The effect of meteorological parameters on wheat yield was characterized from historical weather and wheat productivity in Ludhiana district. Analysis of 30 years (1970–71 to 1999–2000) data revealed that the rainfall during the reproductive phase played a significant role in final grain yield. The highest yields of 3454, 4176 and 5064 kg/ha in each decade were observed during crop seasons of 1978–79, 1987–88 and 1999–2000, respectively in first, second and third decade. Among all the years, 1999–2000 was the most congenial year for high yield. Below normal maximum and minimum temperatures, above normal sunshine hours and low rainfall (110 mm) during the crop season were recorded from December to March which proved favourable for wheat growth and development. Correlation coefficients between the grain yield and different meteorological parameters revealed poor consistency. Wheat yield prediction models based on step wise regression analysis were validated for
Correlation coefficients, Meteorological parameters, Wheat
