Patterns of trait associations in various wheat populations under different growth environments

Abstract

Five wheat populations were investigated for two years to explore the pattern of trait associations and their contribution to grain yield. The correlation pattern between two traits and their association with grain yield was similar in CIMMYT and Pakistani germplasm. Indian germplasm had different pattern of trait association from those of CIMMYT and Pakistani germplasm. The number of kernels per plant, number of spikes per plant, spike length and spike dry weight were the major yield contributing traits in CIMMYT, Pakistani and ICARDA genotypes. In Indian and miscellaneous genotypes, the number of kernels per plant and number of spikes per plant were the only traits with a positive effect on grain yield. Furthermore, three traits, the number of kernels per plant, the number of spikes per plant and the spike dry weight appeared to have positive effect on grain yield and other major yield traits. Spike density had a negative effect on grain yield in CIMMYT germplasm in dry season. Chlorophyll contents showed no correlation with grain yield in all populations.

Key words: Pakistani, CIMMYT, genotypes, wheat, ICARDA, populations.