Abstract: In order to know the distribution of kernel hardness and starch pasting properties in common wheat， 422 varieties （or lines） were planted in two years and the quality traits were tested. The results showed that there were 107 hard varieties （or lines）， 114 soft varieties （or lines）， and 201 mixed varieties （or lines）. Breakdown and low viscosity showed relatively significant differences among varieties; while peak time had the smallest variable coefficient. Except breakdown， variable coefficients of different parameters of hard wheat were all smaller than those of soft wheat. The mean values of peak viscosity， low viscosity， breakdown and pasting temperature of soft wheat were all higher than those of hard wheat， but the final viscosity， setback and peak time were slightly lower than those of hard wheat. Correlation analysis of RVA parameters showed that peak time had extremely significant negative correlation with breakdown; pasting temperature had extremely significant negative correlation with hardness index， final viscosity and setback; hardness index showed extremely significant negative correlation with breakdown and pasting temperature. Among the experimental materials， 38 varieties were selected， whose peak viscosity was higher than 3 000 CP， breakdown was higher than 1 000 CP and setback was higher than breakdown. These varieties were suitable for making highquality noodles.

Key words: wheat, kernel hardness, starch pasting properties