PERFORMANCE OF SOME ROMANIAN WINTER WHEAT CULTIVARS UNDER ORGANIC AGRICULTURE CONDITIONS I. GRAIN YIELD

Abstract

In order to identify wheat cultivars most suitable for cultivation in organic agriculture, we tested 16 Romanian winter wheat cultivars in yield tests organized in South Romania at Fundulea and Valului Traian during 2019-2022. Most of the yield variation was due to the variation of environmental conditions, but cultivars also had a significant effect. Older cultivars yielded less than modern ones, and highest average grain yields were obtained in the most recently registered cultivars, Ursita and FDL Abund. Genetic progress for yield achieved in breeding programs performed in conventional agriculture conditions was also reflected in the cultivars’ performance under organic agriculture.