Productivity and energy use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes under different tillage options in rainfed ecosystem of middle Indo-Gangetic Plains

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 201314 and 201415 at Patna, Bihar, to as- sess the productivity of 5 promising genotypes K 9351, K 7903, HD 2967, DBW 14 and HI 1563 of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] under 2 tillage systems (no-till and conventional tillage). No-till (NT) resulted in grain yield on a par with conventional tillage (CT). Among the wheat genotypes, K 7903 gave signifi- cantly higher grain yield under both NT (3.4 t/ha) and CT (3.46 t/ha), followed by HD 2967 owing to better growth, yield attributes and physiological parameters than the other genotypes. Higher grain yields of K 7903 and HD 2967 under both tillage systems were directly correlated to their better leaf chlorophyll retention and maintenance of higher photosynthetic rate during grain-filling period. The maximum net income ( 19,687/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.71) were recorded with NT. Among wheat genotypes, K 7903 had significantly highest net income ( 26,759/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.92). Significantly higher energy ratio (8.43), energy profitability (6.0 MJ/kg) and energy-output efficiency (1015.6 MJ/ha/day) were recorded under NT than CT. Among the genotypes, K7903 was the most energy efficient than rest of the cultivars. Hence, growing of wheat genotypes K 7903 and HD 2967 under NT system proved better option in obtaining the maximum productivity, profitability and energy ef- ficiency in middle Indo-Gangetic Plains.