YIELD ATTRIBUTES AND YELLOW RUST RESISTANCE IN PAKISTANI WHEAT CULTIVARS EVALUATED IN DERA ISMAIL KHAN

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a globally important staple crop and a cornerstone of food security, providing a major source of calories and nutrition for the growing human population. The development and adoption of semi-dwarf and high-yielding wheat varieties have substantially increased production potential; however, evolving climatic challenges necessitate the identification and development of cultivars with improved tolerance to diseases, heat, and drought stresses.

This study aimed to evaluate elite Pakistani wheat cultivars for yield-associated traits and resistance to yellow rust under the agro-climatic conditions of Dera Ismail Khan. A total of 26 cultivars were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were recorded for days to 50% heading, plant height, spike length, 1000-grain weight (1000GW), and yellow rust response, followed by statistical analysis using the R statistical package.

Significant variation was observed among cultivars for all evaluated traits. AZRC Dera exhibited the earliest heading time (104 days), while Gulzar-19 recorded the shortest plant height (68 cm) and Peer Sabaq-19 the greatest height (100 cm). Spike length varied from 8.8 cm in Faisalabad-2008 to 15 cm in NIFA Lalma-13. The maximum 1000GW was recorded in ARI-RK2022 (65 g), whereas the minimum value was observed in the rust-susceptible cultivar Faisalabad Punjab (40 g). Based on yellow rust response assessment, AZRC Dera, Khaista, Wadan, Akbar-19, Shahkar, and Gulzar-19 were categorized as highly resistant (HR). Hashim-08, Shahid-17, Fakhr-e-Bahakkar, and Tarnab Gandam showed moderate resistance (MR), while Shalimar-88 was classified as moderately susceptible (MS). Faisalabad Punjab, Faisalabad-2008, and Punjab-1 were identified as highly susceptible (HS) cultivars.

Overall, AZRC Dera, ARI-RK2022, and NIFA Lalma-13 demonstrated superior agronomic performance and disease resilience, making them promising candidates for cultivation and future wheat improvement programs under the agro-climatic conditions of Dera Ismail Khan