Individuation of the best agronomic practices for organic durum wheat cultivation in the Mediterranean environment: a multivariate approach

Abstract Background The main challenge of organic cereal systems is ensuring high yields and grain quality while maintaining pedo-environmental sustainability. Despite the potential benefits farming systems, a debated limitation their actual contribution to food security. Durum wheat [ Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.], one most important staple crops, mainly grown in Mediterranean environments, where farmers have face profound inter-annual fluctuations productions, expecially under system, due prolonged drought heat spells. With overarching objective deriving practical indications support production region, we tested effect nitrogen sulphur-based foliar fertilizers on two ancient modern varieties seasons (2018–2019) characterized by different weather conditions. Moreover, evaluated application Selenium at booting yield quality. Results from Principal Component analysis revealed that seasonal varietal choice determined variability traits, markedly affected performance wheat, especially milder season. Cluster Analysis computed Components three groups, representative (i) variety, Marco Aurelio, dryest season (average yield, low protein content), (ii) all 2018, with addition sodium selenate (high (iii) Cappelli, both (low average content). Conclusions This study evidenced tailored agronomic practices are needed sustain area. promising beneficial would deserve dedicated research program, additional experiments should further investigate its impact multivariate approach permitted us identify effective relation environmental conditions; outputs this ready be transferred aiming improving providing an