The influence of salt stress on the duration of interphase periods of vegetation and productivity of winter and spring soft wheat varieties
Аннотация
Abstract This study, conducted during in 2023–2024 growing seasons on the experimental plots of the Bek-Dil-Bekh-Shokhsuvoriy farm in the Pastdargom district, Samarkand region, evaluated the effects of salt stress on the grow phases and productivity of winter and spring soft wheat varieties. A total of seven varieties were studied under field conditions using 1 m 2 plots in triplicate. The assessment included phenological observations and measurements of key productivity traits: field germination, productive stem count (per m 2 and per plant), number of spikelets and grains per ear, grain weight per ear, and 1000-grain weight. Laboratory analyses followed the State Variety Testing of Agricultural Crops methodology. Data were statistically analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Statistica 6.0. Results indicated that salt stress negatively influenced seed germination, extended interphase periods, and reduced major yield components in both winter and spring wheat. Delays in the ‘germination–tillering’ and ‘tillering–earing’ phases were particularly pronounced under slightly saline soil conditions. A positive correlation (r = 0.720) was identified between yield and vegetation period duration, indicating that varieties with longer ‘shooting-to-earing’ phases tended to form more productive ears and plants. Notably, winter wheat varieties demonstrated greater tolerance to salinity compared to spring varieties. Among the tested genotypes, Pahlavon, Ok Marvarid, Kayraktash, Es-1, and Es-4 showed superior performance in both control and slightly saline conditions, making them promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at improving salt tolerance and productivity. These findings are significant in the context of increasing soil salinization and global climate stress, as they contribute to efforts toward resilient crop production and sustainable food systems. The identified genotypes offer valuable material for future selection and cultivation on saline-prone soils.