Morpho-physiological characterization of wheat cultivars adapted to different water availability regimes

Morpho-physiological traits and root shoot traits based characterization of set of 14 released cultivars with the objective of evaluating component traits imparting drought tolerance and combining these into common genetic background through crossing. These cultivars were evaluated in evaluated in irrigated and rainfed conditions at two sites. GGE biplot analysis revealed that the two environments (irrigated and rainfed) within sites differed in both sites. Cultivars WH-1105 and PBW-644 emerged as best genotypes exhibiting stability and adaptability. HD 3086 showed directional adaptation for irrigated environment. Bidirectional adaptation pattern of genotype released for irrigated environment (WH 1105, HD 2967 and PBW621) to both environments was exhibited. Grain yield showed significant positive correlation with root/shoot ratio (0.544). Root shoot traits served as good add on for characterizing germplasm for moisture stress and water use efficiency.