The behavior of some winter barley varieties in the climatic conditions of the central Moldavian Plateau

Abstract

This paper presents the enviromental testing research results of seven romania varieties of winter barley, experienced on Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) of Secuieni, Neamţ county, Romania, during 2007 – 2010. By this was followed the zoning of the most adjusted and efficient genotypes, increasing their biodiversity so that to reduce the genetic and ecological vulnerability of the agroecosystems. In the last three years (2007 – 2010) was revealed the tendency of large fluctuations occurrence, both in terms of rainfall and temperature, from a normal crop year (2007 – 2008) in a dry year (2008 – 2009) and a rainy year (2009 2010). In the crop year 2009 – 2010, because of spring weather conditions that favored the installation of pathogen agents (Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei, Pyrenophora graminea, Pyrenophora teres, Puccinia hordei), but especially of the rainfall fallen in the last decade of June, which negatively influenced the evolution of the barley crop and contributed to the quantity (by shaking the beans in the ear) and quality deteriorating of barley production, the winter barley yields were very small. On average over the three years of experimentation, the barley yields achieved ranged between 5232 kg/ha (Dana variety) and 6048 kg/ha (Sistem variety). Depending on the average production achieved during the three years of experimentation, top three ranked varieties are Sistem (6048 kg/ha), Andreea (5902 kg/ha) and Mădălin FD (5441 kg/ha). Regarding the resistance to abiotic and biotic stress factors, it has varied from year to year depending on variety. The romanian varieties were characterized by good resistance to lodging and brown rust.