Principal Component Analysis in Triticum aestivum under Field Conditions for Food Security

Abstract

The analysis of various morphological traits highlights significant genetic diversity. Genotypes like G29, G40, G68, G25, and G6 exhibited upper mean values, classifying them as drought-tolerant, while G24, G84, G99, G91, and G32 were deemed drought-susceptible. The results emphasized the importance of selecting genotypes with favorable traits for enhanced drought tolerance and improved yield potential. The study's importance lies in identifying genotypes with resilient traits under water stress, providing valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at developing drought-tolerant spring wheat varieties. The results and discussions presented in this thesis contribute to the understanding of genetic variability in wheat and offer practical implications for sustainable crop production in the face of changing climatic conditions. Moreover, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was pivotal in unraveling the complex interactions among morphological traits. The eigenvalue distribution illustrated the dominance of specific traits in shaping genotypic responses, with PC1 accounting for a substantial proportion of variability under both normal and drought conditions. The identified genotypes with superior traits emerge as promising candidates for further investigation and integration into breeding initiatives for enhanced drought tolerance in spring wheat.