Punjab Agricultural University Unveils New High-Yielding Wheat Variety

The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed a new wheat variety called PBW 887, designed for timely sown and irrigated conditions in Punjab. This new variety boasts higher yield potential compared to existing ones, with an average yield of 24.6 quintals per acre.

PBW 887 recorded a 1.4% higher yield than the previously released PBW 872, as well as 3.8% and 12.5% higher yields than PBW 826 and DBW 222 respectively. It takes about 155 days to mature and has moderate resistance to major diseases such as yellow rust, brown rust, and Karnal bunt.

The variety also boasts improved nutritional quality with a high protein content of above 12%, iron content exceeding 40 ppm, and zinc content above 40 ppm. According to Dr GS Mavi, principal wheat breeder at PAU, PBW 887 has been developed for Punjab's production conditions while improving nutritional quality.