EVALUATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CROATIAN WINTER WHEAT GENOTYPES (T-AESTIVUM L.) FOR DROUGHT TOLERANCE

Yield stability under water stress condition is a desirable trait for wheat producers and breeders. Data for yield and other agronomic traits were collected from field trials comprising 40 bread winter wheat genotypes (T aestivum L.) grown in water non-limiting condition and tinder water deficit during the grain-filling period typical for Mediterranean region. Genotypes responded differently to water deficit showing decrease of yield from 14-50% compared to water non-limiting condition. For the genotypes with high mean productivity (> 7 t ha(-1)) losses in stress condition ranged from 1.3-3.0 t ha(-1). Decrease of yield due to water stress was 29, 37, and 46% for early-, mid-, and late-maturing group of genotypes, respectively. The most sensitive yield components for all three groups of genotypes were yield spike(-1) and 1000 grain weight (TGW), and spike m(-2) only for late- and mid-maturing group. A significant positive correlation was observed between yield and other agronomic traits: yield spike(-1), spike m(-2), TGW, test weight, and harvest index (HI) in both environments. Stable genotypes that retain high yield under water deficit compared to water non-limiting condition will be recommended for safe production as well as for breeding programs.