The aim of WP4 is to investigate interactions of minor cereal genotypes (selected in WPs 1 and 2) with various agronomic management approaches in contrasting environments in order to identify (a) agronomic management practices which improve yield and quality b) varieties which express high lodging, pest and disease tolerance at higher fertiliser levels and (c) fertilisation regimes which minimise negative effects on the environment and crop performance. The main objectives are then to:
- identify effects of (and interactions between) contrasting genotypes and fertilisation regimes (input type and level) on performance of minor grain cereals in three climatic zones in Europe;
- identify effects of (and interactions between) contrasting genotypes, tillage and weed control protocols on the performance of minor grain cereals in two climatic zones in Europe;
- organise farmer-participatory field trials to assess the performance of small grain cereal genotypes under different pedo-climatic and agronomic backgrounds used in commercial practice.