CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Agronomic traits

4.1.1 Emergence count

Application of and phosphorus was observed non-significant for emergence count of

wheat. The effect of phosphorus was non-significant (table 4.1). It was observed that maximum
emergence (9.08) rate was recorded in treatment where phosphorus level was 100 mg/kg of soil.
Same results also showed by control treatment. While in treatments where phosphorus level was
control, minimum germination (7.58) rate was recorded when phosphors was 10 mg/kg sand.
Table 4.1 Effect phosphorus on germination percentage of eight wheat varieties under
three treatments.

Cultivars P1 P2 P3 Mean
Akbar-2019 0.08 0.10 0.010 0.09
Anaj-2017 0.12 0.09 0.09 0.09
AARI-2011 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.08
Millat-2011 0.12 0.11 0.07 0.11
Niab-2011 0.12 0.09 0.07 0.09
FSD-2008 0.11 0.10 0.08 0.08
Lasani-2008 0.11 0.10 0.07 0.12
Sehar-2006 0.12 0.11 0.10 0.09
Mean 0.11 0.10 0.08
LSD for C 0.00904
LSD for P 0.0060
LSD for C× P 0.0181

NS= Non-significant (P> 0.05)

4.1.2 Shoot length (cm)

Results illustrated significant difference for shoot length for different treatments on wheat
varieties. All the treatments differed potentially for shoot length Maximum shoot length was
recorded for T1 (10.8 cm) while minimum shoot length was recorded for T3 (7.9 cm). In the
same way all the wheat genotypes varied considerably for shoot length. Highest shoot length was
observed for Niab-2011 (11.7 cm) followed by Sehar-08(11.1 cm) whereas, lowest shoot length
was observed for genotype Lasani-08 (8.4 cm). There was 29% difference among genotypes for
shoot length. In the meanwhile, the interactive effect was highly significant for shoot length.
Highest shoot length was recorded under T1 for Niab-2011 (13.0 cm) while lowest shoot length
was recorded under T2 for Lasani-08 (5.6 cm). There was 56% difference among genotypes
under different treatments.

Table 4.2 Effect phosphorus on shoot fresh weight of eight wheat varieties under three
treatments.

Varieties P1 P2 P3 Mean
Akbar-2019 0.16 0.17 0.15 0.15
Anaj-2017 0.19 0.17 0.15 0.15
AARI-2011 0.17 0.19 0.15 0.16
Millat-2011 0.23 0.22 0.15 0.21
Niab-2011 0.22 0.17 0.20 0.16
FSD-2011 0.21 0.19 0.13 0.16
Lasani-2008 0.26 0.260.19 0.13 0.16
Sehar-2008 0.12 0.19 0.18 0.23
Mean 0.21 0.20 0.16
 LSD for V 0.0179
LSD for P 0.0012
LSD for V×P 0.0359

NS= Non-significant (P> 0.05); * = Significant (P< 0.05); ** = Highly significant (P< 0.05)

4.1.3 Root length (cm)

Results illustrated significant difference for shoot length for different treatments on wheat
genotypes at three leaf stage. All the treatments differed potentially for shoot length. Maximum
shoot length was recorded for T1 (10.8 cm) while minimum shoot length was recorded for T3
(7.9 cm). In the same way all the wheat genotypes varied considerably for shoot length. Highest
shoot length was observed for Niab-2008 (11.7 cm) followed by Sehar-06 (11.1 cm) whereas,
lowest shoot length was observed for genotype Lasani-08 (8.4 cm). There was 29% difference
among genotypes for shoot length. In the meanwhile, the interactive effect was highly significant
for shoot length. Highest shoot length was recorded under T1 for NARC-2009 (13.0 cm) while
lowest shoot length was recorded under T4 for Lasani-08 (5.6 cm). There was 56% difference
among genotypes under different treatments.
Table 4.3 Effect phosphorus on root fresh weight of eight wheat varieties under three
treatments.

Varieties P1 P2 P3 Mean
Akbar-2019 8.2 8.7 9.13 9.63
Anaj-2017 11.07 8.53 7.75 9.9
AARI-2011 9.9 9.8 7.33 6.9
Millat-2011 11.44 11 10.3 11.59
Niab-2011 11.04 8.62 6.65 6.9
FSD-2008 10.83 9.56 6.62 11.6
Lasani-2008 13.04 13.039 8.92 9.038
Sehar-2006 11.23 10.03 8.02 5.62
Mean 10.53 9.93 7.32 8.58
LSD for V 0.8636 9.91 7.98
LSD for P 0.5757
LSD forV×P 1.7272
NS= Non-significant (P> 0.05); * = Significant (P< 0.05); ** = Highly significant (P< 0.05)
4.1.4 Shoot fresh weight (mg)
All the treatments varied considerably for shoot fresh weight. Maximum shoot fresh weight was
recorded for T1 (0.21 g) while minimum weight was recorded for T3 (0.15 g). There was 27%
difference among different treatments. Highest shoot fresh weight was gained by genotype
Lasani-2008 (0.23 g) while lowest shoot fresh weight gained by genotype Millat-2011 (0.15 g).
There was 35% difference among genotypes for shoot fresh weight. The interactive effect was
significantly different under all the treatments. Highest shoot fresh weight was accumulated for
genotype Niab-2011 under T1 and T2 (0.26 g) while minimum was accumulated for Lasani-08
under T2 (0.11 g).
Table 4.4 Effect phosphorus on shoot fresh weight of eight wheat varieties under three
treatments.
Varieties P1 P2 P3 Mean
Akbar-2019 0.06 0.07 0.06 0.06
Anaj-2017 0.09 0.07 0.07 0.07
AARI-2011 0.07 0.08 0.06 0.07
Millat-2011 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09
Niab-2011 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.07
FSD-2008 0.12 0.08 0.06 0.07
Lasani-2008 0.08 0.12 0.06 0.07
Sehar-2006 0.09 0.09 0.07 0.10
Mean 0.09 0.09 0.06
LSD for V 0.005966
LSD for P 0.008949
LSD for V×P 0.01790.07

NS0.09= Non-significant (P> 0.05); * = Significant (P< 0.05); ** = Highly significant (P< 0.05)
4.1.5 Root fresh weight (mg)
The treatments varied statistically for shoot dry weight. Highest shoot dry weight was
observed under T1 (0.05 g) while minimum shoot dry weight recorded for T3 (0.04 g). In the
same way, genotypes varied potentially for shoot dry weight. The highest shoot dry weight was
recorded for genotype Niab-2011 (0.06 g) while, lowest shoot dry weight was recorded for
genotype Lasani-08 (0.04 g). There was 23% difference among genotypes for shoot dry weight.
In the meanwhile, the interactive effects differed considerably for shoot dry weight under all the
treatments. Maximum shoot dry weight was accumulated by Niab-2011 under T1 (0.06 g)
whereas, minimum shoot dry weight was accumulated by Lasani-08 under T3 (0.02 g).
Table 4.5 Effect phosphorus on root fresh weight of eight wheat varieties under three
treatments.

Cultivars P1 P2 P3 Mean
Akbar-2019 2.5 3.77 3.1 3.1
Anaj-2017 3.44 5.03 3.9 3.5
AARI-2011 3.5 3.7 3.0 3.3
Millat-2011 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.3
Niab-2011 3.6 3.0 3.4 3.0
FSD-2008 3.44 3.8 4.1 3.9
Lasani-2008 4.42 4.1 4.8 4.0
Sehar-2006 4.02 3.9 3.6 4.4
Mean 3.63 3.1 3.4
LSD for C 0.378
LSD for P 0.765
LSD for C×P 1.0699

NS= Non-significant (P> 0.05); * = Significant (P< 0.05); ** = Highly significant (P< 0.05)

4.1.6 Shoot + Root dry weight (mg)

The results depicted that there was great difference among treatments and genotypes for root dry
weight. Maximum root dry weight was accumulated for T4 (0.05 g) while minimum root dry
weight was recorded for T3 (0.04 g). Similarly, all the genotypes varied potentially for root dry
weight. Highest root dry weight was accumulated by genotype Niab-2011 (0.06 g) fallowed by
Sehar-06 (0.52 g) while lowest by Lasani-08 (0.04 g). In the same way, the interactive effect for
T × G was highly significant. Maximum root dry weight was obtained by Niab-2011 under T3
(0.06 g) while minimum root dry weight was obtained by Lasani-08 under T4 (0.23 g).
Maximum root to shoot ratio for fresh weight calculated for T1 (1.08) while minimum was
calculated for T3 (0.81). In the same way all the genotypes differed significantly for root to shoot
ratio. Highest root to shoot ratio was calculated for Dhurabi (1.10) whereas, lowest was
calculated for Punjab-11 (0.81). Meanwhile, the interactive effects were highly significant at 1%
P level. Highest root to shoot ratio was calculated for Niab-11 under T1 (1.57) while lowest for
Wafaq-2001 under T3 (0.76). On the basis of screening results two genotypes were selected for
experiment II. Genotypes Niab-2011 and Sehar-06 performed better under treatment 4 so these
two genotypes were selected.

Table 4.6 Effect phosphorus on root+shoot dry weight of eight wheat varieties under three
treatments.

Cultivars P1 P2 P3 Mean
Akbar-2019 1.2 0.62 1.05 1.0
Anaj-2017 1.01 0.84 0.67 0.84
AARI-2011 1.5 1.13 0.83 1.02
Millat-2011 0.79 1.08 0.55 0.92
 Niab-2008 0.88 0.69 1.039 0.81
FSD-2008 0.93 1.079 1.03 0.85
Lasani-2008 1.03 0.92 0.76 1.06
Sehar-2006 1.08 1.35 0.83 1.06
Mean 1.08 0.85 0.88
LSD for C 0.1294
LSD for P 0.0863
LSD for C×P 0.2588

NS= Non-significant (P> 0.05); ** = Highly significant (P< 0.05); * = Significant (P< 0.05)

4.1.7 Root/shoot length ratio

Both the genotypes were non-significant for root to shoot ratio at three leaf stages.
Whereas, all the treatments varied noticeably for root to shoot ratio at three leaf stage. Maximum
root to shoot ratio recorded for T1 (0.92) while minimum root to shoot ratio calculated for T3
(0.57) at three leaf stage. There was 38% difference between T1 and T3 for root to shoot ratio at
three leaf stage. Similarly, the interactive effects were highly variable at three leaf stage for root
to shoot ratio at three leaf stage. Highest root to shoot ratio (0.94) was recorded for Niab-2011
under T1 followed by Sehar-06 under T1 (0.90) while lowest root to shoot ratio (0.54 g) was
recorded for Sehar-06 under T6. There was 42% difference among highest and lowest root dry
weight under all the treatments for both the genotypes. Both the wheat genotypes did not varied
considerably for root to shoot ratio at anthesis stage. In the meanwhile, all the treatments varied
significantly for root to shoot ratio at anthesis stage. Highest root to shoot ratio was recorded for
T3 (0.90) and lowest root to shoot ratio recorded for T2 (0.46). There was 48% difference
between T3 and T2. Similarly, the interactive effects were also significantly different at 1% P
level for root to shoot ratio at anthesis stage. Highest root to shoot ratio was recorded for Niab-
2011 under T3 (1.05) followed by Niab-2011 under T2 (0.96) while lowest for Niab-2011 under
T2 (0.37). There was 48% difference among highest and lowest root dry weight under all the
treatments for both the varieties.

Table 4.7 Effect phosphorus on shoot/root length ratio of eight wheat varieties under three
treatments.

Cultivars P1 P2 P3 Mean
Akbar-2019 0.82 0.66 0.66 0.74
Anaj-2017 0.72 0.61 0.56 0.71
AARI-2011 0.66 1.05 0.9 0.91
Millat-2011 0.76 0.4 0.7 0.53
Niab-2011 1.05 0.43 0.9 0.46
FSD-2008 0.45 0.37 0.51 0.67
Lasani-2008 0.35 0.61 0.8 0.78
Sehar-2006 0.72 0.96 0.91
Mean 0.66
LSD for C 0.041
LSD for P 0.082
LSD for C×P 0.116

NS= Non-significant (P> 0.05); * = Significant (P< 0.05); ** = Highly significant (P< 0.05)
 4.1.8 Root/shoot fresh weight ratio
Both the genotypes were non-significant for root to shoot ratio at three leaf stage. Whereas, all
the treatments varied noticeably for root to shoot ratio at three leaf stage. Maximum root to shoot
ratio recorded for T1 (0.92) while minimum root to shoot ratio calculated for T2 (0.57) at three
leaf stage. There was 38% difference between T1 and T3 for root to shoot ratio at three leaf
stage. Similarly, the interactive effects were highly variable at three leaf stage for root to shoot
ratio at three leaf stage. Highest root to shoot ratio (0.94) was recorded for Niab-2011 under T1
followed by Sehar-06 under T1 (0.90) while lowest root to shoot ratio (0.54 g) was recorded for
Sehar-06 under T3.There was 42% difference among highest and lowest root dry weight under
all the treatments for both the genotypes. Both the wheat genotypes did not varied considerably
for root to shoot ratio at anthesis stage In the meanwhile, all the treatments varied significantly
for root to shoot ratio at anthesis stage. Highest root to shoot ratio was recorded for T3 (0.90) and
lowest root to shoot ratio recorded for T3 (0.46). There was 48% difference between T3 and T1.
Similarly, the interactive effects were also significantly different at 1% P level for root to shoot
ratio at anthesis stage. Highest root to shoot ratio was recorded for NARC-2009 under T3 (1.05)
followed by Niab-2011 under T2 (0.96) while lowest for NARC-2209 under T5 (0.37). There
was 48% difference among highest and lowest root dry weight under all the treatments for both
the varieties
Table 4.8 Effect phosphorus on shoot/root fresh weight ratio of eight wheat varieties under
three treatments.

Cultivars P1 P2 P3 Mean
Akbar-2019 0.9 0.95 0.93 0.93
Anaj-2017 0.84 0.76 0.79 0.79
AARI-2011 0.5 0.65 0.66 0.66
Millat-2011 0.6 0.90 0.87 0.87
Niab-2011 0.6 0.75 0.72 0.72
FSD-2008 0.5 0.6 0.52 0.57
Lasani-2008 0.6 0.56 0.58 0.58
Sehar-2006 0.5 0.63 0.56 0.56
Mean 0.17 0.72 0.63
LSD for C 0.0426
LSD for P 0.0852
LSD for C×P 0.1204

NS= Non-significant (P> 0.05); ** = Highly significant (P> 0.05)

4.1.9 Root/shoot dry weight ratio

Both the genotypes were non-significant for root to shoot ratio at three leaf stage. Whereas, all
the treatments varied noticeably for root to shoot ratio at three leaf stage. Maximum root to shoot
ratio recorded for T1 (0.92) while minimum root to shoot ratio calculated for T3 (0.57) at three
leaf stage. There was 38% difference between T1 and T2 for root to shoot ratio at three leaf
stage. Similarly, the interactive effects were highly variable at three leaf stage for root to shoot
ratio at three leaf stage. Highest root to shoot ratio (0.94) was recorded for Niab-2011 under T1
followed by Sehar-06 under T1 (0.90) while lowest root to shoot ratio (0.54 g) was recorded for
Sehar-06 under T2. There was 42% difference among highest and lowest root dry weight under
all the treatments for both the genotypes. Both the wheat genotypes did not varied considerably
for root to shoot ratio.In the meanwhile, all the treatments varied significantly for root to shoot
ratio at anthesis stage. Highest root to shoot ratio was recorded for T3 (0.90) and lowest root to
shoot ratio recorded for T2 (0.46). There was 48% difference between T2 and T3. Similarly, the
interactive effects were also significantly different at 1% P level for root to shoot ratio at anthesis
stage. Highest root to shoot ratio was recorded for Niab-2011 under T3 (1.05) followed by Niab-
2011 under T1 (0.96) while lowest for Niab-2011 under T5 (0.37). There was 48% difference
among highest and lowest root dry weight under all the treatments for both the genotypes at
anthesis stage.

.
Table 4.9 Effect phosphorus on root shoot dry weight ratio of eight wheat varieties under
three treatments.

Cultivars P1 P2 P3 Mean
Akbar-2019 0.73 0.59 0.9 0.66
Anaj-2017 0.64 0.63 0.89 0.63
AARI-2011 0.67 0.93 0.62 0.81
Millat-2011 0.53 0.42 0.34 0.47
Niab-2011 0.49 0.33 0.71 0.41
FSD-2008 0.67 0.55 0.62 0.41
Lasani-2008 0.54 0.5 0.32 0.59
Sehar-2006 0.44 0.855 0.62 0.47
Mean 0.59 0.6 0.54
LSD for C 0.0368
LSD for P 0.0373
LSD for C×P 0.1042

NS= Non-significant (P> 0.05); * = Significant (P< 0.05)

4.1.10Chlorophyll content (mg/mL)

 The effect of phosphorus was significant on chlorophyll content of maize (table 4.14).
The effect of phosphorus, was non-significant for chlorophyll content. It was observed that
maximum chlorophyll content (24.03 mg/mL) rate was recorded in treatment where phosphorus
level was 100 mg/kg of soil in control environment of phosphorus. While in treatments where the
wheat variety lasani-2008 minimum chlorophyll content (18.76 mg/mL) rate was recorded when
phosphors was 100 mg/kg under T2.

Table 4.10 Effect of phosphorus on chlorophyll content of wheat varieties under three
treatments.
 Cultivars P1 P2 P3 Mean
Akbar-2019 3.27 3.74 3.27 3.51
Anaj-2017 3.41 3.91 3.98 3.67
AARI-2011 3.48 3.99 4.17 3.74
Millat-2011 3.59 4.11 3.98 3.85
Niab-2011 3.77 4.12 3.74 3.99
FSD-2008 3.98 4.4 3.91 4.19
Lasani-2008 4.17 4.58 3.99 4.38
Sehar-2006 4.01 4.48 4.11 4.43
Mean 3.1725 4.189 4.4
LSD for C 0.119
LSD for P 0.23
LSD for C×P 0.33

NS= Non-significant (P> 0.05); * = Significant (P< 0.05); ** = Highly significant (P< 0.05)
4.1.11Soil phosphorus content (mg/kg)
Application of phosphorus was observed significant for soil phosphorus content of wheat
while using olsen method was observed as non-significant. Collective effect of phosphorus,
proline and salinity was also non-significant (table 4.23). It was observed that effect of
phosphorus (100 mg/kg) yield maximum phosphorus content (5403 mg/kg) in soil. While in
treatments where proline level was control, minimum soil phosphorus content (2715.3 mg/kg)
was recorded when phosphors was 100 mg/kg.

Table 4.11 NaHCO3 extractable phosphorus in soil of eight wheat varieties under three
treatments.

Cultivars P1 P2 P3 Mean
Akbar-2019 12.5 8.0 25.5 24.3
Anaj-2017 17.5 12.5 12.4 3.79
AARI-2011 4.4 3.2 17.9 8.71
Millat-2011 19.4 14.4 14.7 3.71
Niab-2011 4.1 3.5 3.98 4.72
FSD-2008 15.6 2.9 4.8 6.52
Lasani-2008 7.6 8.4 8.1 6.11
Sehar-2006 6.2 3.4 3.9 3.38
Mean 6.76 9.7 8.6
LSD for C 0.119
LSD for P 0.38
LSD for C×P 0.22

NS= Non-significant (P> 0.05); ** = highly significant (P< 0.05); * = Significant (P< 0.05)