54 SCIENTIFIC REPORTS OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 



than those of bread wheats like Pusa 4. This difference 

 is fundamental and it is clear that for the dry area of the 

 Malwa plateau improved macaroni wheats are required. 

 On the other hand, when these macaroni wheats are irri- 

 gated they do not respond to the changed conditions as 

 Pusa 4 does and the extra moisture is as it were largely 

 thrown away on these types. 



These differences in root development indicate not only 

 the general policy to be followed in wheat improvement on 

 the Malwa plateau but also throw light on the methods 

 of irrigation to be adopted for wheat. As regards the 

 policy for these areas, high quality, rapidly maturing 

 bread wheats which respond to irrigation and to improved 

 soil conditions are clearly required for the well-irrigated 

 lands. Improved macaroni types are needed for the barani 

 tracts. With regard to irrigation, the first watering on 

 all well lands should be given just when the plant is ready 

 to tiller so that the formation of the secondary root system 

 is not delayed too long. The secondary roots must follow 

 the descending moisture and when these are established 

 growth will proceed rapidly and the crop will be assured. 

 Fortunately with well irrigation, the timing of the first 

 irrigation is a simple matter. 



Where the soils of the Central Indian States, as in 

 parts of Gwalior, resemble the alluvium of the plains, it 

 was found that wheats like Pusa 12 and Pusa 4 are quite 

 suitable given a supply of irrigation water. 



As would be expected from the root system, the Pusa 

 varieties of gram, when tried on the various soils of Central 

 India, provided no surprises. Many of the types did 

 exceedingly well and it is expected in a short time to 

 decide which is the best in all respects and to begin seed 

 distribution. 



Although these Central Indian trials have only extend- 

 ed over a single season and the work has had to be carried 

 out either on new farms or on farms in the making, the 

 results are much greater than could have been expected and 

 the experience gained has been well worth the time and 



