Evaluation of Grain Yield, Agronomical Traits and Drought Tolerance Indices in Some Bread Wheat Cultivars

In order to study genetic variation and effect of drought stress on grain yield, some agronomical traits and 13 drought tolerance indices, an experiment was conducted on nine cultivars at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman research field. The experimental layout was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications under two complementary irrigation and dryland conditions. Results indicated that cultivars and environment treatments significantly affect the yield and the most of the other evaluated traits. Significant reduction was found in grain yield, flag leaf area and seed weight as a result of the drought. According to the results of drought indices and cultivars distribution in biplot, STS, YI, HARM, STI, MP and GMP are the most suitable indices. According to these results, Mahdavi, Kavir and Roushan are tolerant drought cultivars. Therefore, these cultivars can be introduced as a right candidate for the next breeding programs.