PJB-2021-505
RESPONSE OF GENETICALLY DIVERSE WHEAT GENOTYPES TO DIFFERENT MOISTURE REGIMES REGARDING AGRONOMIC DISTINCTIVENESS AND GRAIN YIELD
Umar Khitab Saddozai
Abstract
Selection of adoptable germplasm in addition to adequate soil moisture availability is key factor for maximizing plant growth and yield, particularly in rainfed environment. Keeping the impact of huge rainfed belt of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in consideration, a two years’ research project was designed to examine the effectiveness of multiple moisture frequencies on two wheat genotypes (“NIFA-Insaf†and “Faisalabad-2008†bearing long and short coleoptile, respectively), during 2016-18. Experiments were laid out in pots using randomized block design followed by split-plot arrangements and three replications. Five different moisture levels (100%, 80%, 60%, 40% & 20% of total field capacity [TFC]) were used as sub-plots in study. These moisture levels at various capacities was maintained in pots by applying measured quantity of water, when it reached below their respective pre-determined lower limits of specific moisture range during complete growth time. Various growth and yield parameters were significantly affected, both by wheat genotypes and moisture levels. Comparing different genotypes, NIFA-Insaf performed much better in almost all attributes than Faisalabad-2008. Similarly, availability of 100% soil moisture boosted up plant growth and development, which ultimately caused different traits performed at their maximum levels. The study showed maximum grain yield (5554.4 & 5378.2 kg ha-1 for year-1 and year-2, respectively) by interactive combination of NIFA-Insaf at 100% TFC. Likewise, the use of 80% TFC also gave better results for NIFA-Insaf, which might be due to better utilization of moisture and other resources made available because of longer coleoptile. As regards to genotypes ‘Faisalabad-2008’ (having shorter coleoptile) better results were recorded when 100% moisture was available, but a remarkable yield reduction was observed with decrease in irrigation frequencies. However, under moisture reduced environments, NIFA-Insaf performed.
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