Genetic Evaluation of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes in Malwa Region of India

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the extent of genetic variability among sixty wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes, including two local checks (Lok-1 and Tejas), under timely sown conditions during the Rabi 2024–25 season. The experiment was conducted at the Demonstration-cum-Experimental Farm, Shri Vaishnav Institute of Agriculture, using a randomized block design with two replications. Data were recorded on important agronomic and physiological traits such as germination percentage, ground cover, days to heading, days to anthesis, days to maturity, plant height, spike length, grain yield, and 1000-grain weight. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for most of the studied traits, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability and scope for further selection. Several genotypes performed better than the standard checks, reflecting their adaptability and potential for yield improvement. In particular, genotypes such as NINGA #1 displayed superior grain yield along with desirable physiological traits, suggesting their potential utility in wheat improvement programs. The variation observed for key yield-related traits highlights the importance of exploiting both phenotypic and genetic diversity for the development of climate-resilient and high-yielding cultivars. The findings of this study emphasize the significance of evaluating wheat genotypes under timely sown conditions, which represent the optimal sowing window for maximizing productivity. Timely sowing not only ensures better crop establishment but also enhances stress avoidance and resource-use efficiency. The identification of stable and high-performing genotypes under these conditions is crucial for maintaining wheat production, especially in the context of rising temperatures and climate change. Overall, the results provide valuable insights for breeders, indicating that the identified promising genotypes can be effectively utilized in future breeding strategies aimed at improving yield potential, stability, and adaptability across diverse agro-climatic regions.