Abstract:
Wheat is a critical staple crop in Pakistan, occupying 37% of the total cropping area. However, a significant yield gap persists compared to global averages, primarily due to water scarcity and a lack of high-yielding, resilient varieties. From 2016 to 2019, a collaborative study with the Beijing Engineering Research Centre for Hybrid Wheat (BERCHW) was conducted. A series of field trials were established in Pakistan to evaluate advanced Chinese two-line hybrid wheat lines. The trials included row tests (evaluating up to 417 hybrids), plot tests (up to 30 hybrids), small-area demonstrations, and variety trials. The hybrids were assessed for key agronomic traits including grain yield, biological yield, phenology, plant height, and grains per spike under local management practices, including limited irrigation. The hybrid wheat lines demonstrated significant potential for superior performance. Results consistently showed higher grain yields compared to local check varieties across multiple seasons and trial types. Notably, the hybrids exhibited remarkable resilience, performing well under water-saving conditions and showing a 26% yield increase in saline soil trials in China, a trait highly valuable for Pakistan. Despite challenges like lodging in one season due to unusual weather, the overall performance was promising, with some demonstrations indicating yield increases of over 35%. It is concluded that hybrid wheat presents a viable and transformative strategy for ensuring food security in Pakistan. Its demonstrated ability to produce significantly higher yields under efficient water use and stress conditions can help bridge the national yield gap. Widespread evaluation and adoption of this technology across Pakistan's diverse agro-ecological zones are strongly recommended to boost domestic production and reduce dependence on imports.
Page(s):
48-48
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: 1st International Conference on "Recent Advances in Green Biotechnology and Climate Resilience", September 15-16, 2025, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2025
Keywords:
Pakistan
,
Food security
,
Hybrid wheat
,
Climate resilience
,
Yield Gap
,
Water Efficiency