Phenotypic associations between durum wheat plant traits under field irrigation, salt and drought

Abstract

Oral Presentation in Troisième edition du Congrès International Amélioration de la Production Agricole (APA3) Settat, Morocco 17-18 Mar 2011

Durum wheat is an important crop in Morocco; It is cultivated on over one million hectares yearly and in numerous agro·ecological zones. Drought is the most common stress; however, with expanding alternatives and the urge to boost production, wide adaptation to alternative environments, including irrigated ones and with salt stress is needed. The objective of this study is to evaluate the phenotypic correlation between important plant traits: productivity stability, yield components, root traits, drought and salt tolerance. The study was conducted on eighty durum wheat accessions and cultivars. The experiments were planted in two contrasting environments. Significant correlations were observed and will be discussed in relation to the possible breeding strategies and methodologies in view of the changing needs and climatic conditions.