Genetic variability and trait associations in F2 wheat population under moisture stress conditions

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop, but its productivity is often limited by moisture stress inrainfed areas. This study evaluated genetic variability and trait associations in an F2 population of the cross HD 2888 ×UASBW 13039 under drought conditions. Significant variability was observed for agro-morphological and physiologicaltraits. Plant height, tillers per plant, peduncle length, and thousand grain weight showed high heritability with high geneticadvance, suggesting strong additive gene effects and good potential for selection. In contrast, days to 50% flowering, daysto maturity and SPAD chlorophyll content exhibited limited variability and greater environmental influence. Correlationanalysis revealed that tillers per plant, spike length and peduncle length were positively associated with yield, while plantheight was negatively correlated, favoring compact types under stress. SPAD values negatively correlated with days tomaturity, highlighting stay-green traits for drought escape. The study identifies key selection traits for breeding droughtresilientwheat and offers valuable guidance for climate-resilient crop improvement.