up to 22% yield over another check, BARI Gom 32 at Rajshahi conditions.

Despite, taking the overall views into account, three exotic F1 wheat hybrids, PBI20NOW-F1-142, PBI18N-F1-47 and PBI20N-F1-18 produced 18, 19 and 22% increased yield respectively over the best check variety. Therefore, regarding yield potential, these three hybrids are comparable to superior pure line wheat varieties. Concurrently hybrid seeds were produced from thirty cross combinations where six high yielding local varieties were crossed with five BLA derived male sterile lines for resilience to local environment.

After field performance assessment twelve F1 wheat hybrids were selected for evaluation during 2023-2024 cropping season at Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute, Dinajpur and the highest grain yield was obtained from the cross BLA 2 (R26 3-1) × BARI Gom 33 followed by BLA 3 (PBI13 C030- SSD1C-SSD-SSD-11C-2N) × BWMRI Gom 3, with yield increase 26% and 18%, respectively over the best check variety. These two hybrids were resistant to leaf rust disease and Bipolaris leaf blight disease moreover, had medium stature, reasonable grain size and number of grains/spike with early phonological property, which are considered as acceptable characteristics of a highly adapted and high yield potential wheat hybrid under Bangladesh condition.

Since the methodical findings are the first sight of hybrid wheat research in Bangladesh, further authentication trial along with required quantities hybrid seed production is indispensable for the selected F1 wheat hybrids, eventually to promote hybrid wheat varieties cultivation by the farmers of Bangladesh.