Yield determination, interplay between major components and yield stability in a traditional and a contemporary wheat across a wide range of environments
In Mediterranean regions farmers prefer traditional over contemporary cultivars under the poorest environments and viceversa. We analysed in detail Anza (traditional, but semi-dwarf) and Soissons (modern with a higher potential yield than Anza) cultivars yield determination and its responsiveness to a wide range of growing conditions (yield ranging from < than 1 to > than 8 Mg ha−1). Soissons responded more strongly to high yielding conditions but Anza higher yield stability did not imply better performance under low yielding conditions. The main component explaining yield advantage was grain number (by higher fruiting efficiency) but with compensation from average grain weight. Higher spike fertility did not result in reductions in grain weight potential; the partial compensation was the increase of grains in distal positions.