Abstract
Three field experiments were conducted to assess the performance of various spring wheat genotypes, viz., SKAU-101 (V1), SKAU-102 (V2) and Shalimar Wheat2 (V3). These genotypes were sown on different dates: 15 October (S1), 1 November(S2) and 15November(S3) during the 2020–2021winter(rabi) season. Randomised complete 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 15 October showed superior growth, phenology and yield (4.01tha-1 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 tha-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-4.53mm 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-102by15Octobertoachievethe earliest maturity and the highest yield, in contrast to the typical sowing date of mid-November in the region.
