Winter Wheat Adaptation to Climate Change in Turkey

Climate change scenarios reveal that Turkey’s wheat production area is under the combined effects of heat and drought stresses. The adverse climate have just begun to be experienced in spring winter zones. However, likely affect zone more severely. Fortunately, there a fast, repeatable, reliable relatively affordable way predict on (e.g., testing zone). For this purpose, 36 genotypes total, consisting 14 22 types, were tested field conditions Southeastern Anatolia Region, representative Turkey, during two cropping seasons (2017–2018 2019–2020). Simultaneous (>30 °C) (<40 mm) stresses occurring May June both growing caused drastic losses grain yield its components. Declines plant characteristics genotypes, compared those using as control treatment, determined follows: 46.3% yield, 23.7% harvest index, 30.5% grains per spike 19.4% thousand kernel weight, whereas an increase 282.2% sterility occurred. On other hand, no substantial changes observed height (10 cm longer than wheat) days heading (25 genotypes. In general, taller tended lodge. Meanwhile, it became impossible avoid anthesis filling periods because time could not shortened significantly. conclusion, our research findings showed many would successfully adapt change. It was specific such vernalization requirement, photoperiod sensitivity, long phenological duration (lack earliness se) vulnerability diseases prevailing zone, made difficult most important strategic step can taken overcome these challenges breeding program objectives should harmonized with scenarios.