WATER-RETAINING CAPACITY OF PLANTS OF SPRING SOFT WHEAT VARIETIES IN DRY CONDITIONS OF ORENBURG CISURALS

Abstract

The main factors that reduce spring soft wheat yield in the conditions of Orenburg region are high air temperature and lack of moisture in the soil. Water-retaining and water-absorbing capacities of resistant plants increase under the influence of drought. The aim of the research was to study water-retaining capacity of spring soft wheat varieties depending on the methods of the main tillage. The studies were carried out in the central zone of Orenburg region on southern carbonate, medium-thick, heavy loamy black soil. The water-retaining capacity of plants and spikes of spring soft wheat varieties was determined in the phases of booting and heading by the wilting method (according to Arland) in accordance with the guidelines of VIR. It was established that in case of plowing, water-retaining capacity of plants and spikes of the studied soft wheat varieties is higher compared to stubble background. Water-retaining capacity of spring wheat plants increased from the booting phase to the heading phase. The highest water-retaining capacity in the booting phase was noted in Tulaikovskaya Zolotistaya variety, and in the heading phase - Ulyanovskaya 105.