Evaluation of bread wheat genotypes for yield and other characteristics in Botswana

Abstract

Evaluation of bread wheat genotypes for yield and other characteristics in Botswana. A few farmers produce a limited quantity of wheat in Botswana using cultivars that have not been recommended for production in the country. A trial comprising 50 bread wheat genotypes was conducted at Sebele Agricultural Research Station during the winter season of 2006 to select adaptable and better performing genotypes for further studies to develop a suitable variety. High variability among genotypes was observed for all measured characteristics. Grain yield ranged from 2.2 to 5.8 t ha*’, heading date from 83 to 105 days after planting, and thousand-kernel weight from 25.0 to 50.0 g. Grain yield had a significant positive correlation with the agronomic score but negative with protein content. A significant correlation coefficient was also observed among other characteristics. On the basis of yielding ability, earliness, and other agronomic characteristics 14 genotypes, namely 14SAWYT342, 14SAWYT303, 14SAWYT306, 14SAWYT308, 14SAWYT310, I4SAWYT313, 14SAWYT314, 14SAWYT317, 14SAWYT3I8, 14SAWYT319, 14SAWYT324, 14SAWYT326, 14SAWYT339, and 14SAWYT341 were selected for an advanced yield trial.