Agronomic strategies to mitigate abiotic stresses in tropical rainfed wheat

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop yield and performance are strongly influenced by abiotic stresses, particularly water deficit. This study evaluated the performance of wheat cultivars under different sowing dates and plant densities in rainfed conditions. Field experiments were conducted during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons, using a randomized complete block design, with three replications. The treatments followed a factorial arrangement consisting of four cultivars, three sowing dates, and three plant populations. Agronomic and agrometeorological variables were monitored throughout the crop cycle. The plant density did not significantly affect grain yield, with no benefits observed from increasing seeding rates. The cultivars performance varied across sowing dates, with distinct genotypes performing better under early or normal sowing conditions. The normal sowing period was identified as the most suitable window, based on prevailing climatic patterns. The integration of agronomic and agroclimatic data indicated that late sowing substantially increases the risk of yield loss due to water limitations.

KEYWORDS: Triticum aestivum L., climatic variables, water deficit.