Sowing Dates Research Articles

Nitrogen fertilization and sowing date as wheat climate change adaptation tools under Mediterranean conditions

In the current situation, climate change has substantially disturbed precipitation occurrence in the Mediterranean region, by increasing its variability and decreasing the total annual amount, which both negatively affect rainfed crop productivity. We hypothesize that a simple cost-effective method for enhancing crop adaptation to new climate conditions would consist of modifying the crop sowing date. Traditional nitrogen (N) fertilization rates could also be adjusted to the current situation given the interdependent water/N relation in plant nutrition. Based on this hypothesis, during a 4-year field experiment with bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L., var. Pistolo), the effects of three sowing dates (October, November, February) and three N fertilization rates (54kgN ha-1, 27kgN ha-1, 0kgN ha-1) on crop development, yield, grain quality, soil N content and N use efficiency were analyzed. The results showed that water scarcity was the predominant limiting factor, because it outweighed N deficiency with half-fertilized crops being as productive as fully fertilized treatments. Nevertheless, sowing date was the most influential factor, with up to a 30% yield increase noted for the November-sown wheat compared to that sown in October, while delaying wheat sowing to February decreased crop yields. Grain protein content remained the same between the November- and October-sown crops, but increased in the February one crops. Optical sensor measurements showed that an optimal assessment of the current water/N nutritional status of crops can be achieved with these tools.

Optimization of sowing dates for enhanced rice yield: insights from field experiments in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China

An efficacious strategy to adapt to climate change involves optimizing the planting season, a technique that has been extensively utilized to enhance the use of solar radiation and temperature resources in rice cultivation. Field experiments were executed in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China, employing three distinct rice cultivars and seven disparate sowing periods spanning 2019 to 2021. The objective of assessing the impact of sowing date on apparent radiation use efficiency (RUEA), accumulated temperature use efficiencies (TUE), and overall rice yield. Subsequent to the delay of sowing dates, the duration of the comprehensive growth period initially exhibited a declining trajectory before subsequently escalating, with the reduction predominantly ascribed to a decrease in the number of days preceding heading. Furthermore, there was a tendency for both the mean daily and effective cumulative solar radiation to decline over the course of the growing period. The yield of the three rice varieties demonstrated an initial surge, which was then followed by a subsequent decline in reaction to the delay of sowing dates. A correlation analysis disclosed that solar radiation and effective cumulative temperature (EAT) were the predominant elements impacting grain yield. The outcomes of the path analysis indicate that EAT exerts the most substantial influence on yield, succeeded by cumulative total solar radiation (TSR), while photothermal quotient (PTQ) demonstrates the least impact on yield. There was a significant positive correlation between EAT and cumulative TSR with spikelets per panicle (0.237** and 0.218**), grain filling (0.753** and 0.576**), and grain weight (0.339** and 0.359**), respectively. The findings of this study indicate that an increase in yield is facilitated when the EAT after heading exceeds 594.9 ℃, the EAT surpasses 2016.7 ℃, the cumulative TSR before heading is above 1548.7 MJ m− 2, the cumulative TSR after heading is over 603.0 MJ m− 2, and the cumulative total radiation throughout the entire growth period is more than 2151.8 MJ m− 2. Furthermore, the most optimal sowing date, as identified by this study, is June 6. This study provides key insights into boosting rice productivity in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China by analyzing the impact of temperature and solar radiation on yield and identifying optimal growth conditions.Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Assessment of sowing environment for wheat cultivars and evaluation of growing degree days for phenological stages in the Northwest Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh

BackgroundThe date of sowing is a non-monetary input factor that plays a crucial role in field crop management. Based on the sowing time, management practices of crop production affect crop growth, development, and yield. Under varied environmental conditions, this factor may be useful in addressing low yields and combating/escaping stresses either due to diseases or due to any unfavourable environment.ResultsA field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2017–18 and 2018–19 to study the accumulated growing degree days (GDD) and performance of six wheat cultivars (HS 562, HD 2967, HD 3086, HI 1544, MACS 6222 and WR 544) under four sowing dates (5th November, 25th November, 15th December and 5th January). The study revealed that 5th November is the best date for sowing resulting in higher pooled grain yield of 4.85 Mg ha−1 and 3.94 Mg ha−1 at Bajaura and Malan, respectively. Significant reductions in the grain yield and yield attributes were observed when the date of sowing was set beyond 5th November. Among the cultivars tested, HS 562 gave a significantly higher pooled grain yield of 4.46 and 3.75 Mg ha−1 at Bajaura and Malan, respectively. Pooled data on physiological maturity revealed that variety HS 562 took the highest calendar days (168 days) and GDD (1573.42 °C days) to attain physiological maturity at Bajaura while at Malan HI 1544 and HD 3086 took the highest calendar days (156 and 155 days, respectively) and GDD (2055.41 and 2051.81 °C days, respectively) to attain their physiological maturity.ConclusionFrom the study, it can be concluded that the early date of sowing provides the crop with ample duration to accumulate growing degree days resulting in a higher accumulation of photosynthates resulting in significantly higher yield attributes and grain yield. Therefore, 5th November is recommended as the best time for sowing of wheat crop whereas the sowing must not be delayed beyond 25th November. HS 562 was superior among the cultivars and is recommended for Malan and Bajaura regions for attaining higher yield.

Impacts of High Temperature and Vapor Pressure Deficit on the Maize Opened Spikelet Ratio and Pollen Viability

High temperatures (HTs) and high vapor pressure deficits (VPDs) have significant impacts on maize yields, partly due to the high sensitivity of maize tassels. However, there are few studies quantifying the impacts of HTs and VPDs on maize tassel performance under changing environments. Therefore, we carried out a two-year field experiment that included 20 inbred lines and four sowing dates. Compared with the first sowing date, the seed set in the second sowing date decreased by ~80% in both years. The opened spikelet ratio (OSR) and pollen viability (PV) were the key determinants of seed set, and their respective correlation coefficients with seed set were 0.58 and 0.90. The OSR and PV decreased by ~20% and ~50%, respectively, under high-temperature stress. When Tmax exceeded 32.5 °C or the VPD exceeded 0.91 KPa, PV began to decline; when Tmax exceeded 33.8 °C or VPD exceeded 1.10 KPa, the OSR began to decline. The OSR was more dependent on genotypic background than PV (28.4% vs. 19.7%). The maize tassel water content was significantly correlated with the OSR and PV. Based on the OSR and PV values, the 20 genotypes were divided into three different groups, namely the high H, middle M, and low L groups. The H group, on average, had the highest kernel number per ear and seed set, followed by the M and L groups. The average seed sets of the H, M, and L genotypes under the second sowing date were 17.4%, 10.9%, and 0%, respectively, in 2019 and 13.8%, 7.9%, and 0.6%, respectively, in 2020. The present results indicate that selecting maize varieties with a high OSR is an effective approach for improving maize yield under heat stress.

Planting Density and Sowing Date Strongly Influence Canopy Characteristics and Seed Yield of Soybean in Southern Xinjiang

Southern Xinjiang is an important soybean production region in China. However, the short growing season and the cultivation of winter crops (such as wheat) in the region limit the expansion of soybean planting areas. An increased planting density can compensate for the loss in yield due to delayed sowing. To identify the quantitative relationship between increased density and delayed days, a two-year field experiment was conducted at the Tarim University Agronomy Experiment Station. Two sowing dates (April 7 (S1) and May 7 (S2)) and three planting densities of 206,800 plants·ha−1 (D1), 308,600 plants·ha−1 (D2), and 510,200 plants·ha−1 (D3) were used to compare various plant growth parameters and canopy characteristics. Late sowing and a high planting density significantly increased the plant height (S2 was 37.3% higher than S1, and D3 was 17.6% and 8.8% higher than D1 and D2), main stem internode, petiole length, and the mean tilt angle of the leaves (S2 was 22.5% higher than S1, and D3 was 11.7% higher than D2) but reduced the stem diameter (D3 was 28.6% and 12.5% lower than D1 and D2), branch number (S2 was 26.7% lower than S1, and D2 was 75% lower than D1), canopy light transmittance (S2 was 49.2% lower than S1, and D3 was 36.7% and 20.8% lower than D1 and D2), photosynthetic rate, and dry matter. The highest yield was achieved at S1D1, but the lowest yield was found for S2D1. Overall, the results suggest that earlier sowing and a lower planting density contribute to achieving an optimum canopy structure and higher yield. Our conclusions provide a reference for soybean production in southern Xinjiang.

Simulation of Summer Groundnut for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits Using CROPGRO-Peanut Model

Field experiments were carried out at College farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The DSSAT v 4.6 CROPGRO-Peanut model was used to predict the phenology of groundnut crop under combinations of three sowing dates and four groundnut cultivars. The model was calibrated with a 2015 dataset of growth and phenological parameters for estimating the genetic coefficients of all four cultivar and was validated with a 2016 dataset of the same parameters. Result found that the model was able to reasonably simulate the pod yield, kernel yield and haulm yield with per cent error ranging (± 10.06) between observed and simulated value for all cultivars under different sowing dates Simulations of yield and yield attributing characters using the calibrated model were found to be quite accurate.

The effect of sowing dates on the yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) accessions differing in maturity schedules under the climate conditions of Irkutsk Province

Background. Soybean is the main supplier of complete vegetable protein and oil. Prior to the emergence of new early-ripening cultivars, this crop was not cultivated in Irkutsk Province. Its introduction into the area requires a detailed study of agricultural practices, primarily the choice of optimal sowing dates. Materials and methods. Soybean cv. ‘Barguzin’, late-ripening under the conditions of Irkutsk Province, and early-ripening accession 15 served as the research objects. Field studies were carried out in 2019–2021. There were four sowing dates, from the first ten-day period of May through the first ten-day period of June. Results and conclusion. Cv. ‘Barguzin’ appeared highly productive under the climate of Irkutsk Province (its average seed yield in 2019–2021 was 2.7 t/ha), but its productivity was significantly influenced by weather conditions and sowing dates (seed yields varied from 1.4 to 3.6 t/ha). The optimal sowing times for this cultivar are the first and second ten-day periods of May. Early-ripening accession 15 was characterized by more stable yield values in the studied years (average productivity was 2.4 t/ha, minimum 1.9 t/ha, and maximum 3.2 t/ha). The preferred sowing times for this accession are the second and third ten-day periods of May. The case study of two soybean genotypes differing in maturation schedules revealed the need for individual selection of sowing dates. It was shown that the early-ripening soybean genotype imposed less stringent requirements on the choice of sowing dates.

Optimization of Productivity of Fodder Crops with Green Conveyor System in the Context of Climate Instability in the North Kazakhstan Region

One of the main challenges in modern animal husbandry in North Kazakhstan is ensuring an uninterrupted supply of sufficient fodder crops. This research, conducted from 2019 to 2023, aimed to develop strategies for cultivating environmentally sustainable fodder crops capable of providing a stable fodder crop base under the changing climatic conditions of the North Kazakhstan region. The studies included analysis of air temperature and precipitation data as well as monitoring of fodder grass mixtures within a green fodder conveyor system. Different sowing dates for fodder crops and mixtures were selected for the development of the conveyor system. The range of experimental variants included fodder crops and their mixtures from various botanical families. The experiment involved both perennial (alfalfa and festulolium) and annual (corn, pea, sunflower, Sudan grass, oats, and rapeseed) crops. The highest green mass yields were achieved by the following variants: fodder crops of corn + pea—74.40 c/ha; mixtures of annual legume–grass crops in the pea + oats variant of the first sowing date—43.64 c/ha; Sudan grass + pea—45.72 c/ha; mixtures of perennial grasses in the second utilization term of alfalfa + festulolium—64.9 c/ha; and rapeseed sown at the first sowing date—46.61 c/ha. In terms of crude and digestible protein content, the best among the annual grass variants was the mixture of Sudan grass and pea (crude protein—33.59 g/kg, digestible protein—24.5 g/kg), and the best among the perennials was the variant of the first utilization term (crude protein—50.42 g/kg, digestible protein—38.2 g/kg). Regarding metabolizable energy content, the annual crop variant of corn + pea had a yield of 1.92 MJ/kg, and in the perennial variant, the mixture of alfalfa and festulolium in the first utilization term had a yield of 2.68 MJ/kg. Such an approach to creating green fodder conveyors can be crucial for developing effective strategies for adapting agriculture to climate change, including the selection of promising fodder crops and optimization of their placement. The results obtained can contribute to enhancing the productivity and sustainability of agricultural production in the North Kazakhstan region.

Role of Nitrogen Fertilization and Sowing Date in Productivity and Climate Change Adaptation Forecast in Rice–Wheat Cropping System

Role of Nitrogen Fertilization and Sowing Date in Productivity and Climate Change Adaptation Forecast in Rice–Wheat Cropping System

Strategic cultivar and sowing time selection for weed management and higher redgram productivity in semi-arid Indian regions

IntroductionRedgram (Cajanus cajan L. Mill sp.), a leguminous crop commonly grown in tropical and subtropical climates, is highly valued for its high protein content (21%), which contributes significantly to food and nutritional security. However, its production faces challenges primarily due to terminal dryness experienced during critical growth stages because of changing rainfall patterns. To overcome this, adaptive techniques become imperative as the productivity of this crop is intricately linked to environmental factors and the crop’s growth cycle.MethodsHence, the field experiment was conducted at the National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, in South India under rainfed condition, during the kharif (monsoon) seasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19. The primary objectives were to determine the optimal sowing time and identify suitable redgram cultivars, especially in the context of the late onset of the monsoon in Tamil Nadu, a common issue under changing climate conditions. The experiments tested six different sowing dates with three redgram cultivars.Results and discussionThe findings highlighted the substantial influence of different redgram cultivars and sowing times on the crop’s growth characteristics and yield. Among the six sowing dates tested, planting in later half of June (S6) resulted in notably higher plant height (201 cm), a greater number of pods per plant (287), a seed yield of 1,112 kg ha−1, and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.61 Notably, this sowing period (S6) demonstrated comparable performance with the treatment of redgram sowing in the latter part of September (S4). CO 6 (V1) is the most productive of the three redgram cultivars, with the highest mean pant height (200 cm), number of pods per plant (237), grain yield (1,017 kg ha−1), and benefit cost ratio (2.38). Extended phenological phases along with extra days to reach phenological stages could account for the increased yield in comparison to the other cultivars. Among the two short-duration cultivars, VBN (Rg) 3 (V3) had a significantly higher mean grain yield of 958 kg ha−1 with the benefit-cost ratio of 2.24. Even though CO 6 (V1) obtained a higher yield due to its long duration nature, it matured in 187 days whereas VBN (Rg) 3 (V3) matured within 129 days. Consequently, the short-duration redgram cultivars emerge as highly suitable choices for integrating into crop sequences, thereby augmenting farm cropping intensity.

Influence of direct and staggered sowing of pelleted onion (Allium cepa) seeds on various seed yield parameters under Asian mid-hill conditions

The experiment was conducted during 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh to study the impact of precision planting (using pelleted seeds) and sowing dates on the numerous attributes of the onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Palam Lohit. The study was carried out with the objective to determine whether direct seed sowing would lead to successful seed production in onion under mid-hill conditions (which is not the conventional practice). Also, the staggered sowing dates would help to determine the best sowing time for higher seed production. The experiment was laid in randomized block design (Factorial) (F-RBD) with 3 replications having 19 treatments, including 3 pelleting treatments, viz. P1 (wood ash); P2 (ZnSO4 + wood ash); and P3 (H3BO3 + wood ash); 6 sowing dates, viz. D1 (15th September); D2 (1st October); D3 (15th October); D4 (1st November); D5 (15th November); and D6 (1st December); and Da (traditional bulb planting as control). The study revealed that seed pelleting with ZnSO4 + wood ash and early sowing (15th September) gave best results in terms of emergence (%), plant height, number of seeds/umbel and number of seeds/plant, seed yield and 1000-seed weight. The direct sowing treatments produced seeds in one year as opposed to two years using the conventional bulb planting method, which is traditionally being used in the Asian mid-hills.

Stability analysis on elite genotypes of Indian Mustard (Brassica Juncea L.) in Terai Agro-Climatic Region

Abstract Among the oilseed crops, mustard has gained precedence in the human diet due to its superior oil quality. Genotype × environment interactions have a significant effect on plant breeding because it reduces the stability of the genotypes in diverse environments. In order to assess the impact of environments on genotypes and determine the stable genotypes in terms of seed yield and yield attributing characters in the terai agro-climatic zone, seventy-one Indian mustard genotypes were evaluated during two consecutive years,namely, 2017-18 and 2018-19, focusing on nine quantitative characters across six environments. Eberhart and Russell model (1966) of stability analysis revealed that various genotypes exhibited adaptability to favourable and unfavourable environments for different characters, influenced by the different sowing dates over the two years. However, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 to be well adapted in terai agro-climatic zone in respect to seed yield and plant height, while Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) were adapted to specifically favorable (rich) environment for the seed yield. In terms of secondary branches per plant and number of siliquae on branches, Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) showed adaptability across all types of environments. Therefore, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 were identified as stable genotypes for optimum seed yield across different environmental conditions. Keyword: Mustard, G × E interaction, stability, , Regression, Deviation from regression, Brassica juncea

Effect of Date of Sowing in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Genotypes on Seed Growth and Yield

Effect of Date of Sowing in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Genotypes on Seed Growth and Yield

Identification of high-yielding and stable cultivars of wheat under different sowing dates: Comparison of AMMI and GGE-biplot analyses

Evaluating the adaptability and yield stability of wheat varieties across different sowing dates is crucial for the success of breeding programs. In this study, we used Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interactions (AMMI) and Genotype × Genotype–Environment (GGE) biplot analyses to evaluate the performance of 13 wheat varieties across eight sowing dates. The main objective was to compare varieties and sowing dates to identify the most stable varieties for cultivation. Both AMMI and GGE biplot analyses showed significant effects of genotype, environment and genotype-environment (GE) interaction on grain yield. The interaction patterns identified by AMMI and GGE-biplots categorized Mihan, Oroom and Pishgam as the most stable, high yielding and early maturing wheat varieties. Furthermore, while the GGE biplot method proved to be more efficient than the AMMI model for stability analysis, our results indicate considerable overlap between the results of these two approaches. These results provide a valuable basis for optimizing genetic improvement strategies in wheat breeding programs.

Assessing the effects of early and timely sowing on wheat cultivar HD 2967 under current and future tropospheric ozone scenarios

This study investigates the impact of elevated ozone (eO3) levels on the growth and yield of the wheat cultivar HD 2967 under different sowing dates in open-top chambers. Wheat was sown early on November 1st and timely on November 20th, 2017, under ambient and elevated O3 (ambient + 20 ppb), resulting in four treatment groups: AT (ambient + timely), ET (elevated + timely), AE (ambient + early), and EE (elevated + early). Results showed significant reductions in morphological traits and gas-exchange parameters, including photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency under elevated O3. The most notable decreases were observed 40 days after germination (DAG) compared to 80 DAG. Interestingly, while a higher percentage reduction was observed under ET at 80 DAG, a reversal in the trend of percentage reduction between the two stages was noted, suggesting a dynamic response of the wheat cultivar to stress across the growth stage. However, compared with ET's results, early sowing mitigated these negative effects under a futuristic O3 level scenario, showing no significant impact on grain yield and productivity factors. This resilience is attributed to the extended growth period, enhancing photosynthesis and biomass accumulation while avoiding high eO3 concentrations during critical reproductive stages. Furthermore, a trade-off in ET plants suggests resources are allocated towards defense (enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants) at the expense of growth, while EE conditions favor growth at later stages, maintaining reproductive fitness despite eO3 levels. Under conventional timely sowing, wheat may suffer yield declines of up to 30% amidst rising eO3 levels. Early sowing emerges as a proactive strategy to enhance wheat productivity under increasing O3 stress. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of early sowing across multiple wheat cultivars and climatic conditions to inform sustainable agricultural practices in high O3 areas.

Effect of different sowing dates and nipping on growth and yield of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L Millsp.)

Effect of different sowing dates and nipping on growth and yield of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L Millsp.)

Studies on Effect of Terminal Heat Stress on Seed Quality and its Mitigation in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field experiment was conducted to know the effect of terminal heat stress on seed yield and its mitigation in chickpea was carried out during 2021-22 at Seed Unit, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur. High temperature during sowing time from early to late and very late directly affect the vegetative and anthesis stages and it was overcome by spraying the plants with heat stress mitigating chemicals. The experiment was laid out with three dates of sowing and ten foliar spray each treatment was replicated twice in a split plot design. Spraying was done at two stages of crop growth i.e., at vegetative (35-40 DAS) and anthesis stage (50-60 DAS) in all dates of sowing. The interaction between dates of sowing and heat stress mitigating chemicals showed highest physiological and seed quality parameters i.e. chlorophyll stability index (D3T3) (73.06 and 74.63%), minimum cell membrane injury index (55.09 and 63.63 %), maximum proline content (D3T3) (6.79 and 9.37 µ mol g-1), relative water content (83.79 and 75.10 %) at 60 DAS and at harvest, first count (90.50 %), final count (100.00 %), speed of germination (43.80), minimum time for radicle emergence (41.00 hrs), root length (17.32 cm), shoot length (10.12 cm), dry weight (27.10 mg), seedling vigour index-I (2643), seedling vigour index-II (2700). Among the treatments, sowing done at October 15th and plants sprayed with salicylic acid @ 400 ppm followed by gibberellic acid (100ppm) (T10) twice at vegetative and anthesis stage was found to be better in obtaining significantly higher physiological and seed quality parameters in chickpea variety JG-11 under heat stress conditions.

Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Components in Foxtail Millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] Accessions under Multi Environments in Foothills of Nagaland

Background: Foxtail millet cultivation inIndia’s North Eastern Hill regionholds promise due to its adaptation to diverse environments and high-quality grain. The objective of this study was to assess the amount of variability present among the genotypes, association of traits and find out foxtail millet genotypes that produce high yield in diverse environments. Methods: The investigation was carried out during July 2022 to May 2023 in four different dates of sowing. Two environments maintained under rainfed condition and the remaining two environments are maintained under irrigated condition. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications in all environments. Result: Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences (at 5%) among the 30 genotypes for all yield variables under evaluation. Genotype ‘G1’ exhibited superior performance for both yield and yield-related traits. The present study revealed considerable genetic variation among the yield traits, with all traits demonstrating high heritability except for harvest index.Traits such as fodder yield per plant, panicle length, biological yield, flag leaf width, peduncle length, panicle width and grain yield per plant show high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. A strong correlation was observed between grain yield per plant and several traits including days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, panicle length, flag leaf length, peduncle length, biological yield and fodder yield per plant. This correlation was consistent at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. Biological yield exhibited the strongest direct influence on grain yield per plant, followed by harvest index, flag leaf width and number of base tillers on genotypic and phenotypic levels.

Impact of Planting Time on the Performance of Different Wheat Varieties: A Review

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is among the most widely cultivated cereal crops globally. Wheat belongs to family Poaceae and genus Triticum and its center of origin is South Western Asia. Following China, India is the second-largest wheat producer in the world. Among different species of wheat crop, Triticum aestivum is the most prime because of its higher calorific values as well as a good addition for nutritional requirement of human body due to appearance of 9-10 % protein and 60-80 % carbohydrates. Choosing the appropriate sowing time and selecting suitable cultivars are crucial for achieving higher wheat yields. Early sowing with the optimal plant population promotes better growth and nutrient uptake, leading to increased crop production. Delayed sowing reduces the growth, yield, and quality of wheat grain, while early sowing leads to greater yields thanks to a longer grain development phase. Additionally, cultivar selection played a crucial role in determining wheat performance. Some cultivars exhibited greater adaptability to varying sowing dates, maintaining higher yields and better stress tolerance. Proper selection of cultivars is obtained to maximum yield due to variation among the weather conditions and genetic diversity. Optimum sowing dates give suitable temperature to obtain maximum productivity and cultivars selection also play prime role in obtaining maximum wheat production. Improper selection of cultivars produces lower grain yield.

Response of Broomrape, Annual Weeds and Pea Crop to Some Weed Control Treatments under Different Sowing Dates

Two field experiments were carried out on the yield of pea crop in soil naturally infested with annual weeds and broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.), at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, (31°07'N, 30°05'E) latitude. longitude) during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 winter seasons. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sowing dates (25th October and 25th November) and five weed control treatments on growth, yield components of pea as well as its associated weeds. A split plot design was used with four replicates. The main finding revealed that the studied two factors were dependent, The highest significant reduction percentage on controlling weeds included broomrape was obtained by using either of pea growing in 25th November with weed control treatments (Basagran at 0.5 L fed-1+ Select Super at 0.25 L fed-1 + Round up Star at 0.04 L fed-1 (twice)), (Alpha Top at 0.5 L fed-1 + Fuselied Forty at 1.4 L fed-1 + Round up Star at 0.04 L fed-1(twice)) and (Stomp Extra at 1.7 L fed-1 + Fuselied Forty at 1.4 L fed-1 + Round up Star at 0.04 L fed-1 (twice)), on controlling annual weeds, broomrape and on increasing pea yield and its components. The previous respective interactions gave the highest significant increasing values of pea seed yield (ton/fed), and its components in kafr El-Sheikh area.