Growth and yield response of wheat genotypes to rainfed condition of Assam

Non-availability of well adapted genotypes for rainfed situation of Assam is the major factor contributing to poor productivity of wheat in Assam. This crop is raised with residual moisture left behind by the previous winter rice, because of which the crop faces terminal moisture deficit especially during the pre-anthesis period right from seed germination stage, affecting badly the various physiological processes resulting in lower yield realization. In order to address this crucial production problem, a study was undertaken with seven genotypes of wheat namely Sonalika, HDR-77, PBW-343, PBW-154, Raj-3077, C-306 and K-8027 under rainfed situation during the normal crop season to evaluate their growth and yield performance. The genotypes C-306 followed by PBW-343 were found to be the highest biomass producers at various stages of plant growth. These two genotypes accumulated higher vegetative dry matter, recorded longest root length, higher root surface area and root to shoot ratio at maximum tillering and ear emergence stages, and higher leaf area duration after anthesis, soluble protein content in flag leaf, total plant dry matter, number of effective tillers and grain growth rate.