Evaluating the Impact of Variable Seed Rates on Growth, Productivity and Yield attributes of different Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes of Barani Areas
| Seed rate is one of the most pivotal factors that significantly impact grain quality and yield in wheat. In wheat-based crop production system, it can be easily managed. An indiscrimination in seeding rate can lead to higher production cost but will also result in decline of crop yield and quality. Hence, the present experiment was designed to establish the optimal seeding density of three different wheat genotypes (Fatehjang-2016, Dharabi-11 and 16FJ17) of the Barani Areas to attain maximum economic yield. The research experiment was managed in split amidst the cropping season of Rabi 2019-20; one at the laboratory by growing three diverse genotypes of wheat at four different levels of seeding densities in pots and the other at field area of Barani Agricultural Research Station, Fateh Jang at four discrete levels of seeding density of 80, 100, 120 and 140 kg ha -1 , respectively. The experiment was laid down using a RCBD with three replication and four treatments. Different seed rates and genotypes significantly affected all plant traits except days to 50% heading, plant height and germination percentage. Contrarily, the interactive effect of genotype and seeding rate on all growth and yield attributes was found non-significant. Whereas, seeding density of 120 kg ha -1 exhibited more germination percentage (85 %), shoot length (11.57 cm), coleoptile length (3.97 cm), days to 50% heading (130), plant height (110 cm), nodes per stem (5.0), 1000 grain weight (49.53 g), grain per spike (41.0), days to maturity (172.67) and grain yield (3755 kg ha -1 ) in Fatehjang-2016. Whereas Dharabi-11 showed maximum root length (17.64 cm) and tiller count (405.67 m -2 ) at same level of seeding density. In contrast, 16FJ17 stood second in all parameters except root length and number of tillers m -2 . The value for grain per spike (40.0) and shoot length (10.55 cm) is at par with Fatehjang-2016 and Dharabi-11, respectively at 120 kg ha -1 of seeding level. It is evident from the results that wheat variety Fatehjang-2016 can effectively be planted at an optimum seed rate of 120 kg ha -1 for general cultivation and better economic returns in Barani Areas of Pakistan, provided all the agronomic and crop management practices must be kept optimum.