Wheat Varieties Research Articles

Wheat grain classification using hyperspectral imaging: Concatenating Vis-NIR and SWIR Data for single and bulk grains

Wheat variety identification is an essential component of the official inspection of wheat grains to determine their quality and trade value. Traditionally, wheat class identification requires deep knowledge about the appearance of plants and kernels, their history and distribution. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automatic technology to standardize the nomenclature of wheat varieties to enable both growers and producers to identify their grains practically. The present study investigated the feasibility of Visible-Near Infrared (Vis-NIR) and Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) spectral imaging to identify wheat classes. Both sides of the wheat kernel as single kernel measurements and bulk grains were used to acquire hyperspectral data and vertical and horizontal data concatenation was implemented to explore performance differences. In addition, the classification of bulk kernels from single kernel data was investigated. Spectral data was pre-treated by standard normal variate (SNV), Savitzky-Golay first (SG-1) and second derivatives (SG-2) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were applied as the classification algorithms. Furthermore, feature selection was utilised using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) algorithm to investigate the performance difference between data concatenation and feature selection. The results showed that ventral (up) side data showed better classification performances than reverse (down) side data, while Vis-NIR data achieved higher classification accuracies than SWIR data. However, the best classification performance for single kernels was obtained by LDA-SNV using up and down data in the Vis-NIR and SWIR regions vertically and horizontally concatenated with an accuracy of 93.72% for 10-fold cross-validation and 94.93% for test sets. Models based on a hundred features did not achieve the accuracy of models based on concatenated data. Moreover, classification performances of bulk samples were higher than single kernels, which achieved 100% accuracy for both cross-validation and test sets. The study demonstrates that spectral imaging has a high potential to identify wheat classes non-destructively.

Identification of High-Photosynthetic-Efficiency Wheat Varieties Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing from UAVs

Breeding high-photosynthetic-efficiency wheat varieties is a crucial link in safeguarding national food security. Traditional identification methods necessitate laborious on-site observation and measurement, consuming time and effort. Leveraging unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing technology to forecast photosynthetic indices opens up the potential for swiftly discerning high-photosynthetic-efficiency wheat varieties. The objective of this research is to develop a multi-stage predictive model encompassing nine photosynthetic indicators at the field scale for wheat breeding. These indices include soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD), leaf area index (LAI), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (Gsw), photochemical quantum efficiency (PhiPS2), PSII reaction center excitation energy capture efficiency (Fv’/Fm’), and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP). The ultimate goal is to differentiate high-photosynthetic-efficiency wheat varieties through model-based predictions. This research gathered red, green, and blue spectrum (RGB) and multispectral (MS) images of eleven wheat varieties at the stages of jointing, heading, flowering, and filling. Vegetation indices (VIs) and texture features (TFs) were extracted as input variables. Three machine learning regression models (Support Vector Machine Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), and BP Neural Network (BPNN)) were employed to construct predictive models for nine photosynthetic indices across multiple growth stages. Furthermore, the research conducted principal component analysis (PCA) and membership function analysis on the predicted values of the optimal models for each indicator, established a comprehensive evaluation index for high photosynthetic efficiency, and employed cluster analysis to screen the test materials. The cluster analysis categorized the eleven varieties into three groups, with SH06144 and Yannong 188 demonstrating higher photosynthetic efficiency. The moderately efficient group comprises Liangxing 19, SH05604, SH06085, Chaomai 777, SH05292, Jimai 22, and Guigu 820, totaling seven varieties. Xinmai 916 and Jinong 114 fall into the category of lower photosynthetic efficiency, aligning closely with the results of the clustering analysis based on actual measurements. The findings suggest that employing UAV-based multi-source remote sensing technology to identify wheat varieties with high photosynthetic efficiency is feasible. The study results provide a theoretical basis for winter wheat phenotypic monitoring at the breeding field scale using UAV-based multi-source remote sensing, offering valuable insights for the advancement of smart breeding practices for high-photosynthetic-efficiency wheat varieties.

Biochemical Analysis of Different Wheat Varieties Grown under Various Zones of India

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the flour quality of different wheat varieties (Triticum durum L.) for various end-use products such as chapati, bread, biscuits and pasta. The focus was on identifying varieties with superior nutritional and processing qualities by analyzing various qualitative parameters. Methods: The study assessed multiple wheat varieties using a range of qualitative parameters, including moisture, ash, total soluble sugar, starch, protein, lysine, tryptophan, dry and wet gluten, gluten index, water binding capacity, β-carotene content, sedimentation value, thousand kernel weight and mineral content (Fe and Zn). The wheat varieties evaluated included A-206, GW-1, HI 8498 (Kota), PDW 291 (Hissar) and NIDW 295 (Pune). Result: The study identified A-206 and GW-1 as wheat varieties with superior protein content, gluten quality and water binding capacity, making them ideal for various end-use products. A-206 also had the highest lysine and tryptophan levels, while GW-1 and HI 8498 (Kota) had elevated ash content. PDW 291 (Hissar) was notable for its higher total soluble sugar and NIDW 295 (Pune) excelled in starch content, β-carotene and thousand kernel weight. Overall, NIDW 295 showed the most promise for pasta production due to its comprehensive quality traits.

Modern Wheat Varieties Demonstrated Higher Grain Yield and Health-Promoting Ferulic Acid than Old Varieties in Pakistan

Modern Wheat Varieties Demonstrated Higher Grain Yield and Health-Promoting Ferulic Acid than Old Varieties in Pakistan

Effectiveness and Genetic Control of Trichoderma spp. as a Biological Control of Wheat Powdery Mildew Disease.

Wheat powdery mildew (WPM) is one of the most devasting diseases that affects wheat yield worldwide. Few efforts have been made to control such a serious disease. An effective way to control WPM is urgently needed. Biological control is an effective way to control plant diseases worldwide. In this study, the efficiency of three different Trichoderma spp. in controlling WPM at the seedling growth stage was tested using 35 highly diverse wheat genotypes. Highly significant differences were found in WPM resistance among the four treatments, confirming the efficiency of Trichoderma in controlling WPM. Of the three species, T. asperellum T34 (T34) was the most effective species in controlling WPM, as it reduced the symptoms by 50.56%. A set of 196 wheat genotypes was used to identify the genetic control of the WPM resistance induced by T34. A total of 39, 27, and 18 gene models were identified to contain the significant markers under Pm, T34, and the improvement in powdery mildew resistance due to T34 (T34_improvement) conditions. Furthermore, no gene model was common between T34 and Pm, suggesting the presence of completely different genetic systems controlling the resistance under T34 and Pm. The functional annotation and biological process pathways of the detected gene models confirm their association with the normal and induced resistance. This study, for the first time, confirms the efficiency of T34 in controlling WPM and provides a deep understanding of the genetic control of induced and normal resistance to WPM.

Studying the Transmission of Height Traits in Second Generation Reciprocal Wheat Hybrids

The presented article presents the results of a study of height inheritance in reciprocal hybrid combinations of the second generation (F2) of common wheat. The research was carried out in the 2020–2021 growing season at the experimental site of the experimental base at the Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture of Azerbaijan under irrigation conditions. In the year of research, the heights of 9 local varieties (Azeri, Gobustan, Fatima, Gyrmyzy gul-1, Murov-2, Askeran, Matin, Onur and Mirbashir-128) of soft wheat were studied, which were used as the parent form and 32 reciprocal combinations of the second generation. The degree and frequency of transgression was determined. During the growing season, agrotechnical work was carried out in accordance with the accepted methodology. In terms of height, the studied samples belonged to semi-dwarf (51.0-80.0 cm) and medium-sized (81.0-110.0 cm) varieties and combinations. Plant height in parental forms ranged from 70.0-97.0 cm. In hybrid combinations, plant height ranged from 60.0-95.0 cm. 71.9% of combinations (23 pcs.) were semi-dwarf and 28.1% combinations (9 pcs.) an average increase was observed. Transgressive variability in plant height was calculated using the method of G. S. Voskresensky and V. I. Spot. According to the results of the study, negative transgression was observed in hybrid combinations of the second generation (F2), which were characterized by low dominance and heterosis in the first generation (F1). As a result of the study, it can be concluded that short-growing hybrids can be obtained by involving varieties of the same height in hybridization, and taller forms can be obtained by using short-growing varieties in hybridization. The reciprocal hybrids Askeran × Gobustan and Askeran × Murov-2 showed a negative level of transgression when using the Askeran variety as the maternal form.

An Innovative One Health Approach: BIOQUALIM, a Transdisciplinary Research Action Protocol-From Cultivated Biodiversity to Human Health Prevention.

The "One Health" approach underscores the connection between human, animal, and environmental health, promoting solutions to global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. The Planetary Health Diet (PHD) promotes a plant-based diet with organically grown plants to reduce the environmental impact of meat production and decrease the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The BIOQUALIM project will evaluate the PHD's effectiveness in preventing NCDs like periodontal diseases and cancers through four inter-related studies. The clinical study will involve volunteers reducing their meat consumption and incorporating einkorn into their diet, allow for analysis of their interdental microbiota, oral health, general health, and quality of life. The chemical analysis will study nutrients and anti-cancer compounds in einkorn and common wheat varieties. The behavioral study will explore PHD knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to PHD. The psycho-social study will evaluate the impact of peer-support workshops on plant-based dietary cooking among post-therapy cancer patients. The results are expected to demonstrate that einkorn varieties possess nutritional properties that, when incorporated into the PHD enriched with einkorn, can enhance health markers. This study will identify barriers to and facilitators of PHD adoption and highlight how peer-support workshops can improve dietary adherence. BIOQUALIM's transdisciplinary approach will demonstrate the PHD's role in preventing NCDs.

Effect of Different Levels of Phosphorus on Growth and Yield of Wheat cv. Shatabdi

A field experiment was carried out at the farmers field of Gazipur, Bangladesh to evaluate the effect of various level of phosphorous on the growth and yield of wheat (Shatabdi). The experiment consisted of four phosphorus levels, including a control: (i) T0 = 0 kg P ha-1 (Control), (ii) T1 = 25 kg P ha-1, (iii) T2 = 50 kg P ha-1, and (iv) T3 = 75 kg P ha-1. The experiment was conducted during from December 2021 to March 2022 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on different growth and yield parameters like plant height, number of tillers per plant, days to flowering, days to maturity, spike length, grains per spike, grain yield, thousand grain weight, biological yield, and harvest index were collected according to plan. The different level of phosphorous showed significant effect on growth and yield of wheat. The T2 (50 kg P ha-1) treatment gave the tallest plant (85.25 cm), maximum number of tiller plant (8.05), spike length (18.20 cm), grains per spike (42.08), thousand grain weight (36.16), grain yield per plant (37.15 g), straw yield (07.46) and harvest index (50.72%). On the other hand, all the growth, yield and yield attributing characters were found lowest in control treatments. The result of the study indicated that the 50 Kg P/ha would be effective and economic for the cultivation of wheat variety cv Shatabdi.

Genome-wide analysis of Triticum aestivum bromodomain gene family and expression analysis under salt stress.

This study identified 82 wheat BRD genes, revealing both conserved evolutionary and functional characteristics across plant species and novel features specific to wheat. GTE8-12 cluster TaBRDs were found as positive response to salt stress. Bromodomain-containing proteins (BRDs) are crucial in histone acetylation "reading" and chromatin remodeling in eukaryotes. Despite some of their members showing importance in various biological processes in plants, our understanding of the BRD family in wheat (Triticum aestivum) remains limited. This study comprehensively analyzes the T. aestivum BRD (TaBRD) family. We identified 82 TaBRD genes in wheat genome encoding hydrophobic proteins with a conserved pocket structure. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into 16 distinct clusters, with conserved protein motifs and gene structures within clusters but diverse patterns across clusters. Gene duplication analysis revealed that whole-genome or segmental duplication events were the primary expansion mechanism for the TaBRD family, with purifying selection acting on these genes. Subcellular localization and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses indicated that TaBRD proteins are predominantly nuclear-localized and involved in transcription regulation and RNA metabolism. Promoter analysis and interaction network prediction suggested diverse regulatory mechanisms for TaBRDs. Notably, TaBRDs from the GTE8-12 cluster were enriched with cis-elements responsive to abscisic acid (ABA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and light, implying their involvement in physiological functions and abiotic stress responses. Expression analysis confirmed tissue-specific patterns and responsiveness to salinity stress. This comprehensive study enhances our understanding of the BRD family in higher plants and provides a foundation for developing salt-tolerant wheat varieties.

The Tetratricopeptide repeat protein TaTPR-B1 regulates spike compactness in bread wheat.

Spike compactness (SC) is strongly associated with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield. In this study, we conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from a cross between two common wheat varieties with contrasting spike morphology, revealing 16 stable QTLs associated with SC. The effect of a major QTL, QSc.cau-6B.1, was validated in 231 F7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the same cross as the DH population. Using two residual heterozygous lines (RHLs), we delimited QSc.cau-6B.1 to an approximately 0.5-Mbp physical interval containing four high-confidence genes. The tetratricopeptide repeat-TraesCS6B03G1214400 (TaTPR-B1) was the priority candidate gene according to sequence and expression variations between near-isogenic lines. Accordingly, TaTPR-B1 knockout in the common wheat variety 'CB037' significantly increased SC compared to the wild type (WT). Conversely, TaTPR-B1 overexpression in the common wheat variety 'Fielder' significantly decreased SC compared to the WT. Moreover, we developed a PCR-based marker targeting the 32-bp insertion/deletion (InDel) between the two TaTPR-B1 alleles, which could be practical and valuable in modern wheat breeding programs for diagnostic purposes. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the genetic basis of SC in common wheat and present a valuable target with a breeder-friendly diagnostic marker for gene pyramid breeding.

Knockout mutation in TaD27 enhances number of productive tillers in hexaploid wheat.

Recent advances allow the deployment of cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated endonucleases (Cas) system for the targeted mutagenesis in the genome with accuracy and precision for trait improvement in crops. CRISPR-Cas systems have been extensively utilized to induce knockout or frameshift mutations in the targeted sequence of mostly negative regulating genes for wheat improvement. However, most of the reported work has been done in non-commercial varieties of wheat and introgression of edited alleles into breeding population comes with the penalty of unwanted linkage-drag. Wheat yield is controlled by various genes such as positive and negative regulators. The TaD27 gene is described as a negative regulator of shoot branching or tillering and involved in the biosynthesis of strigolactones. In this study, we developed Tad27 knockout mutant lines of an elite wheat cultivar that showed a twofold increase in the number of tillers and 1.8-fold increase in the number of grains per plant. Subsequently, enhancing the grain yield without any morphological penalty in the architecture of the plants. The co-transformation of regeneration enhancing growth regulator, Growth Regulating Factor 4 (GRF4) and its cofactor GRF-Interacting Factor 1 (GIF1), under single T-DNA cassette improved the regeneration efficiency up to 6% of transgenic events from mature embryos of wheat. Our results indicate that the CRISPR-mediated targeted mutagenesis confers the potential to knockout yield-related negative regulators in elite cultivars of wheat that can substantially enhance grain yield per plant and this strategy can be harnessed for the improvement of future wheat.

Study of the varietal behavior of 07 durum wheat varieties (Triticum durum Desf.) in the Oued Righ Valley (ITDAS Station)

Cereal production in the Oued Righ Valley is limited by several factors, including high temperatures and the salinity of irrigation water. These constraints cause significant variations in crop behavior and yield. This study aims to evaluate the performance of seven durum wheat varieties at the El Arfiane demonstration and seed production farm (ITDAS) in the Oued Righ Valley in the south East of Algeria. The evaluation focuses on morphological parameters and yield components To identify the variety or varieties that demonstrate favorable performance and yield, thus encouraging local farmers to cultivate them. The results of this study indicate significant differences in morphological parameters such as plant height, spike length, number of spikes per square meter, and number of grains per spike. However, other measured parameters, such as the number of tillers per plant, thousand-grain weight TGW, grain yield, and harvest index, The methodology employed in this study follows a completely randomized block design with three replications. The experimental design includes a set of experimental units arranged in blocks, with treatments randomly assigned within each block, hence the term "completely randomized block." Each treatment appears only once in each block. The blocks are typically placed contiguously to facilitate observations and task execution. This design is widely used in agronomy as it simplifies task execution and the comparison of treatments. Despite an acceptable thousand-grain weight this year, ranging from 37.06g for variety T4 to 27.6g for variety T1, the yields were low. The highest biological yield was 33.11 quintals per hectare for variety T5, while the lowest yield was 11.39 (T2) quintals per hectare. Several factors, including pigeon attacks and harvest losses, contributed to the reduced real yield.

Economic and biological assessment of a new medium-ripened variety of soft winter wheat Priazovye

Relevance. In the Russian Federation, winter common wheat is the main food and strategic crop. Permanent improvement of productivity and quality of wheat grain, reducing its production costs is the main task of agricultural production. To solve this problem, the leading place is given to the continuous and constant creation and introduction into production of new competitive wheat varieties, highly adapted to stress factors, with guaranteed high yields and high grain quality.Methods. The research was carried out in the southern zone of the Rostov region at the experimental sites of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution ANTS “Donskoy” in 2021–2023 in order to create a new variety of soft winter wheat capable of forming not only high yields, but also having high frost resistance, drought resistance, resistance to leaf diseases, possessing high rheological and technological properties of grain and flour.Results. The winter common wheat variety Priazovie was developed by stepwise hybridization using the varieties Voyazh and Tanya. This is a highly productive variety. On average, over three years (2021–2023) of study in the competitive variety testing, the productivity of the variety laid in green manure fallow was 9.88 t/ha, exceeding that of the standard variety by 1.56 t/ha. The variety is capable of producing high yields after various forecrops. The maximum productivity of the variety (12.23 t/ha) was obtained in green manure fallow in 2022. The variety forms a high stem capacity (up to 800 pcs/m²), and is characterized by high resistance to the main leaf diseases, such as powdery mildew, brown and yellow mildew, loose smut, leaf blotch, etc. According to the main indicators of grain and flour quality, it belongs to valuable wheat, in terms of frost resistance (73.3%) it surpasses the standard Ermak variety (69.2%).

Development and evaluation of a new winter bread wheat variety Rubin Dona according to the main economically valuable traits

Relevance. The development of new varieties and their rapid introduction into production remains the most effective resource for improving productivity, energy saving, profitability and competitiveness. The purpose of the current study was to develop the winter bread wheat variety Rubin Dona and evaluate its productivity and basic adaptive, technological, and baking properties.Methods. The current study was carried out in the fields of research crop rotation of the department of winter wheat breeding and seed production in 2018–2023. The variety was developed by the method of intravarietal hybridization using the productive and adaptive variety Nakhodka as a maternal form and the high-quality strong wheat variety Donskaya Yubileynaya as a paternal form and a subsequent individual selection.Results. There has been established that the variety Rubin Dona has a high and stable level of productivity. For 6 years of competitive variety testing the mean productivity of the variety sown in green manure fallow was 9.45 t/ha with the minimum of 6.77 t/ha and the maximum of 11.80 t/ha, compared to the standard variety Ermak with 8.80, 6.06 and 11.21 t/ha, respectively. The variety Rubin Dona sown after various forecrops also demonstrates a reliable and stable productivity increase to the standard, 0.67 t/ha after maize for grain, 0.79 t/ha after peas, 0.62 t/ha after sunflower, 0.77 t/ha after winter wheat. There has been revealed that the advantage of the new variety, which provides high and stable yields, is its high environmental resistance to regional soil and climatic conditions such as drought, low temperatures, spring frosts, diseases, and lodging. The variety has lower indicators of the coefficient of variation, factor of stability (FS), yield range (d) with a high level of realization of productivity potential in comparison with both the standard variety Ermak and the highly productive variety Razdolie, which has a contrasting periods of heading and ripening. The technological and baking properties of the new variety are of high quality and meet the requirements of GOST-9353-2016 referring to the first class. Since 2023, by decision of the State Commission of the Russian Federation for testing and protection of breeding achievements, the variety has been included in the State List of the varieties approved for use in the Central Blackearth (5) and Lower Volga (8) regions.

Unraveling the Secrets of Early-Maturity and Short-Duration Bread Wheat in Unpredictable Environments.

In response to the escalating challenges posed by unpredictable environmental conditions, the pursuit of early maturation in bread wheat has emerged as a paramount research endeavor. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted landscape of strategies and implications surrounding the unlocking of early maturation in bread wheat varieties. Drawing upon a synthesis of cutting-edge research in genetics, physiology, and environmental science, this review elucidates the intricate mechanisms underlying early maturation and its potential ramifications for wheat cultivation in dynamic environments. By meticulously analyzing the genetic determinants, physiological processes, and environmental interactions shaping early maturation, this review offers valuable insights into the complexities of this trait and its relevance in contemporary wheat breeding programs. Furthermore, this review critically evaluates the trade-offs inherent in pursuing early maturation, navigating the delicate balance between accelerated development and optimal yield potential. Through a meticulous examination of both challenges and opportunities, this review provides a comprehensive framework for researchers, breeders, and agricultural stakeholders to advance our understanding and utilization of early maturation in bread wheat cultivars, ultimately fostering resilience and sustainability in wheat production systems worldwide.

The effectiveness of modern fungicides in the protection of grain crops

Sanitary monitoring of spring wheat agrocenosis in the zone of unstable moisture was carried out to determine the degree of development and prevalence of diseases. The fungicidal activity and effectiveness of seed protectants of various classes against seed infection on spring wheat variety Yasenka have been studied. The results of the research established the effectiveness of the disinfectant DVD Chance, KS, corresponding to 85.7% relative to the effectiveness of the standard Polaris, ME Eco Plus (100 g/l prochloraz + 25 g/l imazalil + 15 g/l tebuconazole) (84.6%). An increase of 15–20% in damage to spring wheat plants by root and basal rot caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium in the “tillering” phase and its dependence on the climatic conditions of the growing season was established.By the “flag leaf” phase, the prevalence of root and basal rot caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium increased to 20,5%, and the degree of development — to 7–9%.Evaluation of the effect of the fungicide DVD Chance, KS (30 g/l difenoconazole + 6.3 g/l cyproconazole) by pre-sowing treatment of spring wheat grain of the Yasenka variety established the effectiveness of the drug at a consumption rate of 1.0 l/t against molding of seeds, corresponding to 85.6% , in the reference variant the indicator is 84.6%, with the development of the disease in the control — 34.5%. By harvest, the effectiveness of the drug remained and reached 79.2%, in the standard — 78.3% with the development of the disease 43.7%. Research contributes to the expansion of the range of fungicides for treating grain crops, the development of regulations for use and the possibility of recommending them for registration tests for further inclusion in the State Catalog of those approved for use.

The role of salicylic acid in modulating phenotyping in spring wheat varieties for mitigating drought stress

Climate change-related droughts that recur frequently are one of the biggest obstacles to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity. Worldwide, attempts are being done to establish drought-resistant cultivars. However, progress is slow since drought tolerance is a complex trait controlled by numerous genes, and its expression is influenced by the environment. Phenotypic, biochemical physiological, and genotyping approaches are highlighted as critical research components for leveraging genetic variation in eight wheat genotypes. Treatments included eight spring wheat genotypes (IPK_040, IPK_046, IPK_050, IPK_071, IPK_105, WAS_007, WAS_024 and WAS_031), normal irrigation (NI), drought stress (D) (30% field capacity (FC)), normal irrigation with 0.5 mM SA (NSA), and drought treated with SA (DSA). The results revealed that there was a reduction in relative water content, an increase membrane leakage, and leaf chlorophyll content under drought stress. SA induced the defense responses against drought by increasing the osmolytes and the antioxidative enzymes activities. Compared to the NI group, the DSA treatment improved the water regulation, antioxidant capacity, and drought stress resistance. SA significantly reduced the deleterious effects of water stress on phenotyping more in WAS_ 024 and IPK_ 105 genotypes. The most responsive genotypes to salicylic acid were IPK_ 046 among the IPK genotypes, whereas WAS_031 genotype was amongst WAS genotypes based on the morpho-physiological traits. The findings of this study give a solid foundation for assessing drought resistance in T. aestivum and developing cultivation-specific water management methods.Graphical

Productivity of Wheat Landraces in Rainfed and Irrigated Conditions under Conventional and Organic Input in a Semiarid Mediterranean Environment

Wheat landraces are locally adapted populations that are suitable for low-input agronomic management and constraining pedo-climatic conditions. The productivity of landraces under high-input and optimal conditions is usually lower than modern wheat varieties. The present study compared the response of Sicilian wheat landraces and modern varieties to organic management, including organic fertilization, and conventional management, including mineral fertilization and chemical weed control, under rainfed condition and supplementary irrigation in a field trial conducted on a xerofluvent soil in a semiarid Mediterranean climate. Modern varieties were on average more productive than landraces, although certain landraces achieved comparable yields, in particular under organic management. The increase in grain yield under conventional management in comparison with the organic management was higher for modern varieties than landraces. The loss of productivity in rainfed conditions was lower for landraces compared to modern varieties. The grain quality traits were similar between landraces and modern varieties and in both cases the conventional management led to an improvement of the traits. These findings highlight the resilience and adaptability of traditional wheat landraces to low-input agricultural systems and offer valuable insights into improving the sustainability and productivity of wheat production in Mediterranean environments.

Effects of NPS Fertilizer Rate on Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat Production in Degem District, North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Productivity of wheat was low due to depleted soil fertility and the blanket use of fertilizers. Fertilizer is the most vital input, contributing significantly to final wheat yields although wheat yields have long been low due to a lack of soil test-based site-specific fertilizer recommendations. This study aimed to determine an economically appropriate rate of NPS fertilizer based on calibrated Phosphorus for bread wheat production in the Degem district. The experiments laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were based on already determined Phosphorous critical and requirement factors and consisted of 100% Pc from TSP fertilizer, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% Pc from NPS fertilizer and control (without fertilizer). The phosphorus requirement factor (Pf) (5.85), phosphorus critical (Pc) (22 ppm), and optimum nitrogen optimum nitrogen (92 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) were used from previous studies. Improved bread wheat variety senete was used at 150 kg/ ha seeds rate. The results of a statistical analysis of variance demonstrated that NPS fertilizer rates based on calibrated phosphorus had significant effects on bread wheat production. Partial budget analysis shows the maximum net benefit (101,570.65 Birr ha<sup>-1</sup>) with an acceptable marginal rate of return (MRR) (932’52 %) through the application of 75% of Pc from NPS with optimum nitrogen fertilizer use. Consequently, 75% Pc from NPS should be used in the Degem district for bread wheat production, with the optimum nitrogen. Thus, further scaled-up and demonstration of the technologies for bread wheat production in the Degem district.

Effects of Variety and Growth Stage on UAV Multispectral Estimation of Plant Nitrogen Content of Winter Wheat

The accurate estimation of nitrogen content in crop plants is the basis of precise nitrogen fertilizer management. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging technology has been widely used to rapidly estimate the nitrogen in crop plants, but the accuracy will still be affected by the variety, the growth stage, and other factors. We aimed to (1) analyze the correlation between the plant nitrogen content of winter wheat and spectral, texture, and structural information; (2) compare the accuracy of nitrogen estimation at single versus multiple growth stages; (3) assess the consistency of UAV multispectral images in estimating nitrogen content across different wheat varieties; (4) identify the best model for estimating plant nitrogen content (PNC) by comparing five machine learning algorithms. The results indicated that for the estimation of PNC across all varieties and growth stages, the random forest regression (RFR) model performed best among the five models, obtaining R2, RMSE, MAE, and MAPE values of 0.90, 0.10%, 0.08, and 0.06%, respectively. Additionally, the RFR estimation model achieved commendable accuracy in estimating PNC in three different varieties, with R2 values of 0.91, 0.93, and 0.72. For the dataset of the single growth stage, Gaussian process regression (GPR) performed best among the five regression models, with R2 values ranging from 0.66 to 0.81. Due to the varying nitrogen sensitivities, the accuracy of UAV multispectral nitrogen estimation was also different among the three varieties. Among the three varieties, the estimation accuracy of SL02-1 PNC was the worst. This study is helpful for the rapid diagnosis of crop nitrogen nutrition through UAV multispectral imaging technology.