Yield and quality parameters of wheat genotypes as affected by sowing dates and high temperature stress

Twelve wheat genotypes bred at this Institute were assessed for yield and quality parameters at two levels of sowing dates i.e., normal (18th November) and late sowing (11th December). The normal temperature persisted from December to February after which there was consistent rise in the temperature with heat shocks of 35 degrees C in the end of March. With delayed planting, the development of plant organs and transfer from source to sink were remarkably affected, which was reflected by overall shortening of plant height, reduction in number of internodes, days to heading, days to maturity and grain filling period and ultimately in the reduction of yield and yield components. The protein content of the genotypes was higher in late condition, possibly due to low grain weight. Genotypic responses were almost similar and in the same direction, however, the intensity varied.