DETERMINATION OF CHARACTERS FOR YIELD SELECTION IN SPRING WHEAT

Abstract

A 2-yr study of 22 cultivars of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) showed that yield per ear and number of ears per plant reduced yield variance the most in stepwise regression analysis. These two components of yield were negatively correlated. Harvest index, kernels per ear, and yield per ear were associated with plot yield. Kernels per ear and kernel weight were associated with yield per ear. Morphological characters influenced plot yield indirectly in that ear area, flag leaf width, and total photosynthetic area above the flag leaf node were associated with yield per ear. Ears per plant, yield per ear, and harvest index considered together in a selection program should be an effective means of selecting for increased yield.