Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine

Growing season duration and productivity of soft winter wheat under different weather conditions

Valerii Prydatko, Hanna Kovalyshyna
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Abstract

In the conditions of variability of weather factors in the Northern Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine, it is important to assess the impact of hydrothermal conditions on the development of winter wheat productivity. The purpose of the study was to establish the influence of temperature and moisture supply in certain periods of vegetation on the weight of 1,000 grains of winter wheat. The study was conducted in the field during 2023-2025 using generally accepted methods for evaluating elements of the crop structure. It was found that the weight of 1,000 grains varied significantly depending on hydrothermal conditions during the grain filling period. In 2024, due to a lack of precipitation in April-May and elevated temperatures in June-July (up to 30-35°C), there was a reduction in the duration of the grain filling period, which led to the development of less full grain and a decrease in the weight of 1,000 grains. But in 2025, with a more uniform distribution of precipitation in May-June (up to 47.9-68.0 mm) and a moderate temperature regime, better water supply to plants was provided, which contributed to an increase in the intensity of photosynthesis and the accumulation of dry matter in the grain. As a result, the weight index of 1,000 grains increased from 46.8 to 47.4 g. It was revealed that the critical period for the development of this indicator were phases earing – grain filling, during which the combination of high temperatures and moisture deficiency limited plant productivity. A close relationship has been established between weather conditions and the level of implementation of the productive potential of varieties. The practical significance of the results obtained lies in the possibility of optimising the sowing time and selection of varieties considering their response to hydrothermal conditions, and in adjusting the fertiliser and moisture supply system to reduce the negative impact of dry periods on the development of grain weight. The results obtained can be used by agronomists and breeders to increase the stability of winter wheat yield in the context of climate change

Keywords

hydrothermal regime, phenological phases of development, weight of 1,000 grains, elements of ear productivity, correlations of traits, plant moisture supply

Suggested citation
Prydatko, V., & Kovalyshyna, H. (2026). Growing season duration and productivity of soft winter wheat under different weather conditions. Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, 22(2),105-119. https://doi.org/10.31548/dopovidi/2.2026.105
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