Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 22 ISSUE 2
Written by Mihai BERCA, Roxana HOROIAȘ

In the south part of Romania, during 2016-2021, research was conducted on the water stress of wheat crop, represented by 7 varieties of premium genetics wheat, i.e. high in protein and gluten. The analysis of NDMI (Normalized Difference Moisture Index) showed that, during the research period, the plants benefited from an average index of 0.21 units, placing the area in the category of those that offer a moderate size of vegetation and a medium stress for water. Under these conditions, the average wheat yield was 4,413 kg/ha, i.e. less than 50% of the varieties potential. The annual wheat variation of NDMI (170 days, spring-summer) ranged from -0.015 units in 2020, when yield was below 2,000 kg/ha, to 0.356 units in 2021, when due to phytosanitary stress, the average yield was of 5,512 kg/ha. Rest of the years had intermediate values, in each of them the water stress being present either in spring or in summer. The correlation between the water stress and the obtained yields was represented as a polynomial function, statistically assured. Average yields of 50% of the variety potential can be obtained at stresses of not less than 0.1-0.2 NDMI units. In this regard, it is necessary to rethink technologies, especially on recalculating the level of some inputs, which in conditions of pronounced water stress are only partially used by plants.

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