Irrigation scheduling and soil moisture use on growth and yield of late sown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties

Abstract

The present investigation was intended to determine the growth , yield capacity and soil moisture use of different late sown varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different irrigation schedules. is the present study was undertaken with an objective to evaluate the varietal performance under less moisture availability. To fulfil the aim the field experiment was conducted during winter (Rabi) season of 2019-20 with the combination of three irrigation schedules as main plot, and five late sown wheat varieties as sub plot factor, with three replication. Significant impact of three irrigations on crop growth, yield and total soil moisture use was observed over two and one irrigation schedule. Among varieties, WR-544 reported superior growth and yield attributes, where the grain yield was 11.5–15.0% more over MACS-6222, HS-562 and HD-3086, and was at par with HI-1544. Better establishment and tillering capacity of the varieties HI-1544 and WR-544 resulted in efficient moisture utilisation starting from CRI to harvest stage compared to the variety MACS-6222. Irrigation scheduling at the critical moisture stages resulted in efficient soil moisture use by the late-sown varieties HI-1544, WR-544, HS-562 and HD-3086.