Effect of moisture regimes and genotypes on biomass accumulation, radiation interception and its use in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during 1994-95 and 1995-96 to study the effect of moisture regimes and
genotypes on biomass accumulation, radiation interception and radiation-use efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestlvum L.
emend Fiori & Paol.) at Faizabad. Moisture regime 1₄ (CRI + late tillering+fowering + milking) being at par with I₃ (CRI + latejointing + milking) recorded significantly higher leaf area index at 75-105 day after sowing over I₁ (CRI) and I₂ (CRI + flowering). Significantly higher biomass, absorbed photosynthetically active radiation and radiation-use efficiency
were recorded with 1₄ moisture regime over those of l₃ 1₂ and I₁. However, difference between I₂ and I₃ moisture regimes was not perceptible in respect of biomass accumulation. Among the genotypes tested, 'HD 2285' wheat being at par with 'HP 1633' recorded significantly higher leaf area index than 'HUW 234' from 75-90 days after sowing during both the years. 'HP 1633' and 'HUW 234' were found identical in respect of leaf area index at most oftne crop stages. 'HD 2285' recorded significantly higher biomass (831.1 and 949.5 g/m²), absorbed photosynthetical active radiation (412.1 and 522.9 MJ) and radiation-use efficiency (1.69 and 1.48 g/MJ) over 'HP 1633' during both the years.