Impact of temperature variability and management interventions on productivity of wheat

Field experiments for six seasons (2008–09 to 2013–2014) and simulations for mid–century (2021-2050) were carried out to (i) understand impact of inter– and intra– seasonal temperature variability on wheat yield, and (ii) identify best management intervention in relation to temperature variability. In the field experiments, treatments were three dates of planting, two inbred varieties and two irrigation schedules replicated thrice. Simulation with CERES–Wheat model pointed that variability of 5.5 percent in Tmax and 3.8 percent in Tmin would cause 11.2 percent variability in yield. The variation in yield would also vary with date of planting. It was relatively less in Nov 05 sown wheat than other dates,showing that in mid–century yield can be sustained by planting wheat at this date. However, at present growing of longer duration varieties in last week of October with adequate irrigation, medium to longer duration in 1st week of November is the practical adaptive measure to minimize impact of temperature variability on wheat yield.