The study evaluates twelve spring wheat genotypes for water use efficiency (WUE) under varying water regimes in Zambia, identifying genotypes such as Sahai I and Loerie II with the highest WUE and grain yield. The research demonstrates significant genetic variation in traits like harvest index and thousand kernel weight, which influence WUE, making them valuable for breeding programs aimed at improving drought resistance. The findings suggest that adopting water-efficient wheat varieties could enhance production amidst increasing irrigation costs and water scarcity.

1. Evaluation of Twelve Spring Wheat Genotypes for Water Use Efficiency
Sakumona Mushekwa, Lungu M. Davies & Munyinda Kalaluka*
SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, PLANT SCIENCE DEPT, UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
*Plant Science Department, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Zambia, Box 32379, Lusaka 10101,Zambia.
ABSTRACT MATERIALS AND METHODS 7,000 DISCUSSION
Routine evaluation of wheat genotypes and lines for WUE
Wheat production in Zambia is done during dry season Field study involved twelve wheat Genotypes already on
6,000
has always been found linked to traits and variation in
while the ability to provide water plays a key role in
Grain Yield (Kg/ Ha)
the market comprising of two rain-fed and ten irrigated genotypes [2,4,6,7]. This is in agreement with the results of
production. The cost of water supply either by centre pivot 5,000
. varieties; Nduna, Sahai I, Sekuru and Shine (supplied by
. this study. The current study provides evidence that some
or sprinklers severely limits production and yield. The SEED-CO),VW I & VW II (supplied by University of cultivated genotypes have high WUE and grain yield in low
4,000
present study was carried in 2011 dry season to evaluate Zambia), Coucal, Mampolyo & Nseba (supplied by ZARI) water regimes. Sahai I, Lorie II and Mampolyo gave the
wheat genotypes for water use efficiency and identify and Choza, Loerie II & Pungwa (supplied by ZAMSEED). 3,000 highest WUE and grain yield in low water application rate.
wheat morphological traits that can be used for low water Sahai I and Coucal were the rain-fed while the others were These results agree with findings of other researchers
application breeding programme. Twelve spring wheat irrigated varieties. Water was supplied through irrigation in 2,000 [4,6,7]. Harvest index and thousand kernel weight were
genotypes were grown in three different water regimes the growing season basing on crop requirement as 100%, identified as traits explaining most variation of WUE under
basing on crop water requirements (100%, 75% and 75% and 50%. Water was applied using sprinkler attached 1,000 low water supply and therefore would deserve better
50%). Grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE), spike to flow meter (Fig 1). To prevent water drift in the attention in developing better genotypes for water stress
length, above ground biomass, plant height, thousand neighbouring water basin, a 2m plastic sheet (Fig 2) was
0
environment as they are influenced by major effects of
kernel weight, grains per spike, harvest index and spikelet raised to enclose each basin during irrigation. WUE was additive gene action [2]. Due to the high genetic heritability
per spike were assessed and analysed. The results calculated as ratio of the grain yield to total water applied in and advances [2,3] of these traits, they can be used in low
revealed that there were highly significant differences mm [4]. Data was analysed using GENSTAT 13th Edition SPRING WHEAT GENOTYPES water wheat breeding programmes.
among the twelve genotypes for grain yield, and SPSS 16.0
morphological traits and WUE. Harvest index and Fig 3: Grain Yield of Genotypes in 50% water regime CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
thousand kernel weight were identified as the most
important traits that explained variation in WUE and could
30 The results of this study have shown that Sahai I a rain-fed
be used by wheat breeders to select for WUE under low
genotype and Loerie II an irrigated genotype had the highest
water supply. Genotypes such as Sahai I and Loerie II 25 yield stability and highest water utilisation efficiency than the
which showed superior WUE could also be used as
WUE (Kg/Ha/mm)
others as their yield reduction under stress conditions were
parental material. 20
very low. This suggests that deliberate selection using them
as parental material while targeting thousand kernel weight
Key words: Grain yield, Yield component, Genotypes, 15
and harvest index which explained most of the variations
Water Regime, Water use efficiency
10 could lead to development of appropriate varieties which
INTRODUCTION Fig 1: Water flow meter Fig 2: Plastic enclosure
5 k could give higher grain yields in reduced water application
rates. Such varieties could contribute to higher wheat
production if adopted by many farmers.
-
The major challenge of increasing wheat production in
RESULTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Zambia is increasing land under wheat production among
The results revealed statistical significant differences among
farmers. High cost of irrigation attributes to low production SPRING WHEAT GENOTYPES The authors are indebted to the National Irrigation Research Station – Nanga
genotypes (Fig 3). Sahai I and Loerie II gave the highest
as yields depended on availability of water[5] which management and staffs especially Mr. Mingochi D, Mr. Mwiinga A, and Mr. A.
grain yield of 6,086 kg ha-1 and 5,351 kg ha-1 respectively and Simankanda for the provision of site, irrigation water and technical support during trial
contribute 44% of total variable cost among the Zambian Fig 4: Water Use efficiency of Genotypes in 50% water regime management till its completion. We are also grateful to Kashano Beatrice for funding
highest WUE of 24 kg /ha mm-1 and 21 kg/ha mm-1
commercial farmers [1]. Previous studies have revealed the research. Thanks to the Greenbelt fertilisers, ZARI, SEED-CO, ZAMSEED and
respectively while the Choza and Nduna had the lowest grain UNZA for their support of the study.
high genetic variations for morphological traits in
yield of below 3, 000 kg ha-1 and WUE of 12 kg/ha mm-1 in
cultivated wheat genotypes in relation to their water use BIBLIOGRAPHY
50% water regimes (Fig 4). Across water regimes Mampolyo
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(R² = 60.9%) in WUE among genotypes.
used in breeding for low water application. length, GS: Number of grains/spike, HI: Harvest index,
WUE: Water use efficiency and PHT: Plant height.