Abstract:
Throughout the 2022/2023 growing season, a field experiment was conducted at
the Advancing Research Enabling Communities Centre (AREC) in the Beqaa plain at the
American University of Beirut, Lebanon, to assess eleven advanced durum wheat
genotypes obtained from the Prima Cereal Med Project, two genotypes (Icaverve &
Margherita) sourced from ICARDA, and an imported Italian wheat variety (Demantillo).
Results showed that there were no significant differences among treatments for grain
yield, hay yield, and spike number. Although statistical significance was not detected, the
mean performance indicated that ESDCB-2015/2016-82 and IDSN46-7010 genotypes
exhibited the highest productivity, with grain yields of 4.89 t/ha and 4.75 t/ha,
respectively. However, significant variations were observed in plant height. The Iride
genotype (48.7 cm) differed significantly from the Monastir genotype (55.3 cm) at 110
days after planting, and the Margherita genotype (70.8 cm) differed from the Monastir
genotype (78.3 cm) at 113 days after planting. Tiller number also exhibited a significant
difference between Saragolla (3.1) and Antalis (4.2). The calculated harvesting index
showed a significant difference between Margherita (39.6%) and Iride (46.3%). In
addition, proximate analysis was conducted to determine moisture, protein, fat, crude
fiber, ash percentages, and starch content, along with the thousand kernel weight for all
varieties. In conclusion, while statistical significance was not evident, the mean
performance of the genotypes suggests that ESDCB-2015/2016-82 and IDSN46-7010
were the most productive, with grain yields of 4.89 t/ha and 4.75 t/ha, respectively. To
contextualize these results, a comparison was made with studies conducted in Lebanon
and other countries, providing insights into the genotype, location and agricultural
practices effect.
