Large-scale characterization and preliminary evaluation of wheat germplasm for tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses

In an unprecedented initiative, NBPGR, for the first time, has characterized and evaluated (preliminary) entire germplasm of wheat (~22000 accessions comprising T. aestivum, T. durum and T. dicoccum) conserved in the National Genebank, at three locations in during Rabi 2011-12. At CCS HAU, Hisar, the wheat accessions have been characterized under optimum conditions. Data on 32 agro-morphological characters are used to develop a core-set. At IARI Regional Station, Wellington wheat germplasm were screened against rusts and other major foliar diseases. A sub-set of accessions identified to be potentially tolerant/resistant are being screened at two other hot-spots. At NBPGR, Issapur Farm, two sets of wheat germplasm, one under normal sowing and second set under late sowing were screened for terminal heat tolerance....Read more