Early generation selection for yield and he,at tolerance in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Thirteen families (F2 crosses) each with 5 progenies were grown in compact family block design with three replications in two environments normal sowing (E1) and very late sowing (E2) environments at Udaipur. Data recorded for grain yield, its twelve component traits and seven heat tolerant parameters were analysed to identify superior crosses and their progenies for yield and heat tolerance so as to exploit these for getting desirable sergeants in advanced generations. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the families for grain yield and all other traits in both the environments. However, the variations among the progenies within a family varied from character to character and environment to environment. In normal sowing environment, C12 family was the best among the eight families depicting significantly higher grain yield than the standard check. While in E2 late sown environment, C1 could be considered as one of the best family for yield and other attribUtes. Of heat tolerance traits, the family C6 proved its worthiness. Based on the per se performance and estimation of variability parameters, C12P2' C11P5 and C13P5 were most promising progenies for normal conditions, while C1P3, C1P1, C6P4, CSP1 and C4P5 were promising for very late sown conditions. Selection from these families in advanced generations could provide desirable segregants for /ligh yield and heat tolerance.