Assessing the Impact of Drought Stress on Morpho-physiological Traits in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes in Jammu region

In many regions of the world, particularly in arid and semi-arid climates, drought is a frequent abiotic stress that significantly affects the productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). As a result, maintaining an adequate yield during drought has taken on importance, especially in light of ongoing environmental changes and an increasing worldwide population. The present study was carried out on three wheat genotypes in the acrylic pipe in the Division of Plant Physiology SKUAST, J. The acrylic pipe experiment was carried out simultaneously in the control and treated conditions. The stress was imposed by holding water irrigation for 10 days at the booting stage. Sampling was taken at the booting stage after the exposure to drought stress. Analysis of Plant height, No. of tillers, Fresh weight of stem, roots, and leaves, Dry weight of stem, roots, and leaves SPAD, Relative leaf water content (%) and Relative stress injury (%)were recorded. The result showed that drought stress induced at the booting stage declined the Plant height, No. of tillers, Fresh weight, Dry weight, SPAD, and Relative leaf water content (%)in stress conditions. It was concluded that the PBW644 variety was tolerant followed by WH1080 and the PBW175 variety was susceptible to drought stress. This study implies that in wheat genotypes, drought stress has a significant impact on morphological and physiological processes that regulate plant growth and yield production. In drought-prone areas, this research has the potential to significantly increase wheat productivity, and in the face of climate change, it can improve food security.