Optimising the resilience of winter wheat to a changing climate in North Kashmir, India

Three field experiments were conducted to assess the performance of various wheat genotypes, viz., SKAU-101 (V1), SKAU-102(V2), and Shalimar Wheat-2 (V3). These genotypes were sown on different dates: October 15 (S1), November 1 (S2), and November 15 (S3) during the 2020-2021 Rabi (winter) season. Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) was employed for the experimental setup in North Kashmir, India. This design facilitated a thorough examination of each genotype's response to the different planting dates within the specified agroecological context. The crops sown on October 15 showed superior growth, phenology, and yield (4.01 t ha¹ for grain). The SKAU-102 variety required less time to reach various phenological stages, matured 5–12 days earlier than the other two genotypes, and produced a higher yield; the highest yield (4.4 t ha-1) was observed with the SKAU-102 genotype when sown early (V2S1). Furthermore, climate change trends in the region from 1980 to 2021 revealed statistically significant increases in maximum and minimum temperatures at a rate of 0.02°C per year, accompanied by a decreasing trend in precipitation at a rate of -4.53 mm per year, which, if they continue, can adversely affect wheat growth, development, and yield. Considering the ongoing climate changes and the findings from field experiments, it is advisable to sow the wheat genotype SKAU-102 by October 15 to achieve the earliest maturity and the highest yield, in contrast to the typical sowing date of mid-November in the region.