Phenotyping for testing drought tolerance on wheat varieties of different origins

Abiotic stresses are among the most limiting factors in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production worldwide. Climate change enhances the importance of drought stress in Hungary also, like in other wheat growing regions of the world. In this study, results of a glasshouse drought phenotyping of twenty-nine wheat varieties are presented. The drought tolerant “Plainsman V.” and the sensitive “Cappelle Desprez” were set up as control varieties under well-watered and drought stress circumstances. The following phenotypic traits were collected in the experiment, heading time, plant height, aboveground biomass, grain yield, TSW, root dry mass, HI and STI were calculated. In this study, 59.41-100% decrease in grain yield of individual plants was found under drought stress treatment. Also, varieties with increased HI under drought were found. Positive correlation between yield depression and TSW and seed number/spike was detected. Varieties with higher root dry mass headed later. The study selected three varieties with high grain yields under drought stressed conditions.