Results of estimating adaptability of sainfoin varieties in the south of the Rostov region

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to estimate such adaptability parameters, as a linear regression coefficient, stress resistance, genetic flexibility and stability coefficient, according to the traits “green mass productivity” and “dry matter productivity”. The objects of the study were 6 sainfoin varieties developed by the ARC “Donskoy”. The variety ‘Zernogradsky 2’ was taken as the standard one. Sowing was carried out in the spring with the SSFC-7 seeder in its pure form, without a cover crop. A seeding rate was 5 million germinated seeds per 1 ha. The area of the plot was 20 m2, with fourfold repetition. The estimation according to the indicators of ecological adaptability was performed according to the S. A. Eberchart and W. A. Russel (1966) as presented by V. A. Zykina et al. (2011), calculation of stress resistance and genetic flexibility was established according to A.A. Goncharenko (2005). The results of the analysis of variance have shown a significant influence of factor B (conditions) both on the variability of productivity of green mass (79.12 %) and dry matter (75.38 %). All the studied sainfoin varieties according to the years and sowing significantly exceeded the indicators of the standard variety. The most productive of them, the new variety ‘Atamansky 20’, formed on average 30.9 t/ha of green mass and 8.3 t/ha of dry mass, with fluctuations over the years, respectively, 24.8–44.9 t/ha and 6.4 –12.1 t/ha. The sainfoin varieties differ in the response of green and dry mass productivity to changing environmental conditions. The varieties ‘Zernogradsky 2’, ‘Atamansky’ and ‘Atamansky 20’ demand to improve conditions when cultivated for green feed and hay (bi > 1), while the varieties ‘Veles’, ‘Sudar’ and ‘Shuravi’ respond less well to improved environmental conditions and are more adaptable (bi < 1). The varieties ‘Veles’, ‘Sudar’ and ‘Shuravi’ are highly resistant to stress, while the varieties Zernogradsky 2’, ‘Atamansky’ and ‘Atamansky 20’ have a narrower range of adaptive capabilities of stress resistance. A higher correspondence between a genotype and environmental factors and high genetic flexibility were found in the variety ‘Atamansky 20’.