Comparison of the Performance of Commercially Introduced Wheat Varieties with Approved Ones in Terms of Water Requirement in Production Characteristics

A field experiment was conducted in the city of Diwaniyah, located at 44.89 degrees longitude and 32.01 degrees latitude, for the 2022-2023 agricultural season. The aim was to evaluate the performance of commercially introduced wheat genotypes with approved varieties in terms of water requirements, productivity, and quality characteristics. The experiment was implemented using a split-plot method using a Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D). Five irrigation treatments were applied to the main plots (spate irrigation and 100% water ration for wheat, 90% water ration, 80% water ration, and 70% water ration). Eight cultivars were applied to the sub plots of the experimental units (Ibaa 99, Buhuth 22, Jad, Shawmbi, Afanto, Sanzio, R Arabiya, and Wafiya), with three replicates. The results showed a significant difference between the irrigation treatments. The flood irrigation treatment significantly outperformed the other treatments for plant height, while the 80% water ration and 100% water ration treatments yielded the highest average flag leaf area. Plants receiving 70% water ration treatment yielded the highest average number of tillers, grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index, while plants receiving 80% water ration treatment yielded the highest average 1000-grain weight. The results showed significant differences between the approved and introduced wheat genotypes. Abaa 99 cultivar had the highest average plant height. The Wafiya cultivar also recorded the highest average flag leaf area. Sanzio cultivar excelled, recording the highest average number of tillers, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index. The interaction between the two factors had a significant effect on the studied traits. The combination (Sanzio X 80% water ration) achieved the highest average number of tillers, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield.