Variation in traits contributing to improved use of nitrogen in wheat: Implications for genotype by environment interaction

•Genotypic variation in NUE traits exists among a limited number of elite commercial winter wheat cultivars.•Flowering time, leaf development, and post-anthesis dry mass and N uptake are critical for N use and grain yield.•Cultivar-specific strategies for N uptake and utilisation interact strongly with the environment.•Characterisation of cultivars for N-related traits is important for season-specific N management.