Phytosanitary assessment of different varieties of winter wheat depending on sowing dates

Abstract

The aim is to establish the influence of sowing dates on the phytosanitary condition of crops, the development of root rot, damage by sucking pests and the productivity of winter wheat. Methods. The research was conducted during 2023–2025 in the conditions of LLC Silikat-1 of Cherkasy region in field crop rotation on experimental plots. The following research methods were used: field, supplemented by analytical studies, measurements, calculations and observations in accordance with generally accepted methods and methodological recommendations in plant growing, phytopathology and entomology. Results. The phytosanitary condition of winter wheat crops significantly depended on both the sowing dates and the genetic characteristics of the varieties. Varieties of intensive universal use – Podolianka, Bohdana and Darynka Kyivska – on average had higher rates of root rot damage (8.7–10.6 % at early sowing dates) and seedling damage by pests (10.1–12.0 %) compared to varieties of high-intensity type – Astarta, Perlyna Podillya and Boriya, in which these rates were significantly lower (root rot damage 7.1–7.9 %, seedling dam- age 4.9–7.8 %). The phytosanitary condition of crops of zoned winter wheat varieties in the spring-summer period largely depended on the sowing dates and varietal characteristics. During the early sowing period (01.09), in crops of intensive universal type varieties – Podolianka, Bohdana, Darynka Kyivska – a relatively high incidence of root rot was observed (12.0–13.7 % after wintering, 22.0–30.1 % before harvesting) and increased damage by sucking pests (8.2–8.5 % after wintering, 11.5–13.0 % before harvesting). Conclusions. It was established that in the Central Forest- Steppe zone of Ukraine, sowing dates significantly affect the phytosanitary condition, yield and quality of winter wheat seeds. The best results were obtained with a late sowing date (September 30), which contributed to a decrease in the damage of crops by root rot and pests, the formation of aligned shoots and an increase in productivity. Varieties of the high-intensity type (Astarta, Boriya, Perlyna Podillya) showed better adaptability to hydrothermal fluctuations and consistently exceeded universal varieties (Podolyanka, Bogdana, Darynka Kyivska) in terms of yield by an average of 0.8–1.0 t/ha. The late sowing date provided an increase in the mass of 1000 seeds to 46–47 g. The combination of the optimal sowing date with the selection of high-intensity varieties is an effective way to increase yield, improve seed quality and stabilize the phytosanitary condition of winter wheat crops under climate change.