Root characterization of wheat using basket method

Root architecture significantly impacts crop performance, yet research in this area is limited. This study evaluated 50 bread wheat genotypes, comprising 49 CIMMYT lines and local check Gautam, for root and shoot traits at the seedling stage. The study was conducted at Agriculture and Forestry University's research farm in Rampur during the 2016/2017 wheat season. The results revealed substantial differences in root angle and grain yield among the genotypes. The average root angle was 36.25°, ranging from 26° in Gautam to 46.65° in 15HTWYT-11. The mean grain yield was 3.24 t/ha, with 15HTWYT-41 producing the highest yield at 4.35 t/ha, followed closely by 15HTWYT-38 and 15HTWYT-42. In contrast, Gautam yielded 2.83 t/ha.