Evaluation of the Tolerance Ability of Wheat Genotypes to Drought Stress: Dissection through Culm-Reserves Contribution and Grain Filling Physiology

Drought stress is one of the limiting factors for grain filling and yield in wheat. The determinants individual weight depend on current assimilation extent remobilization culm reserves to grains. A pot experiment was conducted with eight wheat cultivars at Pot House study contributions culm, including sheath under drought stress. enforced by restricting irrigation during grain-filling period. plants (tillers) were harvested anthesis, milk-ripe, maturity. changes dry weights leaves, sheath, spikes, grains; contribution determined. Results revealed that considerably decreased duration 15–24% 11–34%. Further, drought-induced early leaf senescence reduced total matter production indicate minimum yield. reserves, water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs), accumulation WSCs reached peak milk ripe stage control, varied from 28.6 84 mg culm?1 significantly range 14.9 40.6 stressed plants. residual control 1.23 8.12 1.00 3.40 g?1 mass, respectively. BARI Gom 24 exhibited a higher drought, while lowest found Kanchan. Considering their along other studied traits, showed greater tolerance potential grow water deficit conditions comparison cultivars.