Evaluation of Wheat Lines in Semi-Arid Areas for Drought Tolerance under Rainfed Conditions

Abstract

A study was conducted with the objective of screening for drought tolerance, testing the yield potential and stability of the introduced lines, comparing the lines with the check varieties recommended for the marginal environments and assessing G x E interaction of these introduced lines. In a yield trial eighteen introduced lines and two checks were evaluated at Katumani for two seasons, Elementaita and Lanet beef research station. Randomised complete block design (RCBD) was used and the plot size was 4 rows of 4 metres and the rows were spaced at 20 cm. 190 lines were also evaluated as a Semi Arid Wheat Screening Nursery (SAWSN). Nursery plot comprised of two one metre long rows, which were 20 cm apart. Grain yield, tillers per plant, spikelets per spike, plant height, number of days to maturity and number of days to heading, harvest index, kernel weight and above ground biomass were measured. Stability analysis was also determined using regression methods. Correlation among variables was performed in specific environments and when environments were combined. Genotype by Location interaction effects were highly significant with spikelets per spike and harvest index showing significance at P < 0.05. Ear length showed a non significant G x E interaction. Plant height, above ground biomass, Kemel weight, spikelets per spike were highly correlated with yield. (r = O.565**, O.795**, O.727** and 0.704** respectively). Days to heading and days to physiological maturity showed a negative correlation with yield. The traits that were stable for most genotypes were tillers per plant, spikelets per spike and days to maturity, Whereas plant height and above ground biomass were unstable. Entry number 7, 8, 9, 14, 17 and 18 had broad adaptation. Entries number 7, 8, 9,11 and 18 had good performance among the introduced lines and even out yielded the check varieties. Genotypes varied in their stability. Entry number 10,11 and 15 showed better stability although their yields were low.