Author

Dr. Hafsi Miloud Department of Agronomy Ferhat Abbas University Sétif 1, Algeria

Author
I wish to underscore that I obtained my engineering degree and Master's in agronomy from the National Institute, where my research focused on phospho-nitrogen fertilization applied to durum wheat cultivation.   Subsequently, I completed my doctoral dissertation on durum wheat adaptation to hydric and thermal stress conditions at the University of Sétif (Algeria), in collaboration with ENSAM in Montpellier, France. Prior to my tenure at the University of Sétif, I gained experience at viticulture and cereal cultivation institutes.   My research journey with durum wheat began at the University of Sétif, and my team is committed to further investigating these topics to contribute to sustainable agriculture resilient to changing climate conditions.

The climate at my workplace is semi-arid, featuring shallow calcareous soils and varying rainfall averaging 300 mm over time and space.   Our research team is focused on exploring the relationship between flag leaf senescence and durum wheat yield, which is crucial for farmers. Studies have shown that flag leaf lifespan significantly impacts grain yield.   Durum wheat varieties displaying a "stay-green" phenotype show promise, as they can sustain effective photosynthesis during critical grain-filling stages, leading to higher yields even in water-deficient environments.

Furthermore, the chlorophyll content in the flag leaf serves as a key indicator of drought tolerance.   By selecting varieties with high chlorophyll potential, farmers can enhance their likelihood of a successful harvest despite challenging conditions.   Provision of additional irrigation during key periods can improve both the morphological and physiological traits of durum wheat, mitigating the detrimental effects of water stress on grain yield.

Moreover, carbon isotopic discrimination analysis has unveiled significant links between plant responses to water stress and yield potential.   Management of flag leaf senescence, monitoring of chlorophyll content, and integration of additional irrigation can revolutionize the approach to durum wheat cultivation.

In our investigations, we also delved into the impact of mycorrhizae on wheat production, accentuating the advantages of incorporating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi into agricultural practices.   Our findings suggest that mycorrhization enhances wheat's ability to withstand environmental stressors by boosting nutrient availability and stimulating root growth.   These beneficial fungi improve soil quality and root conditions, ultimately enhancing water and nutrient uptake.   Our study established a strong connection between mycorrhizal root colonization and elevated wheat production.   Additionally, our observations indicate that utilizing mycorrhizae can elevate the expression of stress-resilient genes, enhancing plants' resistance to adverse environmental factors.

Research on climate change in Setif sheds light on how local farmers have adjusted their agricultural techniques in response to shifting climate conditions.   Their findings indicate that the constraints of the semi-arid climate already impact farm profitability, prompting farmers to modify their systems to counter these challenges.Through examination of local climate patterns and farmer interviews, they showcased how agricultural methods have evolved due to climate fluctuations. 

These insights highlight the significance of adopting sustainable practices to strengthen resilience against climate challenges. By integrating mycorrhizae into agricultural practices alongside other strategies, we stress the importance of adapting cultivation systems to maximize the benefits of these symbiotic interactions. Our research identifies promising methods to boost wheat productivity while promoting environmental sustainability and reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers.Cumulatively, these findings offer practical solutions for increasing yields and ensuring sustainable production in the face of climate change and water resource variability