EFFECT OF SEEDING DATES AND SEED RATES ON BUCKWHEAT (FAGOPYRUM ESCULENTUM)

Abstract

Different sowing dates and seed rates were evaluated on the yield of buewheat (Fagopyrum esculentum,) under rainfed condition during 1988— 89 and 1989—90 dry seasons (November- March). In both tiie years grain yield, vegetative biomass production and yield components varied significantly due to the different seeding dates. Seed rates had also significant influence on different yield components except 1000 grain weight. November 15 sowing with 20 kg seeds/ha gave the highest yield (1.66 tl ha and 1.23 t/ha in both 1988—89 and 1989— 1990. Late seeding (Dec. 15) reduced the plant height and the grain weight which resulted in lower grain yield. Higher seeding rates (30 kg/ha) though reduced all the yield contributing characters, but did not reduce the crop yield significantly because of higher plant population. Sowing of buckwheat on Novbember 15 using 20 kg seeds/ ha could be considered as a best combination for higher yield.