Abstract:
A study was conducted during 2004-05 at Agronomic Research Institute AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Screening of 25 wheat genotypes was carried out on the basis of photosynthetic efficiency, plant growth rate, total dry matter, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per plant under normal soil moisture and moisture stress conditions. In case of normal soil moisture conditions five irrigations were applied at critical growth stages viz. crown root development, tillering, booting, anthesis and milking, whereas in moisture stress treatment no irrigation was applied during whole plant growth and development period and only rainfall of 158.4 mm was the source of moisture supply. The results showed that moisture stress significantly decreased plant growth rate, total dry matter, 1000-grain weight and grain yield; whereas it increased chlorophyll content. Wheat genotype Blue Silver exhibited comparatively more drought tolerance with less decrease in growth rate (18.70%), total dry matter (22.94%), 1000-grain weight (21.31%) and grain yield (26.50%). Eventually wheat genotype Blue Silver expressed higher values of plant growth rate (1.13 cm/day), total dry matter (39.30 g/plant), 1000-grain weight (48.04g), grain yield (14.48g/plant) and chlorophyll content (1.46 mg/cm2) under moisture stress conditions followed by Bulbul and Baviacora M 92.
Page(s):
361-369
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Journal of Agricultural Research, Volume: 48, Issue: 3, Year: 2010