'MH-21,' A NOVEL HIGH-YIELDING AND RUSTS RESISTANT BREAD WHEAT VARIETY FOR IRRIGATED AREAS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Developing high-yielding wheat varieties tolerant to abiotic and biotic stresses is a challenge wheat breeder currently face. Wheat Research Institute (WRI), Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Pakistan, has released 65 wheat varieties, including MH-21, for several zones since its establishment in 1906. MH-21, with the varietal code V-12304, gave 11.2% and 10.28% more grain yield than the check variety (Faisalabad-08), respectively, in preliminary (2011–2012) and regular yield trials (2012–2013). Then, testing it in outstation yield trials proceeded over 21 locations in Punjab province (2013–2014) and 18 locations all over Pakistan (2014–2015, 2017–2018, and 2019– 2020) for yield and disease constancy, simultaneous with agronomic field trials and quality lab testing during 2014–2018 and 2014–2016, respectively. It exhibited an amber seed color, semi-erect growth habit at booting, erect flag leaf attitude, hairiness auricle, awned yellowish ear, and elevated shoulder and beak shape of glumes traits. DNA fingerprinting of MH-21 ensued to compare its genetic background with previously registered 21 wheat varieties. Given the promising stable performance in multi-locations over the years for better grain yield, nutritional quality, and resistance against rusts, the Punjab Seed Council approved V12304 in 2021 with the name „MH-21‟ for general cultivation in irrigated areas of Punjab, Pakistan.