Development and validation of a new wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety - Raj 4037 to sustain maximum production in peninsular zone of India

Abstract

High temperature stress is a significant factor in reducing yield and. quality of wheat in India [1]. High temperature stress during the grain filling period is a major constraint to wheat production in the country. An abrupt shoot up in temperature (3-6°C) in the month of March, 2004 in every part of the wheat growing area played a crucial role in adversely affecting the overall production to a great extent. Consequently about 4 million metric tones of wheat production is estimated to have been lost during 2003-04. Fischer and Maurer [2] demonstrated that 1°C rise in temperature above ambient during the period between the end of tillering and the beginning of grain filling, reduces grain yield by 4 per cent. Wiegand and Cuellar [3] found significant yield loss in wheat when average temperatures during the grain filling period were over 15°C.