DOI: 10.36347/sjavs.2018.v05i03.007

Pages: 166-171

A field experiment was carried out in the high plains of Sétif region (Northeastern Algeria) on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to investigate the effect of water deficit at different growth stages on grains yield and quality with the aim to select the most appropriate varieties for the locally Mediterranean conditions. Two newly introduced genotypes from ACSAD (The Arab Center for the Studies of Arid zones and Dry lands) institution and two previously ameliorated ones were grown in the (2014-2015) growing season. The supplemental irrigation caused the grain yield to increase significantly up to 25%. The highest grain protein content, sedimentation volume, ash content and falling number values have been obtained for all varieties under rain-fed conditions. Increases in grain moisture content were observed with supplemental irrigation. Statistically, optimum levels of quality characteristics were obtained with W2 supplemental irrigation regime which also suited to a significant grain yield score. Nevertheless, the study also suggests that, under rain-fed conditions, the locally cultivated variety Hidhab with an acceptable grain yield and better quality traits, in comparison with introduced varieties, remains the most suitable variety for region.