High temperatures cause of concern for wheat crop: IIWBR

High temperature during nights coupled with delay in sowing is likely to have adverse impact on overall yield of wheat crop, Karnal-based Indian Institute of Wheat & Barley Research (IIWBR) said today.
"There is a possibility of affect on yield because of high temperatures," IIWBR Director Indu Sharma said today.
"At present, the concern is that there can be low yield due to temperatures that are running high. A brief spell of cold did come but then again temperature shot up.
"High temperatures can affect tillering process," she said.
However, she said if the weather turns suitable, it can compensate any yield loss.

Currently, minimum temperatures remain 2 to 4 degrees more than normal in Punjab and Haryana, which are key growing areas for wheat, which is a winter crop.

IIWBR Director further said that the delay in sowing of wheat in several parts of the country was also a cause of concern.
"Ideally, sowing at 80-85 per cent of total wheat area should be complete by November 15-20 but this time, we have seen delay of about seven days in wheat sowing in key growing areas," Sharma said.
Punjab and Haryana are eying areas of 35 lakh hectares and 25 lakh hectares of wheat in current Rabi season, respectively.