The influence of meteorological conditions on major quantitative and qualitative traits of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.)

The results of two-year investigations of buckwheat raised in agroecological conditions of South Banat (locality Pancevo) and West Serbia (locality Gorobilje), Serbia&Montenegro, are presented in the paper. Based on the obtained investigation data, authors confirm the hypothesis that buckwheat is a plant suited to more humid regions, since authors have determined higher yield of the plant on locations with higher precipitations amount. During 1999, the yield of buckwheat was higher at the location Pancevo and the next year at the location Gorobilje. Also, in the 2000, values of average plant height, number of seeds per plant and seed mass per plant were higher at the location Gorobilje, whereas in 1999 (first year of investigation), which from aspect of climatic conditions could be considered as optimal, plant yield and all other investigated parameters were better in case of buckwheat originating from the location in Pancevo. In 2000, in regard to the seed, proportionally medium fractions were more present, which is, among other things, the result of the influence of higher precipitation amount. In regard to the exploitation value of the seed, better germination was registered for seed produced in 2000 (at both locations), although it had lower mass compared to the seed produced in 1999. Blossoming (blooming) in the first study year at both locations started 5 to 7 days earlier compared to the second year of investigations and lasted 5 to 8 days longer. On the other hand, in the second year of investigations at both locations harvesting started 10 to 12 dats earlier compared to the previous year.