Comparative Study of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes in Irrigated and Rainfed Conditions

Abstract

Wheat is 3rd major cereal crop of Nepal in terms of production and productivity, however, in a significant area wheat is still grown under rainfed conditions. There are very less wheat varieties particularly released for rainfed environments, indicating a very poor varietal choice for the farmers. This study aims to compare the performance of selected wheat genotypes under irrigated and rainfed conditions of the western terai region of Nepal to identify suitable genotypes for low moisture stress conditions. The experiment was conducted comprising 24 wheat genotypes including check varieties (Gautam, RR21, and Bhrikuti) in Alpha Lattice design with two replications at the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Lumbini Province, Khajura, Banke in 2021/22. The set of genotypes was evaluated simultaneously under rainfed and irrigated environments in an open field condition. In a rainfed environment, NL 1446 produced the maximum grain yield of 3488 kg ha-1, followed by NL 1437 (3357 kg ha-1). The highest grain yield under irrigation was obtained from NL 1503, which produced 4273 kg ha-1, followed by NL 1437 (4242 kg ha-1). Regarding grain yield, NL 1437 was observed to be a better genotype under both circumstances. NL 1437 produced an average grain yield of 3799 kg ha-1 after integrated analysis. According to the study, NL 1503 is the best genotype to be used, provided timely irrigation is guaranteed; otherwise, NL 1446 and NL 1437 are the best alternatives. NL 1437 gave the highest mean grain yield in both rainfed and irrigated conditions, thus having greater potential for cultivation in water-stress environments. Likewise, the results from the study can be helpful in breeding programs and facilitate the development of drought-tolerant wheat varieties.