Growth and yield responses of some improved and land race wheat varieties under rainfed conditions

Six wheat cultivars. Comprising of three land races (Malvi local, A 206 and Pissi local) and their improved versons, (Meghdoot, A 9-30-1 and Hy-65) were compared for growth and yield parameter under rainfed condition. Improved varieties showed superiority over land races for kernel weight and number of grains per ear and registered better resistance to rust and other diseases. Generally, higher harvest index contributed to yield superiority. However yield differences between land race varieties and their improved counterparts were rather marginal.