Growth and yield response of wheat genotypes to rain-fed and irrigated conditions

Abstract

The present study evaluates the growth and yield response of four wheat genotypes (RR 21, SY 225, PBW 550, PBW 292) under rain-fed and irrigated conditions. Conducted at Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, the experiment measured plant height, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), and yield attributes. Results indicated significant improvements in plant height, dry weight, CGR, RGR, and the number of tillers per plant under irrigated conditions compared to rain-fed conditions. The highest grain yield was recorded in the PBW 550 genotype under irrigated conditions (38.70 t/ha), which also had superior test weight, stover yield, and harvest index. Rain-fed conditions resulted in lower plant height, tillering, and grain yield. The findings suggest that irrigation significantly enhances wheat growth and yield, with PBW 550 being the most suitable variety for the region. However, the interaction between growing conditions and varieties was found to be non-significant, indicating a need for further research.