Evaluation of selection indices for drought tolerance in some bread wheat genotypes

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate various selection indices of moisture stress and their applicability in identifying drought stress tolerant wheat genotypes which can acclimatize to various moisture stressed environments in different wheat growing agro climatic zones of Gujarat. Advance lines of wheat genotypes were tested under moisture stress condition of different irrigation regimes. Two sets of irrigation regime i.e one set as irrigated and second as limited irrigation. Ten wheat advance lines along with five check varieties were tested for water stress tolerance at two locations representing North Gujarat and Saurashtra region. Stress intensity at both the locations was markedly differed which indicates differences in soil type, properties and environmental conditions. On the basis of this study, it can be concluded that along with SI, the use of stress indices follows the order of DSI, STI, MP and GMP for selection of drought tolerant genotypes under stress conditions and they may be used to screen wheat varieties tolerant to moisture stress conditions. On the basis of findings of these indices wheat varieties GW 487, GW 488 anf GW 173 were found having higher stress tolerance and with better yield potential under both normal and restricted irrigation conditions. The irrigation criteria under stress condition at Junaghadh location may be revised.

Keywords

• stress intensity
• grain yield
• moisture stress indices
• wheat