BREEDING OF DROUGHT-RESISTANT LINES AND VARIETIES OF WINTER BREAD WHEAT UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS

Abstract

Global climate change has had a negative impact on the yield and quality of agricultural crops cultivated in our republic. In particular, dry weather in recent years, a decrease in annual precipitation compared to the average amount of precipitation over many years, and severe hot weather in late spring, have caused serious damage on the growth, development, and yield as well as on the grain quality of winter soft wheat grown in rain-fed environmental conditions. Taking into account the above information, we have studied 35 lines and varieties of soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), those resistant to water deficiency, and adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of rainfed areas. In course of the research, such indicators as development phases, biometric indicators, yield elements, grain quality indicators, content of chlorophyll in leaves (in the growth phase), vegetation index (NDVI – Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) have been measured; and a comparative analysis of the weather conditions of the environment with characteristics of relevant varieties and lines – made.