Evaluation of wheat germplasm for drought tolerance using morpho-physiological approaches

The main constraint to wheat production around the world is drought stress which is the most serious problem to the agriculture of Pakistan. The present study was planned for the evaluation of wheat genotypes for drought using morphological parameters and proline accumulation as selection criteria for drought tolerance. Fifty-two wheat genotypes were evaluated under stress conditions. The experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Analysis of variance exposed significant dissimilarity for every trait. The genotypes 10835, 10832, 11881, and 11863 outperformed for most of the yield-associated traits under stress conditions. Proline contents were found more in drought stress than stress-free plants. 11878 genotype have the highest proline content (376.505) followed by 10835(276.242) which is a drought-resistant variety. The genotypes 10835, 10832, 11881, 11863, 11878, Saleem-2000, and Suleman-96 are recommended for incorporation in a breeding program for drought conditions and improved varietal development.