G. Raykov1*, P. Chamurliyski1, S. Doneva1, E. Penchev1, N. Tsenov2

1Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute, 9520 General Toshevo, Bulgaria 2Agronom I Holding, 9300 Dobrich, Bulgaria

(Manuscript received 12 October 2015; accepted for publication 18 October 2016)

Abstract. The proper choice of parental forms is the basis for developing superior varieties with valuable agronomic properties. A priority in modern breeding is increased productivity. The aim of this study was to establish the relative contribution of the yield traits to the productivity of common wheat accessions of different geographical origin. The trial was conducted during 2012 – 2014 at Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute, General Toshevo. The study included 118 varieties and lines originating from Europe, Asia and North America. The tested materials were grown in a randomized block design in three replications, the plot size being 7.5 m2. Six cultivars were used as standards: Aglika, Pobeda, Enola, Sadovo 1, Antonovka and Pryaspa. Number of grains per spike, number of grains per m2 and thousand kernel weight had the highest positive influence on grain yield. The highest levels of productivity were reported in cultivars PKB Vizelika, PKB Rodika, Joana and Midas averaged for the two years of the study, cultivar Vizelika with origin from PKB – Serbia realizing a yield of 9.03 t.ha-1. Despite environmental effect and interaction, significant genotypic modality on the investigated traits was observed and analyzed. All studied accessions can be successfully included in a breeding program to increase productivity.