Adaptability parameters and quality indicators of spring durum wheat in the steppe part of the Rostov region

The purpose of the current study was to estimate the adaptive potential of four varieties and three lines of spring durum wheat developed by the FSBSI FRARC based on the results of their testing in the steppe part of the Rostov region in 2020–2023. The estimation of ecological adaptability and stability of the varieties and lines was conducted according to the method of S. A. Eberhart, W. A. Russell as presented by V. A. Zykin; homeostatic indicator was identified according to V. V. Khangildin. There has been presented an estimation of varieties and lines according to their productivity, environmental stability, adaptability, and technological indicators of grain. There was found that the mean productivity of the varieties and lines was 3.44 t/ha, varying over the years from 1.81 to 4.72 t/ha. The varieties ‘Donskaya lazorevaya’ and ‘Volnodonskaya zolotistaya’ formed the maximum mean productivity over the years with 3.52 and 3.58 t/ha. They were characterized by the greatest stability and adaptability, with a low coefficient of variation (3.6 and 2.4 %, respectively) and the greatest homeostaticity (42.37 and 67.06). There was found out that ‘Volnodonskaya zolotistaya’ was a variety that combined high indicators of adaptability, stability and homeostaticity (bi = 1.08; Si2 = 0.016; Hom = 42.37). The variety ‘Volnodonskaya’ and the lines ‘Gord.4699/19’, ‘Gord.4924/20’ and ‘Gord.4465/21’ were characterized by full compliance of the productivity level with changes in cultivation conditions with a regression coefficient bi ≤ 1. The line ‘Gord.4699/19’ was characterized by the greatest stability in productivity (Si2 = 0.007). The regression coefficient (bi) was 0.93, homeostaticity was 67.06, which also indicated its high ecological adaptability. In terms of protein percentage in grain, almost all varieties and lines met the requirements of the 1st class of GOST 9353-2016. Gluten content varied from 20.0 to 25.5 % (the 2–4 class). According to the comprehensive estimation of productivity and grain quality, and adaptability parameters in the conditions of the steppe part of the Rostov region, there have been identified the varieties ‘Donskaya lazorevaya’, ‘Volnodonskaya zolotistaya’ and the line ‘Gord.4699/19’, recommended for breeding for productivity and grain quality.