Evaluation of grain yield and agronomic characteristics of wheat cultivars and lines under different tillage systems

Tillage plays a vital role in providing a suitable seedbed, controlling weeds, mixing fertilizers, and other inputs. Therefore, proper tillage management is of special importance in exploiting and maintaining soil stability. In this study, to investigate the effect of different tillage methods on grain yield and other agronomic traits, 23 promising cultivars and lines of wheat in different tillage systems (conventional tillage, reduced tillage, and no-tillage) were evaluated in the form of split plots with a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment was conducted in dryland farms of tropical farmers (Kuhdasht city) in Lorestan province in the 2018-19 growing season. The results showed a significant difference between tillage systems and cultivar/line in grain yield. Also, the significant interaction of cultivar/line × tillage system showed a different response of cultivars and lines to tillage system treatment. This order indicates the need to select the appropriate cultivar/line for each tillage system. Among the top 10 cultivars and wheat lines in grain yield and other desirable agronomic traits, Paya cultivar and promising lines KANZ * 4 / KS85-8-4 and Line17 can be planted in warm and semi-warm regions of Lorestan province in all three tillage systems recommended to farmers.