Yield and correlation indices of Chinese buckwheat varieties with the local standard in the conditions of the Akmola region

Abstract

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) is a plant species belonging to the Polygonaceae family and represents one of the earliest crops domesticated in Asia. Historically, it served as an important food source and was extensively cultivated and consumed between the 17th and 19th centuries. Its cultivation and consumption later declined in many Western countries as wheat became the dominant cereal crop. In recent decades, however, growing interest in healthy diets and functional foods has renewed attention to buckwheat due to its exceptional nutritional qualities. Today, it is widely recognized as a nutrient-rich pseudocereal with considerable potential for future food systems.

Compared with many traditional cereal crops, buckwheat contains higher levels of valuable nutrients and bioactive compounds, including rutin, dietary fiber, iron, and various essential micronutrients. Its grains are naturally gluten-free and provide a favorable amino acid profile, particularly because of their relatively high lysine content. In addition, buckwheat is capable of growing on relatively poor soils and therefore can be cultivated under conditions where other crops may perform less successfully. Nevertheless, its productivity can be significantly affected by adverse environmental conditions such as frost, low temperatures, heat stress, dry winds, and drought.

Yield is a key criterion in the evaluation and selection of new buckwheat varieties for agricultural production, where a statistically proven yield advantage of at least 20% over the standard is a mandatory requirement for the introduction of a new variety.

As one of the most valuable characteristics, this indicator reflects the realization of a plant's biological potential under specific conditions, simultaneously demonstrating the adaptability, plasticity, and stability of a variety. Since the primary goals of agriculture are to achieve maximum yield while ensuring high seed quality and maintaining soil fertility, an objective assessment and successful introduction of varieties requires not only optimizing all controllable plant factors but also considering the impact of unpredictable natural conditions.