Variability of length of spike and number of spikelets per spike in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Variability of length of spike and number of spikelets spike-1 have share in forming of grain yield of wheat. The aim of this study was estimation of variability of length of spike and number of spikelets spike-1 in 20 genetically divergent wheat cultivars grown in different environmental conditions. The experiment was set up as a randomised block design in three replications. Obtained results indicated differences in average values of length of spike and number of spikelets spike-1 among tested cultivars in both years of experiment. In average for all cultivars length of spike was higher in the second year than in first year of experiment. Also, average value of number of spikelets spike-1 was higher in second year at the analysed wheat cultivars. The wheat cultivar Dejana expressed the longest spike (12.50cm) in the second experimental year while the wheat cultivar Sumadinka had the shortest spike (8.91cm) in the first year. On the base of results were established variability of both analysed spike traits in wheat cultivars. Also, this results showed significant differences among wheat cultivars according to length of spike and number of spikelets spike-1, which are determined by genetic and environmental factors.