Comparative Assessment of Growth Parameters in Two Local Wheat Cultivars (Bhouth 22 and IBA 99) Under Water Stress Conditions in Basrah, Iraq

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Plant Production Engineering and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

2 Department of Soil Sciences and Water Resources, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital global food source, increasingly threatened by climate change, particularly drought conditions that adversely affect key growth parameters, including plant height, branch number, and grain weight. This study aims to assess the growth performance of two local wheat cultivars, Bhouth 22 and IBA 99, under drought stress conditions in Basrah, Iraq. Conducted over an area of 0.25 hectares, the research evaluates key metrics including plant count, branch and leaf numbers, and weight of 1000 grains. Results indicate that IBA 99 exhibits a higher yield per hectare, averaging 4.21 tons under 3-day irrigation compared to 4.09 tons under 6-day irrigation. In contrast, Bhouth 22 shows an average production of 5.21 tons under 6-day irrigation, demonstrating its potential for higher productivity in specific conditions. The weight of 1000 grains for IBA 99 averaged 51.02 grams under 3-day irrigation, while Bhouth 22 averaged 52.91 grams under 6-day irrigation, indicating superior grain quality. Statistical analysis reveals significant differences in growth responses, particularly in grain weight and production metrics, with P-values below 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Additionally, drought conditions resulted in decreased tillering and leaf area, which negatively impacted photosynthetic capacity and overall growth. The findings underscore the importance of developing drought-resistant wheat varieties to enhance agricultural resilience and ensure food security amid escalating climate challenges. This research contributes valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at improving wheat productivity in water-limited environments, essential for sustaining global food supplies.

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References

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