Yield and Yield Contributing Traits of Wheat Varieties as Affected by Nitrogen Rates
Yield and Yield Contributing Traits of Wheat Varieties as Affected by Nitrogen Rates
Gul Naz and Mohammad Akmal
ABSTRACT
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major staple food crop of Pakistan. It is grown on the maximum cropped area every year. The suitable variety identification for agro-climate and its optimum N-fertilizer demand with application are need of the day to overcome on N-leaching from the soil and to ensure future food security. Present study was, therefore, conducted in two seasons (2011-12 and 2012-13) at the Agronomy Research Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. Treatments were laid-out in a randomized complete block design; split plot arrangements using four replications. The experiments were comprising of seven N-rates i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 kg ha-1 as main plots treatment and the five wheat varieties i.e. Saleem-2000, Uqab, Pirsabak-2005, Tatara-96 and Pirsabak-2004 as subplot treatment. Results revealed higher spikes m-2 (286), grains spike-1 (38.55) and thousand grains weight (44.67 g) which resulted maximum grain yield (3308 kg ha-1) from N-rate 150 kg ha-1 as compared to the control. Among the varieties for yield and yield traits, Pirsabak-2005 produced the highest grain yield (3043 kg ha-1) and the minimum (2494 kg ha-1) grain yield was observed by wheat variety Saleem-2000. The highest grain yield of the variety corresponds to higher thousand grains weight (46.98 g), spikes per meter square (263) and grains spike-1 (37.24). Variety Saleem-2000 showed the minimum number of spikes m-2 (242) and grains spike-1 (34.13). It can be concluded from results that application of 150 kg N ha-1 is optimum rate of N-fertilizer for irrigated spring wheat production in the area. Among the available spring wheat varieties, Pirsabak-2005 is relatively the best variety for grain yield in agro-ecological condition of Peshawar that may effectively contribute in food security of the growing population in the region.
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