SCREENING OF DIFFERENT WHEAT VARIETIES UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS

Abstract

Triticum Aestivum L. is a major cereal crop grown worldwide. Wheat is staple diet for billions of people and animals feed in all over the world. This study used yield trial data from various sources to evaluate wheat cultivars under rainfed conditions. wheat has sown 1^st October to 1^St December. The study examined 10 wheat cultivars from three locations in one season. Some cultivars yielded consistently high across locations and seasons, while others yielded differently. The analysis also showed that soil type, sowing time, and cropping season weather affected cultivar yield performance. The study emphasizes the importance of choosing wheat cultivars that suit rainfed conditions and sowing time. RCBD design and three replications were used in this experiment. Different parameters were collected such as days to heading, days to maturity, number of tillers, no. of spikelet per spike, plant height, germination percentage, yield g/plot, and disease rust data in rainfed conditions. Randomized Complete Block design and LSD test were used for this experiment. Total 25 wheat genotypes were sown under rainfed conditions. 10 varieties perform better production under rainfed conditions. These varieties like Barani-17, Ehsan-16, Fakhar e Bhakkar, Bhakkar Star and Zincol, Akbar-19, Ujala-16, Inqlab-91, Anaj-17, Attock-19, and Ghazi-19 show better perform under rainfed condition. The findings can help wheat growers, seed companies, and policymakers choose the best rainfed wheat cultivars to boost wheat yields and food security.