Morphological characterization of diverse wheat genotypes for yield and related traits under drought condition

Abstract

Wheat is most extensively cultivated cereal crop and utilized as staple food all over the world. Wheat yield decreases duo to various stresses including water stress. Drought stress is most limiting factor influencing wheat yield all over the world. The research was executed in farm area of University of Layyah during growing season 2022-23 to screen various genotypes on the basis of yield and related traits. The trail was performed randomized complete block design (RCBD) that was further divided into three replications. Fourteen genotypes were used in the experiment. Data of spike length (cm), biological yield (g), number of grains per spike and grain yield (g) was collected after maturation. The results shown high variation of all wheat genotypes under control and various drought levels. Highest positive correlation was found between biological yield, number of grains per spike and grain yield. Akbar-2019 and Syn-50 have high grain yield even in stress condition, thus these genotypes can be recommended for general adaptation and can be used in breeding projects to meet ever increasing food demand.