Estimating technological quality parameters of bread wheat using sensor-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index

Abstract

This multi-environment study aimed to investigate the usability of the sensor-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for estimating bread wheat technological quality properties. The relationships between the technological quality properties and NDVI Zadoks (ZD) 31 stage readings were evaluated by grouping the trials as low and high-yielding environments (LYE and HYE). According to the results, the quality parameters and grain yield were higher in the HYE compared to the LYE group. Generally, the increase in the grain protein content (GPC), macro SDS sedimentation (MSDS) volume, and GlutoPeak aggregation energy (AGGEN) value differences became evident after 80 kg ha−1 nitrogen dose in the LYE, while, significant effects were observed after 40 kg ha−1 dose in the HYE. The equations developed in this study can be used for the estimation of GPC, and technological quality properties in the NDVI ZD31 stage. The R2s of the regression equations developed for the actual and predicted technological quality parameters of bread wheat were 0.216 for GPC, 0.295 for MSDS, and 0.226 for AGGEN values (p < 0.01; n = 240). As a result of this study, the reading value of 0.758 was found as a critical NDVI ZD31 threshold for the recommendation of nitrogen to obtain high technological quality.