Genetic variation of stem characters in wheat and their relation to physiological characters and yield under drought

Stem characters such as stem solidness and stem carbohydrates (water soluble carbohydrates and non-structural carbohydrates estimated as fructan) play an important role in stabilizing grain yield in stressful environments. Ten wheat genotypes were screened for carbohydrate content (Water soluble sugars and fructan) in peduncle along with other stem parameters namely, stem solidness, grain growth rate and stem osmotic potential under irrigated and drought conditions. Data was analyzed for correlation among these parameters along with biomass and yield. The results of present study indicated that stress-tolerant genotype, RIL-S1–38 and WH 1235 accumulated higher fructan content in stem and contributed in grain growth rate, reduced osmotic potential and further imparted drought tolerance. Clear differences in stem solidness and fructan content exhibited lesser grain yield reduction under drought condition.