MORPHO-GENETIC INSIGHTS IN BREAD WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) TO COMBAT PECULIAR WATER STRESS CONDITIONS

The present research was undertaken to estimate the yield traits genetics of wheat in normal and water stress conditions. Six lines and three testers were crossed according to line x tester mating fashion to develop eighteen crosses. Results depicted that variances due to genotypes and crosses were significant for all studied traits in both conditions. Significant differences between lines were witnessed for Plant height (cm), grains spike(-1) and biological yield plant(-1) under normal but significant for grains spike(-1) under water stress condition. Chakwal 86 possessed the highest general combining ability for number of tillers plant(-1), biological yield plant(-1) and grain yield plant(-1) in both conditions. Similarly, in both conditions, the best specific cross combinations were B 215 B 1103 x Galaxy 2013 and GA 2002 x 2511. Gene action was studied to evaluate the nature for inheritance of evaluated traits. All the observed traits reflected non-additive type of gene action except grains spike(-1) under both conditions. High heritability (H-2) under both conditions was witnessed for plant height, flag leaf area, tillers plant(-1), grains spike(-1) and biological yield plant(-1). The genotypes Chakwal 86, Galaxy 2013 and crosses B 215 B 1103 x Galaxy 2013 and GA 2002 x 2511 can be used in future for developing high yielding wheat varieties under water stress conditions.