Correlation and heat susceptibility index analysis for terminal heat tolerance in bread wheat

Abstract

Six generations namely, P1, P2, F2, F3, BC1s and BC2s (2006-07) and P1, P2, F2, F3, BC1ss and BC2ss (2007-08) developed from four parental genotypes viz. DBW 14 (heat tolerant), NP 846 (heat and drought tolerant), WH 147 and Raj 4014 (heat susceptible for late sown). All the six generations from four crosses were evaluated during Rabi 2006-07 and Rabi 2007-08 in a compact family block design with three replications on two sowing dates. Heat susceptibility index values revealed reduction in grain yield in both the years for all the generations of the four crosses. Significant estimates of correlation of grain yield with days to heading, days to anthesis and days to maturity were recorded in late sown condition during first year. While under timely sown condition spike length has high estimate correlation with grain yield in first year itself. Significant estimated were recorded for tillers per plant in both the environments in second year. Lowest yield loss was reported in backcross populations of Cross I in both years and among segregating populations of Cross IV observed to be least affected and therefore suggested to be forwarded to further generations and further selection of heat tolerant genotypes.