Wheat
LOK-1 vs GW-496 vs GW-173: Which Wheat Variety Should You Grow?
A side-by-side comparison of LOK-1, GW-496 and GW-173 wheat varieties — yield, irrigation need, maturity, rust resistance and grain quality — to help Gujarat farmers choose.
Updated Fri May 22
LOK-1, GW-496 and GW-173 are three of the most widely grown bread wheat varieties in Gujarat — and farmers regularly ask which one to choose. They are not really competitors; each wins in a different situation. Here is the honest comparison.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | LOK-1 | GW-496 | GW-173 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield potential | 45–55 q/ha (irrigated) | 50–60 q/ha | 45–55 q/ha |
| Irrigation need | 1–2 (drought-tolerant) | Full (4–6) | Timely irrigation |
| Maturity | ~105–110 days (earliest) | Timely | ~115–120 days |
| Rust resistance | Moderate | Good | Leaf + stem rust resistant |
| Grain quality | Excellent chapati/atta | High protein, bakery + chapati | Excellent chapati |
| Plant | Drought-hardy | Lodging-resistant semi-dwarf | Sturdy |
When to choose each
Choose LOK-1 if…
…your water is limited, you're sowing late, or you want to double crop. LOK-1 is the survivor of the three — it gives a strong return on just 1–2 irrigations and gets off the field early (~105–110 days), leaving time for a following crop. Released back in 1981, it has earned its place across Gujarat, MP and Maharashtra precisely because it is so forgiving.
Choose GW-496 if…
…you have full irrigation and want maximum yield. GW-496 tops the group at 50–60 q/ha, with bold amber grain, high test weight and a lodging-resistant semi-dwarf plant that holds a heavy crop upright. Its ~12–13% protein also makes it attractive for bakery use. Give it the water it wants and it pays back the most.
Choose GW-173 if…
…rust shows up in your area most years. GW-173 carries resistance to both leaf rust and stem rust, which protects your yield in seasons when GW-496 might need a fungicide spray. Its peak yield is a touch lower, but in rust-prone fields the realised yield is often higher and steadier.
The bottom line
There is no overall winner — only the right fit for your field:
- Most water, most yield → GW-496
- Least water, earliest harvest → LOK-1
- Most disease pressure → GW-173
Whichever you pick, get the sowing and irrigation right with our sowing time and seed rate guide and irrigation and fertilizer schedule, or see the full best wheat seeds in Gujarat overview. All three varieties are available as certified seed from Varsha Seeds in Modasa, Gujarat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GW-496 better than GW-173?+
GW-496 has higher yield potential (50–60 q/ha vs 45–55 q/ha) and is best under full irrigation. GW-173 has stronger rust resistance, so it is the safer choice in rust-prone areas even though its peak yield is slightly lower.
Should I grow LOK-1 or GW-496?+
Grow GW-496 if you have full irrigation and want maximum yield. Grow LOK-1 if your water is limited or you sow late — it tolerates 1–2 irrigations and matures early.
Which wheat variety matures earliest?+
LOK-1 matures earliest at about 105–110 days, which makes it ideal for double cropping and late-sown conditions. GW-173 takes about 115–120 days.
Recommended Varsha Seeds products
Related reading
Need help choosing the right seeds?
Talk to the Varsha Seeds team for dealer enquiries, product recommendations and region-specific farming guidance.