Selection of Wheat Genotype(S) for Drought Stress Based on Physiological Traits

Abstract

Wheat, the world’s third important cereal, is cultivated in Pakistan both in irrigated and rainfed areas. One of the major constraints of wheat production in rainfed area is drought that needs to be addressed. Although many genotypes were released that were tolerant to drought stress by improving various physiological traits but there is a need to lessen the effects of drought to boost wheat productivity. The present study was designed to identify genotype(s) suitable under drought stress by analyzing various physiological traits such as relative water content, cell membrane stability, proline content and chlorophyll content under drought stress. The research material consisted of sixteen different wheat genotypes. The experiment was planted during winter 2013-14 following RCBD with three replications. Drought stress was induced by withholding water during heading and anthesis stages. High heritability, observed for relative water content, proline content and cell membrane stability, indicated that selection would be effective for these traits as they are heritable to next generation. Correlation analysis revealed that cell membrane stability and proline content were negatively correlated with relative water content while proline content was positively correlated with cell membrane stability. Yield was only positively correlated with chlorophyll content. Among tested wheat genotypes, Maxi-Pak, Chakwal 50 and WC 20 were identified as potential varieties that can be used in future wheat breeding programme for rainfed conditions.