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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Unraveling physiological responses and yield components for wheat cultivars (Gimeza 12, Sids 13 and Sakha 94) under deficit irrigation levels

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12127
Submitted
4 October 2025
Published
25-05-2026 — Updated on 03-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

This study evaluated the response of different wheat cultivars to deficit irrigation (75 % water irrigation requirement). Grain yield decreased by 15–28 % across cultivars under deficit irrigation, while water productivity (WP) increased by 8–20 %. Sakha 94 consistently exhibited the highest Stress Tolerance Index (STI = 0.92) and WP (1.35 kg m-3), maintaining 85 % of its full-irrigation yield, compared to 70–78 % for other cultivars. Key quality traits were also affected: grain protein content decreased by 12–18 %, gluten strength by 10–15 % and starch composition by 5–12 %, with Sakha 94 showing smaller reductions (protein 6 %, gluten 7 % and starch 4 %). These results indicate that Sakha 94 is the most drought-resilient cultivar and suitable for deficit irrigation, offering both yield stability and quality retention. The study provides valuable insights for breeding programs and water-saving agronomic practices under drought-prone environments.

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