Genetic Characterization of Wheat Under Water Stress

Water stress is one of the most significant factors among abiotic stresses that limit performance growth and productivity of crops. Among local hexaploid wheat, Rawal-87 performed well and also indicated lower SSI, TOL and MP values and higher value of YSI under all water stresses and can be considered as a tolerant variety. Bread wheat advanced lines CIM-47 and CIM-50 were the most tolerant genotypes against water stress and also showed lowest SSI,TOL and MP with high YSI values. It may therefore, be concluded that these genotypes have the potential of stress tolerance. Considering the biochemical parameters, minimum MDA contents with higher POD activity has been found in Rawal-87, Chakwal-86 and Pak-81 when stress was imposed at different irrigation levels. CIM-47, CIM-49 and NR-234 showed minimum levels of MDA with increased POD activity under different stress conditions and are considered as tolerant genotypes. Higher sugar contents have been noticed in genotypes CIM-47, CIM-51, NR-234, NR-241 and NR-264. These results led to conclude that higher reducing sugar content in tolerant genotype could be use as a distinguishing parameter.