Conceptualizing and modeling wheat yield gap drivers under different Agroecological contexts in Tunisia

Abstract

To meet growing food and feed demand, agricultural production needs to be increased (FAO, 2017). Indeed, by 2050, agriculture need to produce almost 50% more food and feed than it did in 2012. Intensification of agriculture and/or increasing of agricultural area are the two mains available options to response to this challenge. Land conversion to expand cultivated land allows increasing greenhouse gaz emissions and impacts biodiversity and ecosystem services (IPCC, 2019). So, the increase of yields per surface unit is recommended to reach potential yields and consequently closing yield gaps. The interaction between breeding and agricultural practices is widely acknowledged as a major driver for enhancing agricultural production and consequently closing yield gaps of major crops (Fischer et al., 2009).