Performance of High-Tillering Hybrid Wheat under Climate Stress Conditions in Semi-Arid Environments

Amanullah Maree; Shah Nawaz  Mari; Mashoque Ali Laghari; Saba Muneer; Attaullah; Muhammad Jamshaid; Amar; Sohail Ahmed

Performance of High-Tillering Hybrid Wheat under Climate Stress Conditions in Semi-Arid Environments

Authors

Amanullah Maree Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
Shah Nawaz Mari Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
Mashoque Ali Laghari Barley and Wheat Research Institute, Tandojam, Wheat Research Centre, Sakrand, Sindh. Pakistan
Saba Muneer Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics Faculty of Crop Production Sindh Agriculture University TandoJam , Pakistan
Attaullah Department of Agronomy Faculty of Crop Production Sindh Agriculture University TandoJam , Pakistan
Muhammad Jamshaid Department of Plant Breeding and genetics Faculty of Crop Production Sindh Agriculture University TandoJam, Pakistan
Amar Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Crop Production, Sindh Agriculture University, TandoJam, Pakistan
Sohail Ahmed Department of Soil Science, Sindh Agriculture University Sub-Campus Umerkot, Sindh, Pakistan

Keywords:

Wheat hybrids; , Tillering; , Weed flora; , Herbicide efficacy; , Seed purification; , Genetic purity; , Integrated weed management;

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity in Pakistan remains constrained by climatic stress, weed pressure, suboptimal seed quality, and stagnating genetic gains. This study evaluated the performance of high-tillering wheat hybrids under climate-challenged conditions while simultaneously assessing weed flora composition, herbicide efficacy, and seed purification strategies in Sindh, Pakistan. Four experimental hybrids (H-101, H-104, H-110, and H-112) were compared with a commercial check (TJ-83) using a randomised complete block design across the rabi season. Key agronomic traits, including tillering capacity, yield components, grain yield, and harvest index, were recorded. Weed surveys identified dominant species and quantified weed pressure, while commonly used herbicides were evaluated for weed control efficiency and yield response. Seed purification was conducted across breeder nucleus, pre-basic, basic, and certified seed generations to assess genetic purity. Significant variation was observed among hybrids, with H-101 exhibiting superior tillering and grain yield compared with the check variety. Weed flora was dominated by Phalaris minor and Avena fatua, accounting for over 70% of total weed density. Herbicide application significantly reduced weed pressure, with clodinafop-propargyl showing the highest weed control efficiency; however, reliance on single modes of action raises concerns about resistance development. Seed purification improved genetic purity to 99.8% at the certified seed stage, meeting international standards. The findings demonstrate that hybrid wheat, when supported by integrated weed management and robust seed systems, can contribute substantially to closing yield gaps under climate stress.

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Performance of High-Tillering Hybrid Wheat under Climate Stress Conditions in Semi-Arid Environments