Effect of moisture regimes and genotypes on biomass accumulation, radiation interception and its use in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was carried out during 1994-95 and 1995-96 to study the effect of moisture regimes and genotypes on biomass accumulation, radiation interception and radiation-use efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L, e mend Fiori & Paol.) at Faizabad. Moisture regime I-4 (CRI + late tillering + flowering + milking) being at par with I, (CRI + late jointing + milking) recorded significantly higher leaf area index at 75-105 day after sowing o ver I, (CRI) and I, (CRI + flowering). Significantly higher biomass, absorb ed photosynthetically active radiation and radiation-use efficiency were re corded with I-4 moisture regime over those of I-3, I-2 and I-1. However, di fference between I-2 and I-3 moisture regimes was not perceptible in respec t of biomass accumulation. Among the genotypes tested, 'HD 2285' wheat bein g at par with 'HP 1633' recorded significantly higher leaf area index than 'HUW 234' from 75-90 days after sowing during both the years. 'HP 1633' and 'HUW 234' were found identical in respect of leaf area index at most of th e crop stages. 'HD 2285' recorded significantly higher biomass (831.1 and 9 49.5 g/m(2)), absorbed photosynthetical active radiation (412.1 and 522.9 M J) and radiation-use efficiency (1.69 and 1.48 g/MJ) over 'HP 1633' during both the years.