Root characteristics and performance of different wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes under restricted irrigations in alluvial soil

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2010–11 and 2011–12 at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to evaluate performance of different cultivars of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] under restricted irrigations on alluvial soils. The treatments were 18 combinations of 3 irrigation levels (no irrigation, 1 irrigation and 2 irrigations) and 6 wheat genotypes (‘HI 1572’, ‘HI 1500’, ‘Lok 1’, ‘MP 3288’, ‘A 9-30-1’ and ‘HI 8627’). A significant increase was observed in chlorophyll content index, root-development parameters (length, volume and diameter), yield attributes and grain yield in all the varieties with first irrigation. The increase in these characters owing to second irrigation was also significant, but the magnitude was relatively low. Among the different genotypes, ‘HI 1572’ responded more to irrigation than the others and it was closely followed by ‘MP 3288’. Significant decrease in the water-use efficiency was recorded with the increase in water application and highest wateruse efficiency was recorded in variety ‘HI 1572’, which was closely followed by ‘MP 3288’.