“Xiaoyan 6”, a typical representative of “Xiaoyan” series wheat varieties from the distant hybridization between wheat and Thinopyrum ponticum, is characterized by durable disease resistance, high yielding, and good quality.

It was developed by CAS member LI Zhensheng’s team. “Xiaoyan 6” has become a founder parent for wheat breeding in China. The variety now has more than 80 derivative varieties, with about 50 million acres cumulatively planted and increased wheat production of more than 7.5 billion kilograms.

“Xiaoyan 6” set an example for the large-scale cultivation of distant hybrid breeding varieties.