Yield and grain quality of new varieties of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) in different soil and climatic zones of Ukraine

Abstract

Purpose. To carry out a comprehensive study and evaluation of new varieties of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) according to the main economic and quality indicators: yield, weight of 1000 grains, protein content and falling number. Methods. The qualification examination on the suitability of varieties for distribution in Ukraine was carried out in 2022–2023 at the research stations of the Ukrainian Institute for Plant Variety Examination in the soil­climatic zones of the Forest­Steppe and Polissia, using the “Methodology for conducting qualification examination of plant varie­ties for suitability for distribution in Ukraine (General part)” and “Methodology for examination of plant varieties of the group of cereals, grains and legumes for suitability for distribution in Ukraine”. Laboratory studies were carried out in accordance with the “Methodology for qualification exa­mination of plant varieties for suitability for distribution. Methods of determining quality indicators of plant production”. Results. The economically valuable characteristics of new varieties of winter rye (‘SU Baresi’, ‘SU Perspective’, ‘Lunator’, ‘Reflektor’, ‘KWS Gilmor’, ‘KWS Pulsor’), included in the State Register of Varieties Suitable for Distribution in Ukraine, were studied. Their potential for yield and protein content was analysed. Yields were higher in the Forest­Steppe zone than in Polissya in all years of the study. The highest values were recorded for the varieties ‘SU Perspective’ (7.87–9.98 t/ha), ‘KWS Gilmor’ (7.85–9.19 t/ha) and ‘KWS Pulsor’ (7.78–9.55 t/ha). Lunator’ (11.0 and 10.3%) and ‘Reflektor’ (10.0 and 9.6%) had an advantage in protein content (quality indicator). Conclusions. According to the results of the SVD qualification test, the investigated varie­ties are recommended for cultivation in the Forest­Steppe and Polissia zones. The maximum falling number, which determines the state of the carbohydrate­amylase complex (alpha­amylase activity), was recorded for ‘Lunator’ (198.4 s).