Growth and yield performance of selected wheat varieties under water deficit conditions

Abstract

Effect of water deficit stress on growth and yield of three wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties, viz. BARI Gom 25, BARI Gom 26 and Sourav was studied. Water deficit lowered the light interception at anthesis in wheat. Under water deficit condition, the highest amount of PAR interception was recorded in BARI Gom 26. The reduction of leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) were less in BARI Gom 26. Water deficit conditions lowered the SPAD values in all the three wheat varieties. BARI Gom 26 showed less reduction, while BARI Gom 25 reflected the highest reduction in SPAD value under water deficit condition. Under water deficit condition the maximum number of spikelets/spike, 1000- grain weight and HI were recorded in BARI Gom 26 and the minimum in BARI Gom 25. Under both control and water deficit conditions BARI Gom 26 gave the highest grain yield, while the lowest grain yield was obtained from BARI Gom 25.Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 29(2): 163-172, December-2016