A differentiated approach to the selection of winter wheat varieties and the possibility of extending the optimal sowing time

The research was conducted in 2014–2022 in the crop rotation laboratory of the technology of cultivation of grain crops «ASC» Donskoy» in the southern zone of the Rostov region. The purpose of the research is to select varieties of soft winter wheat that, due to their biological characteristics, extend the recommended sowing time for the zone without reducing crop productivity. Taking into account the peculiarities of the varieties of soft winter wheat, the varieties Aksinya and Polina should be used for early sowing according to any predecessors. Early sowing of Lilith, Kaprizulya, Kapitan, Volny Don, Volnitsa, Zodiac varieties is allowed, as they have a high adaptive potential. A delay in sowing these varieties later than the optimal time is unacceptable, as it leads to a significant decrease in yield (by 8–18.9%).

When the optimal sowing dates for the zone occur, in addition to the above-mentioned varieties, the varieties Izyuminka, Lydia, and Krasa Dona should be sown, The Donskaya step, The Lark, Yubiley Dona, Chef, Etude.

At the end of the optimal sowing time for non-steam precursors, it is allowed to sow such varieties as Don Steppe, Chef, Etude, Yubiley Dona. In comparison with other varieties, their adaptive potential makes it possible to reduce productivity to a lesser extent (by 0.06–0.24 t/ha). In case of late sowing, it is recommended to sow the Akros varieties as the most adapted. It is not recommended to sow these varieties earlier than the end of the optimal time for the zone, and late sowing will allow for an additional yield of 0.52–0.75 t/ha. Thus, using a set of varieties of the «ASC» Donskoy» breeding, it is possible to expand the range of sowing dates from 10 calendar days to 30 calendar days.

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