Characteristics of soft winter wheat varieties by crop structure and grain quality indicators

The purpose of the study was to investigate the collection of soft winter wheat varieties selected by four research institutions of Ukraine, covering Steppe and Forest-Steppe soil and climatic zones. As a result of the study, indicators of the yield structure and grain quality of 53 varieties of soft winter wheat were analysed. The obtained data allowed assessing the stability of productivity elements and identifying varieties with high indicators for further use in breeding. Based on the results obtained, tables and graphs were compiled that reflect the difference in structural indicators between varieties over the years of research, and an estimate of the frequency of distribution of such parameters as: the length of the ear rod, the weight of the ear, the number of spikelets per ear, the number of grains in the ear, the weight of grains from the ear, and the weight of 1,000 grains. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and construction of confidence intervals (significance level of 0.05) confirmed significant differences between varieties in terms of the indicators under study, which helped to identify varieties with high stability of grain yield and quality. When using correlation analysis, relationships between structural indicators were established. Special attention was paid to homeostatic varieties that showed high indicators during 2021/2022-2023/2024 studies, namely: the length of the ear rod, the number of spikelets per ear, and the weight of 1,000 grains, which are key breeding indicators to increase yields. Such indicators were determined by the specificity of genotypes, environmental conditions, and their interaction. After calculating the regression coefficient, varieties with a high level of adaptability were determined. The best varieties in terms of the parameters under study were recommended for further use in breeding programmes aimed at increasing productivity and improving the quality of soft winter wheat grain in the context of climate change