Winter hardiness and yield of winter wheat under continental climate conditions in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan

The article examines the results of studying the diversity of winter wheat varieties in terms of yield and winter hardiness under the continental climate conditions of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. The development and practical use of new high-yielding and high-quality grain varieties that combine good winter and frost resistance is particularly relevant for the region due to the harsh overwintering conditions. The Institute of Bioresources at Nakhchivan state university is investigating a wide variety of winter wheat varieties. Field studies conducted from 2022 to 2025 involved 67 varieties and hybrids of winter wheat of various breeding and geographical origins obtained from agricultural and genetic resource institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan (Baku). Methodologies for conducting field experiments with grain crops from the All-Russian Institute of Plant Industry named after N.I. Vavilov were adapted to local conditions. Measurements and laboratory studies of yield were carried out under laboratory conditions. Winter hardiness was studied and evalua25.9% of the studied varieties and hybrids. No samples with low winter hardiness were identified. Based on a combination of indicators that integrate winter hardiness, yield, and yield structure elements (such as high thousand seed weight, number of grains per spike, weight of grains per spike, etc.), the hybrid hard wheat Alinca-84 X Zatino was highlighted. It is recommended for use in breeding work in the republic.