Author: R. H. Skinner

Publisher:

Published: 1983

Total Pages: 51

ISBN-13:

Five varieties and three breeding lines of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were compared for drought resistance at the seedling stage. Emergence under a greenhouse line-source sprinkler system was compared with germination in PEG 6000 and mannitol solutions as well as with seed weight and the ability to emerge from deep planting. No significant correlation existed between line-source emergence and germination in PGE or mannitol, emergence from deep planting or seed weight. Within varieties, light seeds (average 50 seed weight 1.313 g) germinated better under moisture stress than heavier ones (average 50 seed weight = 1.991 g) but there was no significant correlation between seed weight and germination among varieties. Seedling maturation rates were measured using the Haun index while total dry weight was used to indicate productivity. Shoot weight, root weight, root/shoot ratio, leaf water potencial and plant height were compared with productivity and maturation rate. None were found to be correlated with the index. Plant height, shoot weight and root weight were all significantly correlated with total dry weight. Plant height is suggested as a convenient, nondestructive indicator of total plant productivity. No correlation was found to exist between emergence under drought conditions and the ability of seedlings to grow under moisture stress. What little relationship existed between the two was generally negative, making incorporation of drought resistance at both stages into one variety difficult.