Effect of Different Thermal Regimes and Moisture Levels on the Growth Parameters of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop Grown under Agro-climatic Conditions of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

A field experiment was carried out at Agrometeorological Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during rabi season of 2022-23 and 2023-24 to investigate the influence of different thermal regimes and moisture levels on wheat growth parameters, including phenophases occurrence, leaf area index (LAI), plant height, and dry matter accumulation at various stages of crop development. The experiment comprised twelve treatment combinations and conducted in split plot design and replicated four times. Treatment consisted of three thermal regimes viz. 15th November, 25th November and 5th December with four moisture levels viz, I1 at CRI (crown root initiation) , I2- CRI+tillering, I3- CRI+ jointing and milking, I4- CRI+ jointing +anthesis and dough stage. Results reveal that Plant height (cm), dry matter accumulation (gm-2) and leaf area index increased significantly at all the stages of crop growth . Highest values are recorded with the crop thermal regime on 15th November followed by 25th November. Lowest values of all were recorded in 5th December thermal regime. Among the moisture levels, I4- (CRI+ jointing +anthesis and dough stage) took relatively longer duration for maturirty compared to levels I3, I2 and I1.. These findings underscore the importance of carefully managing both temperature and moisture conditions to optimize wheat growth and development. This research contributes to the broader understanding of crop responses to thermal regimes/date of sowing and provides valuable insights for moisture management strategies aimed at improving crop yield and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.