ADAPTABILITY OF WINTER WHEAT VARIETIES BASED ON THEIR GRAIN YIELD RESULTS
There is a significant difference in the adaptability of qualified varieties. To determine which varieties can be grown profitably at different locations, it is necessary to know the characteristics and the ecological adaptability of the varieties. The present study was conducted to analyse the adaptability of 40 state-registered winter wheat varieties tested in small-plot comparative trials by the National Institute for Agricultural Quality Control based on their grain yield results. For the comparison of the varieties the evaluation method of Eberhart and Russell (1966) improved by Bed ő and Balla (1977) was applied. According to this method the varieties can be divided into three groups. Varieties with special adaptability include intensive high-yielding varieties, the genetic potential of which, owing to their weak stress tolerance, can be exploited only at locations with better than average characteristics. The yield stability of winter wheat varieties with average adaptability is good. Their grain yield is generally close to the site average, but under more favourable circumstances it exceeds the average at most sites. Varieties with good adaptability usually have low genetic yielding capacity, but can adapt to extensive circumstances better than the intensive varieties.