Effect of population on tillering, growth, yield components and yield of wheat

Abstract

Abstract: Two experiments were conducted during 1987-88 and 1988-89 with 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 seeds/m2 to study tillering, dry matter production, ear growth and yield components of wheat. Number of tillers increased steadily upto 40 days after sowing and 100 seeds produced the highest number of tillers (4/plant). Dry matter production per plant was highest (8g/plant) with 100 seeds/m2. There was no significant difference in the production of ear dry matter between 100 and 200, 300 and 400 and 500 and 600 seeds/m2. Number of grains/ear was the highest with 300 seeds/m2 which was not significantly different with 400 seeds/m2 for 1987-88 but for 1988-89 number of grains/car was the highest with 100 seeds per m2. Grain yield was significantly higher with 400 secds/m2. Grain yield was significantly higher with 400 secds/m2 for both years but straw yield was the highest with 500 sceds/m2. There was significant correlation between grain yield and number of ears/m2 and between grain yield and number of grains/m2 suggesting possible yield increase with increased number of grains/m2.