Twenty-one crosses and seven parental lines’ assessment and their F_1s and F_2s used for enhanced grain yield under water stress imposed at the tillering stage was this study’s major focus. The research layout had a randomized complete block design with three replications. The traits in focus in this study were productive tillers plant^-1, spike length, the number of grains spike^-1, seed index (weight of 1000 grains in g), and grain yield plant^-1. Results revealed that genotypes were highly significant for all the studied traits in both generations, whereas treatments and their interaction were highly significant in the F₂ generation. The recorded higher mean values for all assessed traits occurred in non-stressed environments under both generations. As for the heterosis in grain yield plant^-1, the cross Bhittai x Inqilab showed the highest mid-parent heterosis, while NIA-Sunder x Khirman displayed much better parent heterosis, with the minimum reduction % produced by the TD-1 x Inqilab. For the inbreeding depression, NIA-Sunder and Khirman exhibited it. The F₂ generation produced a higher grain yield plant^-1. Such hybrids should serve for hybrid crop development in wheat.

Keywords: Heterosis, inbreeding depression, water stress, wheat genotypes, yield traits

Key findings: The varieties TD-1, Marvi-2000, and NIA-Sunder showed better performances, and the crosses, such as Bhittai x TD-1, Inqilab x Khirman, Bhittai x Marvi-2000, Bhittai x Khirman, NIA-Sarang x NIA-Sunder, and Bhittai x TD-1, displayed high heterosis and low inbreeding depression; thus, they should be effective to use for higher yield in wheat.