Durum Wheat Yield Research Articles

Biological interpretation of genotype × environment interaction in rainfed durum wheat

Climate variability and associated droughts are major environmental factors limiting crop productivity worldwide. Identification and better understanding of factors influencing genotype × environment (GE) interaction in drought-prone environments will allow breeders and producers to improve crop productivity. The objectives of this study were to identify genotypic and climatic factors responsible for GE interactions in durum wheat yield trials under highland cold and moderate cold rainfed areas of Iran. Field experiments were carried out using 20 durum wheat genotypes, differing in growth habit, in three highland rainfed research stations for three cropping seasons (2015–2018). Environments were characterized by climatic co-variables measured during the three seasons. Genotypes were described by co-variables related to phenology, agronomy and disease resistance. Possible factors influencing GE interaction were examined by factorial regression (FR), partial least squares (PLS) regression and the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) models. The results indicated that both AMMI IPCA1 and IPCA2 scores had positive and negative values, resulting in crossover GE interaction and leading to inconsistent yield performance of genotypes across environments. The AMMI, PLS and FR identified similar genotypic and climatic variables that explained a large proportion of the GE interaction for grain yield. Based on the results, the climatic variables of average temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, minimum and maximum temperature, and genotypic variables of heading date, plant height and 1000-kernel weight were among the most important factors responsible for differential genotype adaptation. The PLS biplot showed that the genotypic responses to environmental covariates depended strongly on the growth habit type. This information can contribute toward the identification and biological understanding of adaptive characteristics relevant for durum wheat breeding in highland cold rainfed conditions of Iran and facilitate cultivar recommendation at eco-regional level. In conclusion, the AMMI, PLS and FR complement each other and the PLS biplot offered further interpretations of the GE interaction including differential genotype adaptation.

Quantitative trait loci for agronomic traits in tetraploid wheat for enhancing grain yield in Kazakhstan environments.

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) is one of the top crops in Kazakhstan, where it is cultivated in different ecological niches, mainly at higher latitudes in the steppe zone of the northern region. Therefore, local breeding programs for durum wheat are primarily focused on selection for high productivity in Northern Kazakhstan based on the introduction of promising foreign germplasm and the adoption of marker-assisted selection. In this study, a world tetraploid wheat collection consisted of 184 primitive and domesticated accessions, which were previously genotyped using 16,425 polymorphic SNP markers, was field-tested in Northern and South-eastern Kazakhstan. The field tests have allowed the identification of 80 durum wheat promising lines in Northern Kazakhstan in comparison with a local standard cultivar. Also, GGE (Genotype and Genotype by Environment) biplot analyses for yield performance revealed that accessions of T. dicoccum, T. carthlicum, and T. turanicum also have potential to improve durum wheat yield in the region. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) has allowed the identification of 83 MTAs (marker-trait associations) for heading date, seed maturation time, plant height, spike length, number of fertile spikes, number of kernels per spike, and thousand kernel weight. The comparison of the 83 identified MTAs with those previously reported in GWAS for durum wheat suggests that 38 MTAs are presumably novel, while the co-localization of a large number of MTAs with those previously published confirms the validity of the results of this study. The MTAs reported herewith will provide the opportunity to implement marker-assisted selection in ongoing durum wheat breeding projects targeting higher productivity in the region.

Impact of Climate Change on Durum Wheat Yield

Climate change will inevitably affect agriculture. Simulations of the effects of climate change on the agronomic performance (plant height, biomass dry weight, number of spikes, grain weight, harvest index, and 1000-kernel weight) of nine durum wheat cultivars were performed to identify the genotypes that will have a greater yield potential over the next 50 years. Plants were grown in two Fitotron® CGR crop growth chambers: “room 2020” designed to reproduce the current climatic conditions (control) and “room 2070”, designed to simulate the expected climate for the year 2070 in the RCP8.5 scenario (800 ppm, elevated [CO2], and a temperature increase of 2.5 °C). The plant life cycle was clearly shorter in “room 2070” due to the physiological strategy of the plant to escape the high summer temperatures through early ripening of the kernels. Again, in “room 2070”, the modern cultivars Rusticano, San Carlo, and Simeto and the old cultivar Cappelli increased the grain yield. Surprisingly, Cappelli seemed to be particularly suitable for cultivation in an environment rich in atmospheric CO2 and under high temperature stress, since it produced a grain yield that was approximately three times higher than the other varieties.

Effects of tillage and crop rotation on yield and quality parameters of durum wheat in Tunisia

Conservation agriculture has been proposed as an alternative to conventional agriculture to mitigate the climate change impact and ensure food security. This study examined the effect of three tillage systems, ((conventional tillage (CT), chisel tillage (ChT) and no tillage (NT)) and two crop-rotation systems ((two year crop rotation (2-yr) and three year crop rotation (3-yr)) on some yield and quality parameters of two winter durum wheat genotypes. The results showed that biological yield (BY) and thousand kernel weight (TKW) were neither significantly affected by tillage, crop rotation nor genotype. Only the genotype significantly affected grain yield (GY). Grain protein content (GPC %) showed higher values than straw protein content (SPC %) and NT negatively affected GPC%. Some significant differences of mineral elements were observed according to tillage system applied and NT showed the lowest values of grain N, straw K, straw Ca and straw Na. Tillage system, croprotation system and genotype had no effect on total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Highly significant negative correlation (-0,378**) was recorded between GY and grain N, and accordingly GPC%. The two winter durum wheat genotypes demonstrated that with the two crop-rotation systems, yields and most of quality parameters under NT and ChT were similar to those under CT. This study expands our knowledge on durum wheat chemistry variation in relation to agricultural system adopted and provides a basis for selecting the adequate crop

Mapping of QTLs Associated with Yield and Yield Related Traits in Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Under Irrigated and Drought Conditions.

Global durum wheat consumption (Triticum durum Desf.) is ahead of its production. One reason for this is abiotic stress, e.g., drought. Breeding for resistance to drought is complicated by the lack of fast, reproducible screening techniques and the inability to routinely create defined and repeatable water stress conditions. Here, we report the first analysis of dissection of yield and yield-related traits in durum wheat in Pakistan, seeking to elucidate the genetic components of yield and agronomic traits. Analysis of several traits revealed a total of 221 (160 with logarithm of odds (LOD) > 2 ≤ 3 and 61 with LOD > 3) quantitative trait loci (QTLs) distributed on all fourteen durum wheat chromosomes, of which 109 (78 with LOD > 2 ≤ 3 and 31 with LOD > 3) were observed in 2016-17 (S1) and 112 (82 with LOD > 2 ≤ 3 and 30 with LOD > 3) were observed in 2017-18 (S2). Allelic profiles of yield QTLs on chromosome 2A and 7B indicate that allele A of Xgwm895 and allele B of Xbarc276 can enhance the Yd up to 6.16% in control and 5.27% under drought. Moreover, if combined, a yield gain of up to 11% would be possible.

Breeding effects on the genotype × environment interaction for yield of durum wheat grown after the Green Revolution: The case of Spain

This study evaluates the changes caused by breeding in the genotype by environment (G × E) interaction of the durum wheat varieties most widely cultivated in Spain after the Green Revolution. A set of 12 cultivars was tested in 27 environments, which are understood as the combination of different sites, years, and treatments (water regime and planting dates), representative of the durum wheat growing conditions in Spain with average grain yields (GY) ranging between 2.8 and 9.1 Mg ha−1. The most important environmental factors affecting the G × E interaction for yield were themaximum and the mean temperature during the entire crop cycle. An improvement in genetic yield was observed in warm environments and under optimal water conditions that resemble those where the germplasm originated (essentially as advanced lines) before its release in Spain. Therefore, the adaptation of semi-dwarf durum in Spain has shown a tendency to specific adaptation rather than large-scale adaptation. Two different patterns of selection have been reported due the G × E interaction and changes in the ranking of genotypes: in the high yielding environments (GY > 5 Mg ha−1), plants favor increased water uptake, with higher levels of transpiration and more open stomata (more negative values of carbon isotope composition, δ13C, and higher canopy temperature depression, CTD), whereas, in low yielding environments (GY < 5 Mg ha−1) plants close their stomata and favor greater water use efficiency (less negative δ13C values and lower CTD values).

Use of Plant Water Extracts for Weed Control in Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L. Subsp. durum Desf.)

The use of plant water extracts to control weeds is gaining attention in environmentally-friendly agriculture, but the study of the effect that such extracts may exert on the yield of durum wheat is still unexplored. In 2014 and 2016, the herbicidal potential of several plant water extracts was field tested on durum wheat (cv Valbelice). In 2014, extracts obtained from Artemisia arborescens, Rhus coriaria, Lantana camara, Thymus vulgaris, and Euphorbia characias were used, whereas in 2016 only A. arborescens and R. coriaria were tested as “donor” plants. In both years, weed incidence was evaluated, together with the major yield parameters of wheat. None of the treatments (including chemicals) could eradicate weeds from the field. In 2014, dicots were in general prevailing in plots treated with extracts of E. characias, while monocots prevailed after treatments with L. camara and R. coriaria. In 2016, lower weed biomass and diversity level were found, and only Avena and Phalaris were detected at harvest time. Treatment with plant water extracts affected grain yields, but it seems likely that those effects are not due to the diverse incidence of weeds in treated and untreated plots, rather to some direct action exerted by allelopathic substances.

Organic Cropping System Affects Grain Chemical Composition, Rheological and Agronomic Performance of Durum Wheat

Durum wheat plays a central role for Italy, a country characterized by an historical tradition of pasta making. This crop is one of the major sources of starch in the Mediterranean diet, also providing substantial amounts of nutrients, either essential or healthy, such as minerals and phytochemicals. In this study, the effect of cropping system (organic (ORG) and conventional (CONV)) on the content of proteins, wet gluten, minerals, and total polyphenols (TPC), as well as on the antioxidant activity (AA) and yield characteristics were evaluated in nine genotypes of whole durum wheat. The analysis of variance confirmed the key role of cropping system, which explained more than 50% of the total variation for some minerals (Na, K, and Fe), and more than 80% for proteins, wet gluten, and TPC. The CONV reported the highest levels of proteins, wet gluten, and ash, whereas the TPC and AA were statistically higher in the ORG ones. The quality traits under study were also genotype dependent. For instance, ‘Ramirez’ had a higher ash content under ORG than CONV, while ‘Core’ had an opposite behavior. This study provides a better understanding about the effect of both cropping system (ORG vs. CONV) and genotype on the yield and qualitative traits of the whole grain durum wheat.

Genome-wide association mapping for grain shape and color traits in Ethiopian durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum)

Grain shape and color strongly influence yield and quality of durum wheat. Identifying QTL for these traits is essential for transferring favorable alleles based on selection strategies and breeding objectives. In the present study, 192 Ethiopian durum wheat accessions comprising 167 landraces and 25 cultivars were genotyped with a high-density Illumina iSelect 90K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) wheat array to conduct a genome-wide association analysis for grain width (GW), grain length (GL), CIE (Commission Internationale l'Eclairage) L* (brightness), CIE a* (redness), and CIE b* (yellowness) traits. The accessions were planted at Sinana Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia in the 2015/2016 cropping season in a complete randomized block design with three replications. Twenty homogeneous and healthy seeds per replicate were used for trait measurement. Digital image analysis of seeds with GrainScan software package was used to generate the phenotypic data. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences between accessions for all traits. A total of 46 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified for all traits across all chromosomes. One novel major candidate QTL (−lg P ≥ 4) with pleiotropic effects for grain CIE L* (brightness) and CIE a* (redness) was identified on the long arm of chromosome 2A. Eighteen nominal QTL (−lg P ≥ 3) and 26 suggestive QTL (−lg P ≥ 2.5) were identified. Pleiotropic QTL influencing both grain shape and color were identified.

Адаптация сортов яровой твердой пшеницы в степной зоне Акмолинской области

Abstract. The purpose of the work is to identify varieties of spring durum wheat on a complex of features, the most adapted to the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan, as well as the conjugacy of relations between the elements of the structure of yield and grain yield. The research material was an expanded set of promising and registered varieties of spring durum wheat: Damsinskaya yubileynaya, Damsinskaya 90, Sharifa, Khorosan, Solnechnaya 573, Altayka, Korona, Sid 88. The article presents the results of the study on the features of the interphase periods in varieties and the growing season as a whole, identifies economic and valuable features and elements of the structure of the yield of spring durum wheat in the steppe zone of Akmola region, as well as the technological evaluation of grain. Results. The vegetation period of spring durum wheat varieties averaged 76 days within the group, the longest vegetation period was observed in the standard variety Damsinskaya yubileynaya – 82 days, the shortest in the varieties Altayka and Khorosan – 71 days. The highest yield showed the kind of Sheriff – 2.3 t/ha compared to the standard Damsinskaya yubileynaya of 2.1 t/ha. For technological assessment grade Khorasan showed the best indicator of gluten to 38.4 % in comparison with the standard Damsinskaya yubileynaya – 36,2 %. The correlation between the growing season and yield of spring durum wheat varieties was revealed. Scientific novelty. In the steppe zone of Akmola region, a set of new promising varieties of spring durum wheat, characterized by good yield, high adaptive capacity, in comparison with zoned varieties, the technological assessment of grain is determined.

Seed rates and insecticides effects on Russian wheat aphid Diuraphis noxia (Hemiptera: Aphididae) occurrence in irrigated durum wheat (Triticum durum) in the central highland of Ethiopia

The Russian Wheat Aphid (RWA) Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) causes severe damage to wheat in the highlands of Ethiopia. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed rates and insecticides on incidence of RWA and grain yield of durum wheat under irrigated filed condition at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, during 2017. Three insecticides (Dimethoate 40 EC, Actellic 50 EC and Highpro220EW) and one untreated check with six seed rates (75,100,125, 150,175, and 200 kg/ha) were used in split plot design with three replications. Data were collected on plant or plot basis. Data on RWA number was recorded on plant bases. Whereas, leaf rolling, chlorosis, number of deformed head, phenological stages, yield and other yield related parameters were collected on plot basis. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS version 9.3. Mean separation was made using least significant test using Tukey’s HSD (Honestly Significant Difference). The seed rates and insecticides significantly affected the incidence of RWA plant damage (chlorosis), deformed heads, plant height, yield and yield components except the interaction for number of grains per head and thousand seed weight. Dimethoate 40EC and Highpro 220EW sprayed plots gave the highest grain yield and the tallest plant height. The highest grain yield was obtained from 125 kg/ha sown plots and sprayed with Dimethoate 40 EC and the lowest grain yield was obtained from the untreated check sown at the rate of 75 kg/ha. The highest number of RWA per tiller and damaged plants were recorded on the untreated plots and the lowest RWA numbers was recorded, in decreasing order, from Dimethoate 40EC, Highpro 220EW and Actilic 50EC treated plots. Untreated plots with seed rate 150 kg/ha, 175 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha sown plots significantly reduced RWA population than the others. This indicates that there is the possibility of using seed rates above 150 kg/ha to managing RWA. RWA is a serious pest of irrigated wheat in Ethiopia, causing substantial yield losses in different seasons to in irrigated wheat production. The overall results indicated that sowing at a seed rates of 125 kg/ha and spraying Dimethoate 40EC gave the highest yield grain and can be recommended for RWA management under irrigated condition.

Урожайність та якість зерна пшениці твердої ярої за дії біопрепаратів Біонорма Азот та Біонорма Фосфор

Урожайність та якість зерна пшениці твердої ярої за дії біопрепаратів Біонорма Азот та Біонорма Фосфор

Correlations and Path Analysis of Some Quantitative and Qualitative Characters in Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) Accessions in Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Durum wheat is the second most important triticum species next to bread wheat. Ethiopia is one of the centers of diversity for durum wheat. The present study was to determine the interrelationship and direct and indirect effects of yield component traits on grain yield of Ethiopian landraces durum wheat for further breeding activities of yield improvement. Out, 97 durum wheat accessions along with 3 improved varieties were evaluated in 10 x 10 simple lattice design during 2018 main cropping season at Mata Sub site of Haro Sabu Agricultural Research Center. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among accessions for all traits. More than 36% of accessions were superior in mean grain yield than the standard checks. Grain yield exhibited positive and significant correlation both at genotypic and phenotypic level with most of the characters such as plant height (rp = 0.22, rg = 0.25), harvest index (rp=0.79, rg = 0.78), biological yield (rp = 0.31, rg = 0.30), number of kernels per spike (rp = 0.17, rg = 0.21), spike length, (rp = 0.36, rg = 0.39), and hectoliter weight (kg hl -1 ) (rp = 0.44, rg = 0.45). The association between yield, and yield related characters through phenotypic genotypic path coefficients revealed that biological yield, spike length, harvest index and plant height exerted highest positive direct effect on grain yield. This suggests that simultaneous improvement in these characters might be possible Keywords: correlation, direct and indirect effects, durum wheat and path analys DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-21-03 Publication date: November 30 th 2019

Morphological Traits Associated with Drought Stress Tolerance in Six Moroccan Durum Wheat Varieties Released Between 1984 and 2007

Drought is one of the main environmental factors affecting grain yield and plant architecture in durum wheat. The present work was conducted to evaluate the contribution of morphological traits above flag leaf node on grain yield of six Moroccan durum wheat varieties released between 1984 and 2007 and grown under two water regimes (irrigated and rainfed) during the 2015–2016 crop season. The following morphological traits were measured at anthesis: Flag leaf length (FLL), flag leaf area (FLA), peduncle length (PL), spike length (SL), spike area (SA), and green leaf area (GLA). Days from sowing to anthesis (DSA) and grain-filling period (GFP) were recorded. In addition, grain yield per plant (GYP) was evaluated at maturity. Analysis of variance showed the greater effect of water stress in explaining total variability of the studied traits. Mean comparisons indicated that water deficit significantly affected GYP and all morphological traits; it shortened DSA and GFP by 4 and 7 days, respectively. Moreover, GYP, DSA, and GFP increased in modern varieties. In contrast, FLL, FLA, and PL were reduced from old to modern varieties. Under irrigated conditions, correlation studies revealed that GYP was positively associated to GLA. Regarding the rainfed trial, GYP was positively correlated to FLL. Additionally, negative relationships were found between GYP and DSA in both water regimes. Stepwise regression highlighted the relative importance of each morphological traits on the stress susceptibility index, FLL was the most consistent trait entered the model followed by PL and FLA. In this study, some morphological traits above flag leaf node proved to be useful tools to select for grain yield in water-limited environments.

Optimizing Genetic Parameters of CSM-CERES Wheat and CSM-CERES Maize for Durum Wheat, Common Wheat, and Maize in Italy

The expected increase in population and the pressure posed by climate change on agricultural production require the assessment of future yield levels and the evaluation of the most suitable management options to minimize climate risk and promote sustainable agricultural production. Crop simulation models are widely applied tools to predict crop development and production under different management practices and environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to parameterize CSM-CERES-Wheat and CSM-CERES-Maize models, implemented in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) software, to predict phenology and grain yield of durum wheat, common wheat, and maize in different Italian environments. A 10-year (2001–2010) dataset was used to optimize the genetic parameters for selected varieties of each species and to evaluate the models considering several statistical indexes. The generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation method, and trial and error approach were used to optimize the cultivar-specific parameters of these models. Results show good model performances in reproducing crop phenology and yield for the analyzed crops, especially with the parameters optimized with the trial and error procedure. Highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) correlations between observed and simulated data were found for both anthesis and yield in model calibration and evaluation (p ≤ 0.01 for grain yield of maize in model evaluation). Root mean square error (RMSE) values range from six to nine days for anthesis and from 1.1 to 1.7 t ha−1 for crop yield and index of agreement (d-index) from 0.96 to 0.98 for anthesis and from 0.8 to 0.87 for crop yield. The set of genetic parameters obtained for durum wheat, common wheat, and maize may be applied in further analyses at field, regional, and national scales to guide operational (farmers), strategic, and tactical (policy makers) decisions.

The Relationship of Some Physiological Traits measured at Heading Stage with Yield and Quality properties of Durum Wheat

Son yıllarda birçok araştırmacı spektral yansıma aletlerini&#x0D; buğday bitkisinin bazı gelişim dönemlerinde tane verimi ve kalite özellikleri&#x0D; arasındaki ilişkiyi belirlemede yoğun bir şekilde kullanmaktadır. Bu araştırma&#x0D; durum buğday genotiplerinin başaklanma döneminde bazı spektral yansıma aletleri&#x0D; ile ölçülen değerler ile tane verimi ve kalite özellikleri arasındaki ilişkinin&#x0D; belirlenmesi amacıyla 2015-16 ve 2016-17 üretim sezonu boyunca Şırnak ekolojik&#x0D; şartlarında yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada materyal olarak 2 ticari çeşit (Cesare ve Fırat&#x0D; 93) ve 7 adet ileri kademedeki durum buğday genotipi kullanılmıştır. İstatistik&#x0D; analiz sonucuna göre, incelenen özelliklerin yıl, genotip ve yıl x genotip&#x0D; interaksiyonu önemli farklılıklar bulunmuştur. Araştırmada incelenen, tane&#x0D; verimi 393.20-604.45 kg da-1, bin tane ağırlığı 22.98-47.96 g,&#x0D; hektolitre ağırlığı 75.4-85.8 kg hl-1, protein içeriği %&#x0D; 14.96-20.45, yaş gluten % 27.36-47.55, nişasta içeriği %59.3-63.24, irmik rengi&#x0D; (b) değeri 14.65-16.53, klorofil&#x0D; içeriği (SPAD) 45-53.58, bitki örtü sıcaklığı (BÖS) 21.5-27.3, normalize&#x0D; edilmiş vejetasyon farklılıkları indeksi (NDVI) değeri 0.42-0.85 ve yaprak alan&#x0D; indeksi (LAI) değeri 2.85-3.68 değerleri arasında değişim göstermiştir.&#x0D; Makarnalık buğdayın başaklanma döneminde ölçülen fizyolojik ölçümler ile tane&#x0D; verimi ve kalite özellikleri arasındaki ilişkiler yıllara göre farklılık&#x0D; göstermiştir. 2015-16 ve 2016-17 üretim sezonlarında ölçülen SPAD değeri ile&#x0D; protein içeriği ve yaş gluten arasında olumlu ilişkiler bulunması SPAD’ın ıslahta&#x0D; kaliteli genotip geliştirmede seleksiyon kriteri olarak&#x0D; değerlendirilebileceğini ve bu yönde daha kapsamlı araştırmalar yapılması&#x0D; gerektiğini düşündürmektedir.

Influence of agrometeorological factors on wheat yields

The article examines the influence of agrometeorological factors on the yield of spring durum wheat in the Orenburg region. Among the agrometeorological factors, eight indicators were chosen empirically, the linear and nonlinear correlation was estimated, including by constructing single-factor regression models. Analysis of multicollinearity by the method of principal components made it possible to select four factors out of eight factors, and the result of analysis of the preliminary model of multiple linear regression using t-statistics made it possible to exclude one more factor from consideration. The resulting model has a high enough accuracy and significance, and can be used in forecasting yields.

Improving grain yield, protein ratio and nitrogen use efficiency of durum wheat (Triticum Durum Desf.) hybrids using spad meter as a selection criterion

Chlorophyll content can serve as a guide for nitrogen management in agricultural systems. Hence, the investigating leaf chlorophyll in crops could be of benefit to boost production. The present study evaluated 15 different hybrids of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) combinations in F3, F4 and F5 generations for nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), grain yield and protein content using chlorophyll meter index (CCI) under three different nitrogen levels (0, 120 and 240 kg N/ha). The results showed that N levels significantly influenced the grain yield and quality traits of durum wheat genotypes, and accordingly, SPAD readings could be used as an indirect selection criterion in durum wheat breeding to achieve the desired production targets. Genetic correlations among grain yield, CCI, grain nitrogen yield (GNY) and protein were high in F3 generation under high nitrogen regimes. It was also observed that all the generations of Zenit × Menceki, Mersiniye × Menceki, Zenit × Mersiniye, Mersiniye × Spagetti and Spagetti × Menceki crosses have high yield potential and yield stability. It was concluded that the evaluation of the segregation populations at different generations in the same year and selection in the later generations might make a significant contribution to reduce the costs.

Effect of Soil Tillage and Crop Sequence on Grain Yield and Quality of Durum Wheat in Mediterranean Areas

Conservation agriculture (CA) can be very strategic in degradation prone soils of Mediterranean environments to recover soil fertility and consequently improve crop productivity as well as the quality traits of the most widespread crop, durum wheat, with reference to protein accumulation and composition. The results shown by two years of data in a medium long-term experiment (7-year experiment; split-plot design) that combined two tillage practices (conventional tillage (CT) and zero tillage (ZT)) with two crop sequences (wheat monocropping (WW) and wheat-faba bean (WF)) are presented. The combination ZT + WF (CA approach) induced the highest grain yields (617 and 370 g m−2 in 2016 and 2017, respectively), principally due to an increased number of ears m−2; on the other hand, the lowest grain yield was recorded under CT + WW (550 and 280 g m−2 in 2016 and 2017, respectively). CA also demonstrated significant influences on grain quality because the inclusion of faba bean in the rotation favored higher N-remobilization to the grains (79.5% and 77.7% in 2017). Under ZT and WF, all gluten fractions (gliadins (Glia), high molecular-weight glutenins (GS), and low molecular-weight GS) as well as the GS/Glia ratio increased. In durum wheat-based farming systems in Mediterranean areas, the adoption of CA seems to be an optimal choice to combine high quality yields with improved soil fertility.

A Precision Agriculture Approach for Durum Wheat Yield Assessment Using Remote Sensing Data and Yield Mapping

The availability of big data in agriculture, enhanced by free remote sensing data and on-board sensor-based data, provides an opportunity to understand within-field and year-to-year variability and promote precision farming practices for site-specific management. This paper explores the performance in durum wheat yield estimation using different technologies and data processing methods. A state-of-the-art data cleaning technique has been applied to data from a yield monitoring system, giving a good agreement between yield monitoring data and hand sampled data. The potential use of Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 images in precision agriculture for within-field production variability is then assessed, and the optimal time for remote sensing to relate to durum wheat yield is also explored. Comparison of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI) with yield monitoring data reveals significant and highly positive linear relationships (r ranging from 0.54 to 0.74) explaining most within-field variability for all the images acquired between March and April. Remote sensing data analyzed with these methods could be used to assess durum wheat yield and above all to depict spatial variability in order to adopt site-specific management and improve productivity, save time and provide a potential alternative to traditional farming practices.