Peculiarities of the biological potential of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) under cultivation technologies of different intensity in the conditions of climate change

Abstract

The importance of the wheat crop on a global scale for overcoming the problem of hunger determines the relevance of research on increasing its productivity and sustainability in the face of climate change. Research on the realization of the genetic potential of winter wheat is an important step towards ensuring food security, improving agricultural efficiency and preserving the environment. The realization of the genetic potential of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) stands as a pivotal element in elevating its productivity. Cultivation technologies of varying intensities play a crucial role in its achievement, as they hold the capacity to ensure high yields and grain quality for this crop. These technologies are developed with considerations for the biological characteristics of the crop and its responses to changing climatic conditions. The research presented here aimed to investigate the influence of cultivation technologies of different intensities on unlocking the genetic potential of winter wheat. Models of cultivation technologies were examined, which differed in the rates of mineral fertilisers applied, the insertion of pea straw residues, and the application of the plant protection system. Through morpho-physiological investigations, fundamental patterns in the initiation of florets within the spike meristems of central and tiller stems were established, along with the number of florets (grains) depending on the phenological development stages of the plants and cultivation technology. The impact of cultivation technologiy on stem density dynamics was examined, optimal parameters were determined, and the degree of productive stem expression and reduction magnitude were assessed. Potential yield values were calculated at the main phenological development stages of the plants, and their realization level was assessed. The highest yield was obtained under a highly-intensive cultivation technology 1, with an application of P80K100N240 with the straw residues of the preceding crop and integrated plant protection. Morphophysiological research attributed such productivity to a productive stem density of 770 stems/m2 and an average ear productivity of 1.42 g. The level of potential yield realization of winter wheat at phenological development stage of plants 65 was at 36.4%, while the realization of productive stem expression was 36.9%, and 34.7% of the total number of florets was retained from phenological development stages of plants 32 to 92.