Effect of varied seed rate on growth, yield and yield attributes of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes of Pothohar region

Seeding density is a key factor that affects grain yield and quality of wheat. An indiscrimination in seeding density has been observed across the wheat growing areas of Pothohar region. Hence optimization of planting density of Pothohar genotypes is vital to boost its yield in the country as well as in rainfed areas. It is of particular significance in wheat production system as it can be controlled. Therefore the objective of this study was to determine the optimum plant stand of three different wheat genotypes (Fatehjang-16, BARS-09 and 13FJ35) of Pothohar region to attain maximum economic yield. Field experiments were conducted at Barani Agricultural Research Station, Fateh Jang during Rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 with varying seed rates viz: (S1) 75, (S2) 100, (S3) 125, and (S4) 150 kg ha-1, respectively. Varied seed rates significantly or non-significantly affected all plant traits understudy. However, seed rate of 125 kg ha-1 revealed higher germination percentage (75%), plant height (112.33cm), coleoptile length (3.95cm), Nodes per stem (4.66), shoot length (11.51cm), root length (15.36 cm) and grain yield in Fatehjang-2016. However, BARS-09 showed maximum tiller count (430.67/m2) with less plant height (66.33 cm) and grain yield (2971 kg/ha) at same seeding density. On the contrary, 13FJ35 lacked in all parameters accompanied with grain yield (3086 kg/ha) that is at par with BARS-09. The results clearly reflect that Fatehjang-2016 can be effectively used for general cultivation and higher economic returns in Pothohar region with optimum seed rate of 125 kg ha-1.