Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) has launched a new wheat variety, WH 1309, specifically developed for late sowing. Crafted by the university’s Wheat and Barley Section, this variety is highly resistant to heat, offers substantial yields, and is suitable for organic farming and saline soils. The Haryana State Seed Sub-Committee has endorsed WH 1309 for its robust qualities.
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Tackling Climate Change Impacts
Rising temperatures in March, driven by climate change, often harm wheat crops. However, WH 1309 is designed to withstand these conditions, ensuring consistent productivity. University Vice-Chancellor Prof. B.R. Kamboj praised the scientific team for their innovation, noting its importance for farmers who face delays in sowing due to late paddy harvests, waterlogging, or other challenges, affecting 15-20% of Haryana’s wheat fields.
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Impressive Yields and Adaptability
In testing under irrigated conditions, WH 1309 achieved an average yield of 55.4 quintals per hectare, with a peak yield of 64.5 quintals per hectare. Field trials across Haryana’s districts recorded an average of 54.3 quintals per hectare, outperforming the reference variety WH 1124 (48.2 quintals per hectare) by 12.7%. When planted in early January, the variety still delivered 40-50 quintals per hectare, showcasing its suitability for late sowing. Its grains are large, shiny, and visually appealing, adding to its market value.
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Disease Resistance and Versatility
WH 1309 is resistant to yellow rust, brown rust, and other diseases, making it a dependable choice for farmers. Its adaptability to organic farming and saline conditions further enhances its appeal for diverse agricultural settings in Haryana.
Sowing and Fertilizer Guidelines
Dr. Rajbir Garg, HAU’s Director of Research, recommended sowing WH 1309 between December 1 and December 20, using 125 kg of seed per hectare. For optimal yields, farmers should apply 150 kg of nitrogen, 60 kg of phosphorus, 30 kg of potash, and 25 kg of zinc sulfate per hectare. This variety is expected to significantly benefit farmers in late-sown wheat regions.
Key Characteristics of WH 1309
Dr. S.K. Pahuja, Dean of the College of Agriculture, highlighted that WH 1309 forms ears in 83 days and matures in 123 days, making it a quick-maturing option. Standing at 98 cm tall, it is highly resistant to lodging. The variety’s bold grains have a protein content of 13.2%, a hectoliter weight of 81.9 kg/hL, and a sedimentation value of 54 ml, making it ideal for nutritious chapatis.
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Scientific Team’s Contribution
A dedicated team from HAU’s Wheat and Barley Section, including Dr. Vikram Singh, M.S. Dalal, O.P. Bishnoi, Divya Phogat, Yogendra Kumar, Harsh, Somveer, Y.P.S. Solanki, Rakesh Kumar, Gajraj Dahiya, R.S. Beniwal, Bhagat Singh, Renu Munjal, Priyanka, Pawan Kumar, and Shikha, played a pivotal role in developing WH 1309. Their efforts have resulted in a variety that promises to transform wheat farming in Haryana.
A Game-Changer for Farmers
The launch of WH 1309 is a major step forward for wheat cultivation, particularly for farmers dealing with delayed planting and unpredictable weather. Its heat tolerance, high productivity, and disease resistance position it as a vital tool for enhancing agricultural resilience in Haryana.
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