Parametric and nonparametric stability of grain yield and grain protein content in durum wheat genotypes with various origins

R. Dragov*, K. Taneva and V. Bozhanova

Agricultural Academy, Field Crops Institute – Chirpan, Georgi Dimitrov 2 Str., BG6200 Chirpan, Bulgaria
*Correspondence: dragov1@abv.bg

Abstract:

Identification of genotypes that can maintain a good yield and quality performance under climatic variability is critical for ensuring future food security. The aim of this study was to determine the stability of fifty-four durum wheat varieties with different geographical origins conceming the traits grain yield and grain protein content by parametric and nonparametric assessments. The varieties were tested in three consecutive years 2019–2021 in a randomized block design in three replications. Four nonparametric stability assessment, four parametric stability assessment, the coefficient of variation and the simulated assessment of yield and stability by Kang were determined. The analysis of variance revealed a significant influence of genotypes, environment and the genotype and environment interaction (GxE) on the expression of both studied traits. The environment showed a greatest influence on the variation of both traits. Eleven genotypes achieved average yield above 6.00 t ha^-1. The genotypes with a high average yield and grain protein content and high stability as determined by the most stability assessments were identified as Melina (BG), Raylidur (BG) and Beloslava (BG) – for grain yield and varieties as Cesare and Beloslava (BG) – for grain protein content. The Bulgarian variety Beloslava was the most valuable combination high yield and grain protein content along with high stability for both traits across different seasons. Beloslava can be recommended for involvement in durum wheat breeding programs for simultaneously improvement of productivity and grain quality and to develop new durum wheat varieties well adapted to changing climate conditions.

Key words:

durum wheat, grain protein content, grain yield, stability

Evaluation phenology, yield and quality of maize genotypes in drought stress and non-stress environments

É Horváth, B. Gombos and A. Széles*

Institute for Land Utilisation, Regional Development and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, 138 Böszörményi Str., Hungary
*Correspondence: szelesa@agr.unideb.hu

Abstract:

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of agrometeorological indices (growing degree days, GDD; heliothermal unit, HTU; photothermal unit, PTU; hydrothermal unit, HYTU) on the phenology and yield (GY) of the Sushi (FAO 340) and Fornad (FAO 420) maize hybrids. Furthermore, it was also analysed how the amount of nitrogen and its application time affected the productivity and protein content (GP) of maize under drought stress (DS) and non-stress (NS) conditions. There were seven fertilizer treatments in the scope of the field experiment. Non-fertilized treatment (A0) spring basic treatment with 60 and 120 N ha-1 (A60, A120), and following the basic treatments, 30 kg N ha-1 top-dressing was applied in the V6 (V690, V6150) phenophase and then another 30 kg N ha-1 in the V12 (V12120, V12180) phenophase. Based on the GDD and PTU, length of the vegetation period of maize hybrids can be predicted. Under DS, the largest GY and GP was recorded in the same treatment for Sushi (V6150 kg N ha−1), and at different nutrient levels under NS: GY (A120) and GP (V6150). The highest GY of Fornad hybrid under DS was achieved with the A120 treatment while the highest GP with the V6150; in the case of NS V6150 kg N ha−1 was the most effective for both GY and GP. The + 30 kg ha-1 N fertilizer applied in the V12 phenophase did not improve GY and GP in either hybrid during the two growing seasons. The findings provide useful help for farmers to prepare for future environmental changes and to operate successfully.

Key words: