Agro-climatic Condition Of Peshawar Research Articles

Effect of different soil compositions and growth conditions on the corm production of Gladiolus grandiflorus L.

ABSTRACT Gladiolus grandiflorus L. is widely grown in most regions of Pakistan. However, propagules production per unit area is not sufficient. Therefore, pot experiments were undertaken at the Centre of Plant Biodiversity, University of Peshawar during 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 with the aim of investigating the effect of different soil compositions (substrates) and growth conditions on corms and cormels production. The experiment was performed according to two factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), repeated twice. For the first time four substrates, i.e. Clay+Silt (2:1), Farmyard manure (FYM)+Clay+Silt (1:1:1), Poultry manure (PM)+Clay+Silt (1:2:2) and PM+FYM+Clay+Silt (1:1:2:2), were used at different growth conditions, i.e. Control, Single lath, Double lath, Plastic and Double lath+Plastic, to explore their effects on corms yield. The FYM+Clay+Silt substrate significantly stimulated number of leaves per plant, leaf area, chlorophyll content, spikes emergence, spike length, plant height, flowers opening, number of florets per spike, number of corms and cormels per plant, fresh weight and diameter of corms in both seasons. The PM+Clay+Silt substrate had shown negative results in the first season. However, this noxious effect was minimised during the second trial. Among growth conditions, Single lath shade significantly enhanced spike length and all corm yielding parameters. Thus, treatments of FYM+Clay+Silt (1:1:1) and Single lath shade were found to be effectual in obtaining the maximum number of corms and cormels of Gladiolus grandiflorus L. in the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar.

PERFORMANCE OF STRAWBERRY IN A CLOSED LOOP AQUAPONICS SYSTEM

Aquaponics is an innovative technology and a sustainable source of organic food in agriculture that combines aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation). To determine the performance of strawberry in closed loop aquaponics system, an experiment was carried out at newly established aquaponics system at Ornamental plants nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar in 2019.Strawberry cv. Chandler was raised from runners in peat moss and seedlings were transplanted at different times in the Aquaponics system i.e., 15th January, 15th February and 15th March. The Experiment was laid out in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with single factor i.e. Transplantation times with five replications. The analysis of data showed that different transplantation times significantly affected the growth, yield and quality of strawberry. However transplantation of plants on 15th February, resulted in maximum number of leaves plant-1 (7.79), fresh & dry leaves weight plant-1 (29.39 & 4.04 g ), number of fruits plant-1 (20.0), fruit weight plant-1 (140 g), root length (16.69 cm) with maximum fresh & dry root weight (35.74 & 6.32 g). Whereas transplantation of strawberry plants on 15th January took maximum days (100.20) to fruit maturity and produced fruits with minimum fruit weight plant-1 (4.66).However transplantation of strawberry plants on 15th march took maximum days to first flowering (35.00) and produced minimum root length (10.51 cm). It was concluded from the results of experiment that Strawberry cv. Chandler could be transplanted in growing beds of aquaponics system on 15th February for better production under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar.

Influence of foliar applied nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the vegetative and reproductive attributes of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of foliar application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash (NPK) on the vegetative and reproductive attributes of Roselle. The experiment was designed using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with one factor i.e., NPK treatments (0, 3, 4, 5, 6 g l-1). Treatments were repeated four times. The experiment was carried out in Ornamental Horticulture Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar during the year 2020. Data were recorded on plant height (cm), stem diameter(mm), number of branches plant-1, number of leafs plant-1, leaf area(cm2), days to first flowering, days to last flowering, number of calyces plant-l, calyx diameter, calyces fresh weight plant-l, pod size, number of seeds pod-l . Foliar application of NPK had significant effect on most of the studied attributes. Maximum plant height (104.75 cm), stem diameter (2.23 mm), number of branches plant-1 (13.5), number of leaves plant-1 (301), and leaf area (118.25cm2), minimum days to first flowering (106.50), maximum days to last flowering (128), calyx diameter (27.275 mm), calyces fresh weight plant-1(219.88 g), pod size(21.532 mm) and number of seeds pod-1 (25.68) were recorded in plants sprayed with NPK @ 6g L-1. Minimum plant height (67.50 cm), stem diameter (0.7775 mm), number of branches (4.000), number of leaves (58.50), and leaf area (113.00cm2), maximum days to first flowering (109.00), minimum days to last flowering (114.75), calyx diameter (23.835mm), calyces fresh weight plant-1 (89.84 g), pod size (19.617mm) and number of seeds (21.688) were recorded in control plants (Sprayed with distilled water). It is concluded that plants treated with foliar applied NPK at 6g L-1 improved most of the vegetative and reproductive variables of Roselle and hence could be recommended for better growth and production of Roselle under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar.

Enhancing Grain Yield and Improving Oil Quality of Canola Through the Application of Sulfur and Nitrogen in Agro-Climatic Condition of Peshawar, Pakistan

Enhancing Grain Yield and Improving Oil Quality of Canola Through the Application of Sulfur and Nitrogen in Agro-Climatic Condition of Peshawar, Pakistan

Charcoal and compost application induced changes in growth and yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The utilization of organic fertilizers in farmlands to enhance crop productivity and soil health is increasing globally. Compost and charcoal obtained from the decomposition and slow pyrolysis (respectively) of plants and animals wastes. Here we evaluated the effect of charcoal and compost on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at Agriculture Research Farm Peshawar, Pakistan during 2014-2015. Results showed that the application of compost and charcoal as sole or in combination significantly affected the yield and yield attributes of wheat. Data divulged that the maximum numbers of plant tillers (337 m-2), number of productive tillers per plant (313 m-2), number of grains per spike (56 spike-1) and 1000 seeds weight (50.2 g) were produced by the combined application of compost and charcoal at 5+5 Mg ha-1 while plant height (95.3 cm) was enhanced with the application of charcoal at 10 Mg ha-1. The gain (4106.7 kg ha-1) and biological yield (8473.3 kg ha-1) was significantly increased with the compost application at the rate of 10 Mg ha-1. These results proved that charcoal and compost can be used as organic fertilizers for boosting growth and yield performance of wheat under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar, Pakistan.

Effect of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of chilli (Capsicum annum L.) under the agro climatic condition of Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract The experiment was conducted to evaluate the “Effect of vermicompost on growth, yield and quality of chili (Capsicum annum L.)” at Horticulture Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during April 2017. The experiment was laid out in Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors, vermicompost levels (0, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 t ha−1) and cultivars (Magma and Himaliya). The data related to vermicompost showed that growth, yield and quality parameters increased with increasing level of vermicompost. Maximum plant height (93.83 cm), stem diameter (1.69 cm), number of branches (12), leaf area (1337.3 cm2), fruit length (10.92 cm), fruit weight (4.80 gm), root length (23.11 cm), yield (8.26 tons ha-1), highest ascorbic acid content (193.33 mg 100-1 g fruit) were recorded at @ 2.5 tons ha-1 of vermicompost,. In case of cultivars maximum plant height (89.58 cm), stem diameter (1.55cm), number of branches (10.67 fruit weight (4.27 gm), fruit length (10.33 cm), root length (21.07 cm) and yield (6.55 tons ha-1) and minimum ascorbic acid content (165.50 mg 100-1 g fruit) and leaf area (1102.2 cm2) were recorded in Magma cultivar. However highest ascorbic acid content (184.08mg 100-1g) and maximum leaf area (1211.6 cm2) were recorded in cultivar Himaliya. It is found that Magma cultivar along with 2.5 tons ha-1 vermicompost showed better growth, yield and quality parameters and hence may be recommended under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Further research is suggested to explore vermicompost benefits and other high yielding chili cultivar for Peshawar. Keywords: Chili; Growth; Quality; Vermicompost; Yield http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80027

Evaluation of tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) at different sowing dates under the agro-climatic condition of Peshawar

Abstract A field trial was conductedto evaluate tomato cultivars at different sowing dates under the agro climatic condition of Peshawar. Randomized complete block design having three replications and two factors. I.e. cultivars (Roma, Rio Grande and Red Stone and sowing dates1st, 15th and 30th January was used. Both sowing dates and cultivars significantly affected the growth and yield parameters. Among different sowing dates 15th January significantly increased flower cluster plant-1, number of fruit cluster-1 and yield (26.3t ha-1). Cultivar Red Stone significantly increased plant height, branches plant-1, flower cluster plant-1, fruit cluster -1 and yield t ha-1).It is concluded that tomato cultivar Red Stone sown after second week of January resulted in optimum growth and yield under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar. Keywords: Cultivars; Growth; Quality; Sowing times; Tomato; Yield http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.700214

Effect of priming on okra cultivars with different single super phosphate (SSP) concentrations

Abstract The experiment was conducted at New Horticulture Research Farm Malakandher, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during the year 2016. The experiment was laid out according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 2 factor factorial, having 24 treatments each replicated three times. Factor (A) consisted of okra cultivars (Punjab Selection, Sabz Pari, Supper Green and Swat Green). Factor (B) consisted of different single super phosphate concentrations {0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%}.Seeds were primed for 24 hours. Unprimed seed and priming with water were taken as control treatments. Results showed that seed primed with 0.5 % of single super phosphate concentration had maximum germination percentage (93.17 %), minimum number of days to emergence (5.12 days) and number of days to first flowering (29.77 days), maximum plant height (140.84 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (32.62), number of pods plant-1 (25.09), pod length (9.76 cm), number of seeds pod-1 (42.22), pod yield (8.94 tons ha-1), seed yield (769.98 kg ha-1), and 100 seed weight (6.34 g), whereas maximum survival percentage (95.55 %) was recorded in the seeds primed with 2% SSP. In case of cultivars maximum germination percentage (88.32 %), minimum number of days to emergence (5.39 days) number of days to first flowering (30.67 days) maximum plant height (140.11 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (31.59), number of pod plant-1 ( 24.22), pod length (9.37 cm), number of seeds pod-1 (41.39), and pod yield (8.84 tons ha-1) were recorded in Sabz Pari whereas maximum survival percentage (92.72%), seed yield (768.06 kg ha-1), 100 seed weight (6.32 g) were recorded in Swat Green. It is concluded that seed priming with 0.5 % phosphorus gave better result in almost all parameters. Okra cultivar, Sabz Pari showed best result in majority attributes under the agro-climatic condition of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan. Keywords: Okra cultivars; Priming; Single super phosphate http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.700201

Genotype × environment interaction studies in F5 populations of upland cotton under agro-climatic condition of Peshawar

Genotype × environment interaction studies in F5 populations of upland cotton under agro-climatic condition of Peshawar

Response of zinnia cultivars to boron levels

An experiment was conducted to study the ‘’Response of zinnia cultivars to boron levels’’ at ornamental Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar during 2014. The experiment was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) having three replications. There were four boron levels (0 kg ha-1, 1 kg ha-1, 2 kg ha-1, 3 kg ha-1), and three zinnia cultivars (Coral dream, Yellow dream, Pink dream). The result showed that both boron and zinnia cultivars significantly effect in all parameters. Maximum number of flowers plant-1 (18.60), flower diameter (8.71cm), fresh flower weight (9.7g), plant height (40.04 cm), root length (16.3cm) and dry flower weight (1.90g) were observed in plots, supplied with boron at rate of 2kgha-1. Among cultivars Coral dream cultivar showed maximum plant height (35.7cm), flowers number plant-1 (15.04), fresh flower weight (8.5g), flower diameter (8.32cm), root length (13.28cm), and dry flower weight (1.60g). The interaction between boron levels and zinnia cultivars was significant for the observed parameters except plant height. Among different treatments zinnia cultivars, Coral dream and Yellow dream treated with boron 2kg ha-1 should be recommended for maximum growth and flowering attributes under the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar. Keywords: Boron; Cultivars; Zinnia http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.70006

Influence of Sowing Dates on Varying Maize (Zea mays I.) Varieties Grown under Agro-Climatic Condition of Peshawar, Pakistan

The rapid climate changes are imperative to evaluate and find ways that suite to maize-specific varieties either hybrids or varieties with appropriate sowing dates to avoid the critical growth stages from the stresses due to climate condition. Sowing at proper time and selection of good verity are the most important factor cropping system. A field experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture Research Farm during summer 2016 to evaluate the influence of sowing dates on varying maize varieties grown under the agro-climatic condition of Peshawar. The experiment was laid out in RCBD (randomized complete block design) were replicated three times with split plot arrangement. Sowing dates (10 June, 21 June, 1 July, 11 July, 22 July) were allotted to main plot and varieties (Iqbal, Azam, Jalal, Babar, SB-989, SB-909, SB-292, CS-200, CS-220, and W-888) were placed in the subplot. The subplot size was 5 m × 3 m. Experimental result showed that maximum days to tasseling (60), days to silking (65), tasseling and silking interval (6), plant height (185 cm), biological yield (21745 kg ha-1), 1000 grain weight (413 g) grain yield (5162 kg ha-1) were observed in different sowing intervals. Among the different verities the maximum days to tasseling (57), days to silking (62), tasseling and silking interval (7). Plant height, (176 cm), biological yield (17279 kg ha-1), 1000 grain weight (410 g), grain yield (5113 kg ha-1). It is concluded from the result that early sowing and tested variety W-888 give higher grain yield and yield traits of maize.

Evaluation of tomato accessions for quantitative and qualitative traits under agro climatic condition of Peshawar

The objective of this research was to screen the tomato accessions for quantative and qualitative traits under agro climatic condition of Peshawar. 17 tomato accessions with a tomato commercial cultivar were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replication at The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during kharif season 2016. Quantative traits studied were juice pH, total soluble solids, days to flowering, plant height, fruits plant-1, fruit weight and fruit yield plant-1. While qualitative traits comprised plant growth type, canopy size, leaf type, flower inflorance, fruit color, fruit shape and fruit firmness. Highly significant differences were observed among tomato accessions for all the quantative traits studied except juice pH. While qualitative traits showed that maximum accessions had indeterminate growth habit (88.9%), Intermediate canopy size (55.6%), curled leaf type (66.7%), medium number of flowers inflorescence-1 (55.6%), red fruit color (61.1%), deep globe fruits (26.7%) and soft fruit firmness (83.3%). Fruit yield plant-1 showed significant positive correlation with juice pH (r=0.580**), TSS (r=0.500**), plant height (r=0.420**), fruits plant-1 (r=0.410**) and fruit weight (r=0.920**) except days to flowering (r=-0.310**) which showed significant negative correlation with fruit yield plant-1. Roma showed highest value of fruit juice pH (4.1), total soluble solids (6.1), fruit weight (54.2 g) and fruit yield plant-1 (688.7 g). Therefor this study suggested that Roma and 31910 could be recommended as commercial cultivars under agro climatic condition of Peshawar and also could be used in future tomato breeding programs. Keywords: Evaluation; Tomato accessions; Quantative traits; Qualitative traits; Correlation http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600145

Impact of phosphorus and potassium levels on yield and yield components of maize

Intensive cropping pattern has deprived the soil of essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). This has resulted in lowering maize yield. P application control plant growth behavior. P is needed for utilization of sugar and starch, photosynthesis, cell division, nucleus and fat and albumen formation. K is well documented in protein synthesis, enzyme activation, stomatal movement, water relation and photosynthesis in plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of P and K on yield and yield components of maize. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design during 2014-15 at Agronomy Research Farm of Agriculture University Peshawar-Pakistan. Maize hybrid “Pioneer-3025” was use as a test crop. Experiment was composed of four levels of P (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1) and four level of K (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1). Result showed that P applied at 120 kg ha-1 increased rows ear-1 by 40%, grains row-1 by 18%, grains ear-1 by 41%, thousand grains weight by 8%, biological yield by 41%, stover yield by 34%, grain yield by 55% and harvest index by 10% over control. Similarly, K applied at 90 kg ha-1 increased rows ear-1 by 40%, grains row-1 by 15%, grains ear-1 by 36%, thousand grains weight by 8%, biological yield by 36%, stover yield by 25%, grain yield by 56% and harvest index by 15% over control. It is concluded that P at the rate of 120 kg ha-1 and K at the rate of 90 kg ha-1 should be applied for improved yield and yield component of maize in agro climatic conditions of Peshawar. Keywords: Maize; Phosphorus; Potassium; Yield; Yield components; Levels http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600114

Sulphate of potash and dipping time influence the seed germination and growth of pecan nuts

To investigate the influence of various levels of SOP and dipping time on seed germination and growth of pecan nuts, a study was carried out at Horticulture Department, Agriculture University Peshawar, Pakistan (during 2012). The experiment consists of SOP levels (0,2,4,6,8 & 10%) and dipping times (5,10,15 & 20 hours) respectively in order to find out the optimum level of SOP and best dipping time for successful germination and better growth of pecan nuts. The results revealed that SOP levels and dipping time significantly affected most of the parameters under study. The interactions between SOP and dipping time showed significant differences for all parameters except germination percentage, root length, leaf area plant-1, stem diameter. The pecan nuts treated with 10% SOP solution showed best result regarding, number of roots plant-1(73.00), seedling height plant-1 (22.53 cm), stem diameter plant-1 (0.63 cm), root length (61.67 cm), germination percentage (70.83%). The mean data for dipping time indicated that the pecan nuts dipped for 10 hours showed best results for number of roots plant-1(69.00), seedling height plant-1 (19.04 cm), root length plant-1 (56.11 cm), germination percentage (65.00 %), and. It was concluded from the experiment that SOP @ 10% with 10 hours of dipping time gave best results in seed germination, seedling growth and establishment of pecan nuts plants under agro climatic conditions of Peshawar, Pakistan. Keywords: Dipping times; Sulphate of potash; Pecan nuts; Germination http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60029

Evaluation of Wheat Varietal Performance under Different Nitrogen Sources

Nitrogen fertilization plays a very important role for crop productivity. New developed wheat varieties need proper fertilization for improved crop productivity. The present study was carried out to quantify, the effects of nitrogen derived from urea and FYM on the four newly developed wheat varieties i.e. Siran-2009, Ata Habib, Janbaz-2009 and Pirsabak-2008 for yield improvement, quality and soil fertility status. The N treatments were control, 100% of the recommended nitrogen from urea as well as FYM, and 50% from each source. The experiment was carried out at New Developmental Farm, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University Peshawar Pakistan, during Rabi 2011-2012. Results of the data showed that Janbaz-2009 was more responsive to biological yield (11,011 kg·ha-1), grain yield (4339 kg·ha-1), and nitrogen use efficiency (14.8%), whereas Siran-2010 performed better for grain N contents (2.31%). Plots having both urea and FYM had improved biological yield (11,958 kg·ha-1), and grain yield (4901 kg·ha-1). Urea application had improved straw N contents (0.92%) in addition to Mix application of urea and FYM (0.93%). Mix application of both sources and sole FYM had higher grains N content (2.25%), whereas control plots in addition to mix application had improved nitrogen use efficiency (14.8%). Siran-2010 and Janbaz-2009 performed better in FYM and mix FYM and urea plots for most of the parameters. It was concluded from the experiment that Janbaz-2009 had improved yield and yield components, whereas Siran-2010 had improved the grain N content. Similarly, Mix application of FYM and urea had improved crop productivity, soil fertility and grains as well as straw N content. Thus wheat varieties Janbaz-2009 sown in mix FYM and urea is recommended for general cultivation in agro-climatic condition of Peshawar.

Phenological traits of wheat response to different levels of humic acid and brassinolide

A field experiment was conducted to investigate phonological traits of wheat response to different levels of humic acid and brassinolide at New Developmental Farm The University of Agriculture, Peshawar during Rabi season 2009 -10. The wheat variety Saleem 2000 was sown. The design used was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications in split plot arrangement. Humic acid was assigned to main plot whereas brassinolide was allotted to sub plot. Plot size of 3 x 3.5 m having 10 rows, 30 cm apart were used. Four levels of humic acid (0, 1, 2 and 4 kg ha) were applied at sowing times. Whereas 5 levels of brassinolide (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg L) were sprayed in foliar form at the tillering stage. Application of 4 kg HA ha delayed days to heading (117.44). Increasing humic acid levels up to 2 kg ha delayed anthesis (124.18) days and maturity (156) days and produced taller (82.69) plants. Increasing brassinolide concentrations up to 2 mg L delayed days to heading (118.25days), anthesis (124.63days) and maturity (158days). Taller (89.56cm) plants were produced through the application of 2 mg BL. Increasing brassinolide concentration up to 2 mg L as combined with 2 kg HA ha delayed days to anthesis. Application of 2 kg HA ha enhanced wheat phenology and thus is recommended for wheat cultivation in the agro climatic conditions of Peshawar for improved phonological traits. Application of 2 mg BL improved wheat phenology and thus is recommended for wheat cultivation in the agro climatic conditions of Peshawar for better phonological traits.

Effect of different mulching materials on weeds and yield of Chili cultivars

To evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on the weeds and yield of chili cultivars, an experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm at University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the year 2014. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replication.. There were two factors i.e. mulching materials (Wheat straw, Saw dust, Transparent plastic, Black plastic, Unmulched) and chili cultivars (PusaJawala, Sky Star, Hot Green, Green Star).Minimum weed density m -2 (19), maximum yield tons ha -1 (3.07) were found when black plastic was used, while maximum weed density m -2 (209), were found, when transparent plastic was used. Highest soil moisture content (%) was found under black and transparent plastic mulch. Wheat straw and saw dust also increase growth and yield components of chili as compare to Unmulched plots. Lowest soil moisture content (16.1 %) and minimum yield tons ha -1 (0.70) were recorded from Unmulched plots. In case of cultivars maximum yield tons ha -1 (2.33) were noted in cultivar Sky Star. It is concluded from the results that cultivar Sky star along with black plastic mulch proved better with respect to weed control and yield and should be used for higher production of chili under the agro climatic conditions of Peshawar.

Response of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) extract type, concentration and application time to weeds weight, grain and biomass yield of wheat

High crop yield depend upon effective weeds control through commercial herbicides. However, use of commercial herbicides may pollute environment and underground water. Toxicity and resistance development against commercial herbicides demand for exploring alternative methods for weeds control. Aim of this study was to evaluate effect of sorghum water extract on weeds weight and yield of wheat cultivar “Atta Habib 2010”. Research was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, University of Agriculture Peshawar in 2014-15. Sorghum stem (SS) and leaf (SL) extracts with three concentrations (1:3, 1:4 and 1:5 kg L) and three application time (emergence, tillering and 50% at emergence + 50 at tillering) were used. Herbicides (H) treated, hand weeding (HW) and unweeded plots were included for comparison. H treated plots produced less weeds weight (128.3 g m), higher leaf area index (LAI) (4.0), more spikes m (350), heavier thousand grains (51 g) and more biomass yield (BY) (10333 kg ha) compared to sorghum water extract sprayed plots. Among concentrations (C), sorghum water extracts sprayed at 1:3 concentration gave lower weeds weight (257 g m), more LAI (3.4), more spikes m (320) heavier thousand grains (46 g) and higher BY (9789 kg ha). Amongst application time (AT), sorghum water extracts applied at tillering resulted in low weeds weight (256 g m), higher LAI (3.2), more spikes m (315), higher thousand grains (45 g) and more BY (9621 kg ha). SL extracts gave less weeds weight (269 g m), more LAI (3.2), more spikes m (314), heavier thousand grains (45 g) and higher BY (9576 kg ha) compared with SS extracts. It is concluded that leaf water extract applied at tillering with 1:3 concentration reduced weeds weight and increased thousand grain weight of wheat and is recommended for suppressing weeds weight and enhancing thousand grain weight of wheat in agro climatic conditions of Peshawar.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Phosphorous on Growth of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

To investigate the performance of organic and inorganic phosphorous on growth of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), an experiment was carried out at Newly Developmental Farm (NDF), Horticulture Section, the university of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan, during 2012. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement and replicated three times. The chemical fertilizer Single Super Phosphate (SSP) was used as inorganic source of phosphorus, while Organic Phosphate (OP) from organic product produced by Niha corporation containing 20% organic mineralized P2O5, was used as the source of organic phosphorous. Both the sources of fertilizer were applied at the rate of 10, 20, 30 40 and 50 kg · hm−2 and control. The statistical analysis of data revealed that both the sources and levels of phosphorus significantly affected most of the growth parameters of Roselle except germination percentage and survival percentage. Plant height (112.09 cm), numbers of leave plant−1 (177.87), numbers of branch plant−1 (4.08), leaf areas (126.60 cm2), days to flowering (142.83), fresh flower weight (2.56 g), fresh calyx weight (1.70 g), dry calyx weight (0.43 g), numbers of calyces (94.10), numbers of root plant−1 (11.03), root length (22.67 cm) and root weight (27.50 g) were observed in plants fertilized with organic source of phosphorous. Phosphorous levels significantly affected all of the parameters except germination percentage and survival percentage. The maximum plant height (124.39 cm), numbers of branches (5.32), numbers of leave plant−1 (204.89), leaf areas (148.14 cm2), fresh flower weight (3.32 g), fresh calyx weight (2.04 g), dry calyx weight (0.51 g), numbers of calyces (105.30), numbers of root plant−1 (12.78), root length (24.50 cm) and root weight (29.94 g) were observed in plants fertilized with 40 kg · hm−2 phosphorous and the maximum numbers of days to flowering (148.17) were observed in the control plants. It was concluded from the experimental results that organic phosphorous at the rate 40 kg · hm−2 would be used for better production of Roselle under agro-climatic condition of Peshawar.

Growth and Yield Performance of Maize Seeded in Line and Broadcasted to Varying Doses of Nitrogen

Abstract Improving production through better agronomic management is continued to feed ever-increasing population. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of N on maize seeded in line or broadcasted. Treatments included four level of urea nitrogen (N), i.e. 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 and two sowing techniques, i.e. drill sowing (improved) and broad cast (farmer practice). Improved method of sowing had improved yield and yield contributing parameters whereas emergence m-2 and biological yield was higher in broadcast method of sowing. Increasing N application had increased biological yield, number of plants at harvest and grains ear-1 linearly. Cobs per plant, grain yield, 1000 grains weight and harvest index showed sigmoid response to N application and was maximum at 120 kg N ha-1. Sowing of maize seed in line method and receiving 120 kg N ha-1 had increased grain yield by 45% over broad cast method of sowing receiving the same dose of nitrogen. However, the farmer practices method had increased the forage (straw) when received higher amount of N, i.e. 180 kg N ha-1. Thus, it is concluded from the experiment that application of 120 kg N ha-1 and seed sown in line had increased the yield and yielding parameters, compared to other treatments and is, therefore, recommended for general cultivation of variety Azam in agro-climatic condition of Peshawar.