Effects of water stress on the Algerian cereal industry

The phases of grain formation for the acquisition of its weight and quality are considered to be decisive stages in the development of yield in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). The aim of this study is to investigate grain filling in wheat under different water regimes. To this end, trials involving 120 genotypes were carried out in the field over three consecutive seasons and involved evaluating the remobilisation of reserves and the current photosynthesis of different organs on this process. The results show that grain filling is greatly influenced by genetic variability and the water regime adopted. Under rainfed conditions, where plants are subject to variable water deficits, the remobilisation of reserves and the photosynthetic activity of the components of the ear are the main assimilates essential for the accumulation of reserves in the grain.