Problems and productivity of selection of winter wheat varieties with increased environmental stability

Abstract

Aim. The search of adaptive response peculiarities to adverse environmental factors is an important condition of development of varietal technologies and control of adaptive potential of winter wheat varieties. Methods. The studies were carried out in accordance with the field test methodology. The wheat varieties of different types of growing, different genetic and ecological origins were studied. Results. In our studies, plasticity index (bi) of most winter wheat varieties was close to one and higher under various growing conditions. The yield advantage of a number of varieties was mainly in favourable weather conditions, and in unfavourable conditions yields were low. Varieties that are more resistant to stressful conditions (Askaniis`ka, Kuialnyk, Klarisa, Driada) were characterised by relatively low response to changes of growing conditions, their regression factor was less than one and kept reducing, their resistance to unfavourable conditions were increased. Conclusions. If severe stress limits in environmental conditions are expected, it is necessary to grow and use the winter wheat varieties with increased stability of yielding capacity in selection (Khersonska bezosta, Khersonska 99, Znakhidka odes`ka, Askaniis`ka, Klarisa (facultative). Keywords: winter wheat, plasticity, stability, yielding capacity.