Behavior assessment of some Triticale (Triticosecale wittmack) Genotypes under Mediterranean Semi-arid Conditions

Abstract

Background: In Mediterranean climate, drought and heat stress are the main constraints for cereal production under rainfed conditions. In these conditions, the selection of suitable genotypes is crucial to improve production. Methods: 20 advanced triticale lines were evaluated under semi-arid conditions in Setif (Algeria) during the 2019/2020 season using agronomic, morphological and physiological traits. Result: The results obtained showed that lines with higher numbers of tillers, spikes, grains per spike, leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll content produced more grains and used water more efficiently when faced to drought and heat stress in post-anthesis phase. Also, high chlorophyll content, high relative water content and maintenance of cell membrane stability delayed senescence and extended the grain filling stage. Relative water content was also related to high grain protein content. This work evaluated this set of triticale lines and identified traits positively related to grain yield and water use efficiency in Mediterranean region.