Varietal optimization of winter wheat for increasing yield and improving grain quality under the conditions of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Abstract

Winter bread wheat is a leading cereal crop in Ukraine, playing a key role in ensuring national food security and the export potential of the agricultural sector. Under conditions of increasing climatic instability and growing demands for grain quality, varietal optimization becomes increasingly important for improving adaptability, yield, and grain quality. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of replacing the Bardotka variety with the Baletka variety based on yield and grain quality indicators under the conditions of the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The research was conducted during 2022–2025 at the Bilagro LLC farm (Krasnohorivka village, Myrhorod district, Poltava region). The study focused on two Czech-bred winter bread wheat varieties: Bardotka and Baletka. It was established that replacing Bardotka with Baletka resulted in a significant increase in agrocenosis productivity: the average yield of Baletka exceeded that of Bardotka by 0.98 t/ha (+22.0 %). Furthermore, Baletka demonstrated greater yield stability under fluctuating climatic conditions, as confirmed by a lower coefficient of variation. Grain quality indicators of Baletka were also superior: the protein content was 1.82 p.p. higher, crude gluten content was 3.78 p.p. higher, and the thousand-grain weight was 5.6 g greater. These results ensured Baletka’s consistent classification as a valuable wheat variety, whereas Bardotka did not always meet quality standards. The analysis of hydrothermal conditions revealed Baletka’s higher adaptability to climatic stress, particularly during the grain-filling stage, when it maintained high productivity even under critically low hydrothermal coefficient values. Enhanced winter hardiness and drought resistance contributed to stable yield formation regardless of weather fluctuations. The results confirm the agronomic and economic efficiency of the varietal replacement, which leads to improved productivity, better grain quality, and greater production stability of winter bread wheat under climate change.