Performance Evaluation of DSSAT CERES Wheat Model under Different Thermal and Irrigation Regimes at Prayagraj

The present study was planned to determine the phenology and heat unit requirement of promising wheat varieties under different crop growing environment of Prayagraj, India. Delay in sowing of wheat results into reduction in the grain yield as the crop exposes to high temperature at phenological stages. A field experiment on wheat (variety PBW-502) was conducted at the farm nursery, College of Forestry, SHUATS, Prayagraj during rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20. The experiment was conducted in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice with three dates of sowing and five irrigation levels. The yield attributes (grain and biological yield) were significantly influenced by sowing dates and irrigation levels. The significantly highest grain and biological yield were recorded in crop sown on 15th November as compared to other dates of sowing. Among different irrigation levels, grain and biological yield were significantly more in I5 (CRI+ tillering + jointing + anthesis + maturity) treatment over the other irrigation levels. DSSAT CERES-Wheat model suggests good model performance at optimum irrigation at Prayagraj under stress condition.