Évaluation du comportement variétale du blé dur (Triticum durum) cultivé sous systèmes conventionnel et agro écologique

Abstract

This thesis aims to evaluate the effect of two cropping systems - conventional and agroecological on the performance of twelve durum wheat genotypes under the semi-arid conditions of the Sétif region. The results demonstrate a significant superiority of the conventional system in terms of grain yield, with an average production of 36.93 q/ha compared to 28.31 q/ha for the agroecological system. This difference is mainly explained by better performance in yield components, notably the number of spikes per m² and the number of grains per spike. However, the study reveals that the two systems show equivalent results for the evaluated physiological parameters (chlorophyll content, cell integrity, and leaf water status). Furthermore, correlation analysis highlights a strong positive relationship between the number of grains per m² and the yield, regardless of the cropping system. Although the conventional system shows higher immediate productivity, this research raises questions about its long-term sustainability. Conversely, the agroecological system, although less productive within the framework of this study, represents an ecologically promising alternative. In conclusion, this work highlights the need to develop hybrid agricultural strategies capable of reconciling productivity and sustainability for resilient cereal cultivation in semi-arid zones. These results could guide the future directions of Algerian agricultural policy towards a managed agroecological transition.