EFFECT OF DROUGHT ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF TRITICALE IN THE CONDITIONS OF SOUTH DOBRUDZHA

In order to determine the effects of drought on triticale under the conditions of South Dobrudzha, eleven cultivars of this crop were studied during six contrasting periods of growing. The following traits were determined: number of tillers, yield 1000 kernel weight, number of grains in spike. Based on the used indices (DAASDI and DAADPI), moderate to high effect of drought on the growth and development of the crop was determined in comparison to the period favorable for growing of triticale (2014/2015). In some of the studied genotypes, the reduction in yield exceeded 30%. The intensive drought influenced all yield components, the effect being highest on 1000 kernel weight. Comparatively low was the effect on the trait number of productive tillers regardless of the unfavourable conditions during its formation. Cultivars Bumerang and Doni 52 were characterized by the highest drought resistance based on all periods, in which drought was observed The reduction of yield in these genotypes was moderate, revealing their high tolerance and suitability for growing under the conditions of South Dobrudzha.