Delineation of tolerance some wheat genotypes under severe water deficit via multi-trait selection index MTSI

Darwish, Mohamed A. H.; Ghanem, Wael M. A.; Khedr, Rania A.; Shahein, Alaa M. E. A.; Elsayed, Mona I. E.; Hussein, Eman M.A.

doi:10.21608/ejar.2025.421057.1726

Delineation of tolerance some wheat genotypes under severe water deficit via multi-trait selection index MTSI

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Wheat Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt.

² Crops Physiology Res. Department, Field Crops Res. Inst.., Agricultural Research Center, Egypt.

³ Seed Technology Res. Department, Field Crops Res. Inst., Agricultural Research Center, Egypt

⁴ Central Laboratory for Design and Statistical Analysis Research, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt.

10.21608/ejar.2025.421057.1726

Abstract

The present study was conducted at Sakha Agricultural Research Station to investigate the effects of severe water deficit on grain yield of 16 wheat genotypes during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 growing seasons. Changes in agronomic and physiological characteristics have resulted in a decline in grain yield from 23.1 to 9.7 (ardb/fad), representing an average decrease of 57.3% under severe water shortage. The Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) is used as a modern, powerful tool selection index for superior genotypes in severe water deficit. Based on the low values of stability Index (MTSI) at a selection intensity of 25 %, four wheat genotypes were selected, and at a selection intensity of 50%, eight wheat genotypes were selected. According to the findings of this study, we recommend lines 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, and 12 to be cultivated in regions experiencing water scarcity, as these lines achieve high grain yields with minimal irrigation water. The identified genotypes demonstrated high reliability, significant yield potential, and early maturity, making them strong candidates for variety and hybrid development, as well as ideotype breeding programs aimed at ensuring food and nutritional security. These genotypes should be included in breeding programs focused on improving wheat tolerance to water deficits by enhancing the performance and stability of agronomic, physiological, and grain quality traits across various environments.

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