Developing climate smart strategies for improving wheat productivity in the Arabian Gulf Abstract uri icon

abstract

  • Wheat is one of the two major staple food crops in the Arabian Gulf. However, the wheat production is far below the requirement, primarily due to unavailability of stress resilient genotypes, aridity, water scarcity and heat waves. Wheat genotypes of diverse morphology and origin, collected from different national, regional and international organizations were evaluated for tolerance against drought and heat stresses and adaptability. Stress resilient wheat genotypes were planted, with and without seed priming (using novel compounds in nano-formulations), under different soil water regimes. Super absorbent biopolymers, developed from date palm wastes was evaluated for potential to improve soil water holding capacity and soil health. Planting primed seeds of stress resilient wheat genotypes in conservation agriculture system (with minimum soil disturbance and soil cover with crop residue) together with super absorbent biopolymers and deficit supplemental irrigation was the best suit of technology, and may be disseminated through farmer’s participatory on-farm trials and field days for achieving food security.

publication date

  • September 2022