October Sowing 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 (54 kg N ha−1, 27 kg N ha−1, 0 kg N 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.

Comparative resistance of wheat genotypes to aphid infestation under varied sowing dates

Aphid infestations pose a significant threat to wheat production worldwide, leading to substantial yield losses. Understanding the variation in wheat genotype response to aphids’ infestation across different sowing dates is crucial for effective insect pest management approaches. In this study, we investigated the relative resistance of various wheat genotypes to aphid infestations under varying sowing dates over multiple growing seasons 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Cereal Crops Research Institute, Pirsabak, Nowshera, Pakistan. The objectives were to assess the impact of sowing date on aphid infestations and to identify wheat genotypes that exhibit consistent resistance to aphids. The results revealed significant variations in aphid infestations across different sowing dates, with early-sown (October) wheat genotypes; Khaista-17 and PR-123 having 5.53 and 5.22 aphids/tiller, respectively, experiencing higher aphid pressure among all sowing dates, while lower aphid infestation 1.91 and 2.30 aphids/tiller observed on PR-125 and PR-127 respectively in late-sown (January). In contrast, Khaista-17 and PR-126 sown in October attained higher yield (4041 and 3639 kg ha−1), while the same genotypes attained 448 and 441 kg ha−1 respectively, that late-sown at January 2019–20. Similarly, these genotypes, Khaista-17 and PR-131 with 4.44 and 4.31 aphids/tiller not only sustained lower aphid populations but also demonstrated minimal yield loss due to aphid damage during 2020–21. This research highlights the importance of considering sowing date as a critical factor in wheat-aphid interactions. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights for pest management strategies aimed at mitigating aphid-related yield losses and improve overall wheat production sustainability.

Produtos alternativos isolados e associados a fungicida em diferentes épocas de semeadura no controle do oídio da soja

ABSTRACT: Soybean (Glycine max) is the most important legume cultivated in the world. With the aim of studying alternative products isolated and associated with fungicide on the efficiency of controlling powdery mildew (Microsphaera diffusa), in two sowing seasons, field experiments were conducted in Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil, during the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons. The treatments were: 1- control (water), 2- Bacillus subtilis lineage QST, 3- Bacillus subtilis lineage QST associated with fungicide, 4- 1% chitosan, 5- 1% chitosan associated with fungicide, 6- sulfur, 7- sulfur associated with fungicide, 8- sodium hypochlorite, 9- sodium hypochlorite associated with fungicide, 10- fungicide (2 applications) and 11- fungicide (3 apllications). In all fungicide treatments, azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr with adjuvant was used. The variables evaluated were: powdery mildew severity and yield. The severity data made it possible to calculate the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). AUDPC values were higher in the second sowing season. Sulfur, chitosan and B. subtilis, isolated, reduced AUDPC, but when associated with the fungicide they obtained superior results. Sulfur, whether or not associated with the fungicide, provided less severity of the disease. The fungicide applied three times showed better control than two applications. The highest yield averages were, obtained in the first sowing season. There was no difference between the treatments during sowing in October for yield, this was affected by the treatments, only in the second sowing season, highlighting the sulfur associated with the fungicide.

CULTIVARES DE SOJA AVALIADAS NO VALE DO PARANAPANEMA, SAFRA 2022/2023

The agronomic evaluation of different soybean cultivars was carried out in the municipalities of Assis and Palmital, located at Vale Paulista do Médio Paranapanema, São Paulo State, in the 2022/2023 season, in two sowing moment. The experimental design was completely randomized blocks, with 20 cultivars and 4 replicates per trial, and the means were grouped by the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The characteristics evaluated were: plant height (PH), height of insertion of the first pod (HIFP) and grain yield (GY). It was found that there is difference in GY, PH and HIFP among the cultivars evaluated in different environments. Most cultivars studied are agronomically suitable for cultivation in the Vale Paulista do Médio Paranapanema, with advantages for the genotypes indicated by positive interactions with the sites, and may favor the gains to farmers. The cultivars DM 66i68 and AS 3707 showed wider adaptability, with higher GY averages in the 4 evaluated environments, being option of planting in these environments. Considering also the GY, the cultivars CZ 37B43, CZ 37B51 and B 5710 emerge as options for cultivation in soils of more sandy texture while the cultivars ST 2607 and CZ Potent are options for cultivation in places whose soils are clayey texture. The observed GY were higher in October sowings in both sites. Keywords: Agronomic evaluation. Glycine max. Grain yield.

Year-round growth potential and moisture stress tolerance of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.) under fragile hill ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayas (India)

IntroductionUnder a changing climate, the fragile ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayas (EH) are persistently challenged by prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall. Identification of suitable high-yielding crops with higher moisture stress tolerance and adaptability is paramount for the region. Although the region received a good amount of rainfall in the rainy season, the winter months, viz., November to March, rarely received any rain. Even within the rainy season, there are several intermittent drought spells that hinder crop productivity.MethodsThe present study has used field and microcosm experiments to assess the year-round cultivation potential and extent of moisture stress tolerance in the lesser-known buckwheat crop of the region.Results and discussionSowing of buckwheat from mid-September to mid-December produced better grain yield, the highest being when sowing in October (9.83 q ha−1) and the crop was found suitable to grow all through the year for higher green biomass (12.6–38.4 q ha−1). The moisture stress tolerance of buckwheat was significantly enhanced by increased total root length and root surface area by 12.4 and 34.7%, respectively. Increased photo-protective carotenoids, chlorophyll b, and favorable stomatal attributes with substantial epicuticular wax have significantly improved the moisture stress tolerance of Buckwheat. In addition, leaf proline was found 25.4% higher and total soluble protein, reducing sugar, and cell membrane stability were found 29.2, 38.1, and 36.5% lower compared to the control, respectively. A significantly lower rate of water loss (25.6%) with its stomatal and non-stomatal adaptations and versatile pollen structural traits under moisture stress over control, make the buckwheat crop potentially more stress tolerant and economical crop for EH of India.

Evaluation of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Cultivars under Different Sowing Dates on Yield and Yield Attributes in Non Traditional Area of Northern Telangana Zone (NTZ)

The field experiment entitled “Evaluation of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars under different sowing dates on yield and yield attributes in non traditional area of Northern Telangana Zone (NTZ)”, an experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Polasa, Jagtial during Rabi, 2022. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with ten treatment combinations by replicating thrice. The treatments includes two factors i.e., factor - 1 having two genotypes G1: ISF-764, G2: TSF-1 and factor -2 having five sowing dates D1: 15th October, D2: 30th October, D3: 15th November, D4: 30th November, D5 : 15th December. Among the genotypes of safflower, TSF-1 recorded higher seed yield (1243 kg ha-1) and yield attributing characters viz.; number of heads plant-1 (26.34), number of seeds head-1 (32.34), seed weight plant-1 (42.01 g), seed index (3.71 g), Stover yield (5386 kg ha-1) and biological yield (6629 kg ha-1) over ISF-764. The result showed that among the different sowings of safflower 30th October sowing was recorded significantly higher Yield and Yield attributing characters viz.; number of heads plant-1 (31.24), number of seeds head-1 (35.16), seed weight plant-1 (47.84 g), seed index (3.77 g), seed yield (1412 kg ha-1), Stover yield (6415 kg ha-1) and biological yield (7827 kg ha-1) as compared to 15th November and 30th November, 15th December sowing date respectively and it is on par with safflower crop sown on 15th October. From the study it can be concluded that the genotype TSF-1 sown on 15th and 30th October performed best among all other treatment combinations.

Effect of sowing windows and nitrogen levels on growth and fodder yield of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) under South Eastern Rajasthan

An experiment conducted at Agricultural Research Station Ummedganj, Kota, Rajasthan during Rabi (2018-19 and 2019-20). The experiment was laid-out in split plot design with four replications having sixteen treatment combinations of four sowing windows (25th October, 05th November, 15th November and 25th November) allocated in main plot and four nitrogen levels (100, 125, 150 and 200 % RDN) in sub plot. Significantly higher leaf weight/10 plants (g) and 10 plant’s stem weight (g) of ryegrass were noted when the sowing occurred on November 05th during first cutting at 45, second cutting at 75, third cutting at 105 and fourth cutting at 135 DAS over sowing of ryegrass on 15th and 25th November, respectively. Ryegrass sown on 05th November had a significantly higher green and dry fodder yield (1184 and 224 q/ha) than sown on 15th and 25th November. However, it was found at par with sown on 25th October sowing (1145 and 220 q/ha).Under 150 % RDN application at 45, 75, 105, and 135 DAS sowing on 5th November, the maximum leaf weight (g) and stem weight (g) of ryegrass were measured over application of 100% RDN and 125% RDN. Application of 150% RDN gave significantly higher green and dry fodder yield (1112 and 202 q/ha) over application of 100 and 125% RDN, but it was found at par with application of 200% RDN (1121 and 205 q/ha) green and dry fodder yield in the pooled analysis.

Agromet wheat app for estimation of phenology and yield of wheat under Punjab conditions.

The field experiments were conducted at the Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19. The wheat varieties, viz. PBW-725, PBW-677, and HD-3086, were sown on 25th October, 15th November, and 5th December during both the crop seasons. Regression equations between grain yield, dry matter, and growing degree days were developed, and their performance efficiency was evaluated using mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), Akaike information criteria (AIC), and Schwarz-Bayesian information criteria (SBC), and the lowest values of AIC and SBC were used for wheat yield prediction. Based on historical data, agroclimatic index-based regression models were also developed for grain yield prediction at vegetative and reproductive stages under different dates of sowing. At the reproductive stage, the accumulated growing degree day (AGDD)-based model for 25th October sowing that gave 16 percent error, followed by 15th November sowing with 5.7 percent error, is the best model for yield prediction having minimum error. "Agromet wheat app," which is a mobile-based android app, was developed. This app is simple and has easy user interface which gives information about wheat management practices, weather, and insect-disease warnings and calculation of growing degree days at different phenophases of wheat in English and regional language Punjabi for three agroclimatic zones, viz., submountain undulating zone (Gurdaspur), central plain zone (Ludhiana), and western zone (Bathinda).

Allometric dynamics of Sinapis alba under different ecological conditions

ObjectivesThe indigenous oilseed crops are facing the problems of insects, diseases attack with poor yield potential. Canola needs high water requirement and also > 50 % shattering losses. Therefore, farmers are compelled to cultivate alternative crops. Sinapis alba is the best replacement of winter rapeseed due to superior phenotypic plasticity for dry temperate climate like Pakistan Pertinent sowing time augments the soil and climatic resources efficiency in a specific ecological zone to expose various phenological stages for appropriate growth and development to achieve potential yield. MethodsField experiments were performed to appraise the suitable sowing date at three locations (NARC, SAWCRI and Talagang) in Pothwar plateau of Pakistan. Six sowing dates from 1st October up to 15th December with fifteen days interval were quart replicated in RCBD during two 2017–18 and 2018–19. Explicated environment of various locations prudently influenced Sinapis alba performance and yield attributes to accomplish potential yield during both years. Among sowing dates, 15th October enormously promoted morphological development to attained maximum mean values of pods plant−1, 1000-seed weight, biological yield and seed yield. Among locations, SAWCRI nurtured highest number of plants−2, plant height, primary and secondary branches, pods plant−1, seed pod-1, 1000-seed weight, biological yield and seed yield. Variability in Agro-meteorological indices of three locations significantly influenced the interactive effect of year × location × sowing dates for growth and yield attributes of Sinapis alba. It was observed that 15th October sowing at SAWCRI attained 2.25 t ha−1 seed yield that was 10.9 % and 24.4 % higher from the optimal dates at NARC and Talagang that accomplished 84.43 %. 91.12 % and 95.76 % more yield from the delayed (15th Dec) sowing at three locations. ConclusionBetter coordination of soil and climatic conditions with 15th October sowing for growth and development signified the monumental importance of optimal sowing date as the benchmark of superior crop productivity to improve the livelihood of the farmers.

​Effect of Date of Sowing on Growth, Seed Yield and Economics of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) Varieties under Rainfed Conditions

Background: Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is an important rabi crop raised under rainfed areas of Haryana. Optimum time of sowing plays an important role in augmenting the productivity of Indian mustard. There is a need to find out the optimum time of sowing of Indian mustard to overcome the yield gap under present scenario of climatic conditions. Different cultivars may respond differently to different sowing time. The current study aimed to study the effect of date of sowing on growth, seed yield and economics of Indian mustard varieties under rainfed conditions. Methods: In this field experiments were conducted during rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Dryland Agriculture Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment comprising of 3 dates of sowing (16 October, 23 October and 30 October) and 4 varieties of Indian mustard (RH 30, RH 406, RH 725 and RH 761) was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Result: Crop sown on 23th October produced significantly taller plants over 30th October sowing. However, yield attributes viz., number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds per siliqua and test weight was successively decreased with delayed sowing of the crop. Seed yield was highest (2499 kg/ha) when sown on 16th October as compared to 23th October and 30th October sowing. Highest net returns (₹ 92674/-) and BC ratio (5.23) was recorded in 16th October sowing over other dates of sowing. Among varieties, RH 725 produced significantly higher seed (2583 kg/ha) and stover yield (7415 kg/ha) over RH 30, RH 406 and RH 761. Variety RH 725 also recorded higher net returns of ₹ 95940/- and B:C ratio of 5.38 compared to other varieties.

Effect of Different Weather Relationship in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Different Sowing Dates and Varieties in Prayagraj Conditions

A field experiment entited “Effect of different sowing dates and varieties on growth and yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Under Prayagraj conditions” was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021-2022. The experiment was set at forestry field of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Science Prayagraj U.P. The experiment was laid out Factorial RBD with three replications having two factors. First factor comprised of three dates of sowing 15oct. 30 Oct. and 15 Nov. whereas second factor consist of three Barley varieties viz; Parth, SHB832, and RD 2052 Crop sown on 15th November recorded higher seed yield as compared to 30th October and 15th October sowing. In cases plant growth parameters of Barley maximum was recorded under 15th November as compared to 30th October and 15th October and in case of varieties maximum growth, plant height, no of tillers per plant, dry weight of per plant, length of spike, grain spike per plant, test weight, grain yield, straw yield, was recorded with 15th nov RD 2052 variety as compared to 15th Oct. Parth and 30th Oct. SHB 832. 15th November sowing with RD 2052 variety proved the most remunerative and economically feasible for cultivation of Barley under the agro climatic conditions of Prayagraj UP.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Varieties on Mustard Growth and Yield in Prayagraj Conditions

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 2021-22 at the Research farm of the college of forestry Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Science Prayagraj (U. P) to investigate the effect of different sowing dates and varieties on Mustard growth and yield in Prayagraj conditions Keeping in this view experiment was conducted in Factorial RBD with three replications having two factors. First factor comprised of three dates of sowing 15Oct. 30Oct. and 15Nov. whereas the second factor consists of three Indian mustard varieties viz; Maharaja Mustard, Md Rani Supergold, Kala Sona, Crop sown on 15th November was recorded statistically significant higher seed yield, stover yield, test weight, harvest index and at maturity best consumption of heat units like gdd, htu and ptu as compared to 30th October and 15th October sowing. In the case of plant growth parameters of mustard, maximum was recorded under 15th November as compared to 30th October and 15th October and in case of varieties maximum plant growth like plant height, no of leaves no of branches, no of silique, and optimum use of heat units was recorded with md rani super gold as compared to kala sona and maharaja. The treatment with the date of sowing 15th November and md rani super gold variety proved the most remunerative and economically feasible for the cultivation of Indian mustard under the agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj U.P.

Assessing the impact of varietal resistance and planting dates on pest spectrum in chickpea

The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera [Hübner (1808)] is one of the most widely spread pest which limits the chickpea production, while the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, 1808) has emerged as a serious pest in recent years, in southern India and parasitic wasp Campoletis chlorideae Uchida, 1968 is an important larval parasitoid which naturally manages both pests under field condition. Insecticides adoption leads to development of resistance in pod borer. In view of climate change scenario, the focus of the present studies was the identification of climate resilient cultivars of chickpea for pod borers and the results reveled, that there were significant variations in the level of eggs and larval population among the genotypes. Across seasons, the crop sown in October recorded the maximum number of eggs. ‘ICC 3137’ had the highest number of H. armigera eggs (11.6) across seasons. ‘JG 11’, (6.3) in 2012 and’ ICCV 10’ (3.6) in 2013 recorded the lowest number of H. armigera eggs. During 2014-15, the maximum(80.7) H. armigera larval incidence was observed in October sown crop and the lowest (21.1) in January crop. The number of S. exigua larvae were substantially higher in the December crop. For all seasons, the highest number of C. chlorideae were found in October crop. Across seasons, multiple regression analysis for both pest had a strong interaction with weather patterns.

Modeling the Impact of Future Climate Change Impacts on Rainfed Durum Wheat Production in Algeria

The predicted climate change threatens food security in the coming years in Algeria. So, this study aims to assess the impact of future climate change on a key crop in Algeria which is rainfed durum wheat. We investigate the impact of climate change on rainfed durum wheat cultivar called Mexicali using AquaCrop crop model and the EURO-CORDEX climate projections downscaled with the ICHEC_KNMI model under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. A delta method was applied to correct the incertitudes present in the raw climate projections of two experimental sites located in Sétif and Bordj Bou Arreridj (BBA)’s Eastern High plains of Algeria (EHPs). AquaCrop was validated with a good precision (RMSE = 0.41 tha−1) to simulate Mexicali cultivar yields. In 2035–2064, it is expected at both sites: an average wheat grain yield enhances of +49% and +105% under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively, compared to the average yield of the baseline period (1981–2010), estimated at 29 qha−1. In both sites, in 2035–2064, under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, the CO2 concentrations elevation has a fertilizing effect on rainfed wheat yield. This effect compensates for the negative impacts induced by the temperatures increase and decline in precipitation and net solar radiation. An increase in wheat water productivity is predicted under both RCPs scenarios. That is due to the water loss drop induced by the shortening of the wheat-growing cycle length by the effect of temperatures increase. In 2035–2064, early sowing in mid-September and October will lead to wheat yields improvement, as it will allow the wheat plant to benefit from the precipitations increase through the fall season. Thus, this early sowing will ensure a well vegetative development and will allow the wheat’s flowering and grain filling before the spring warming period.

Exploring wheat-based management strategies to balance agricultural production and environmental sustainability in a wheat−maize cropping system using the DNDC model

Faced with the great challenge of food demand and environmental pollution, optimizing agricultural practices can potentially balance food security and environmental protection. In this study, the DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model was applied to explore the effect of wheat-based management strategies on crop productivity and greenhouse gas emissions in the wheat−maize system. The DNDC model was tested against crop yield, daily nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes, and cumulative N2O emissions determined from field measurements in a typical winter wheat−summer maize cropping system. Model evaluations demonstrated a good agreement between the observations and simulated crop yield (4.4%≤NRMSE≤8.0%), daily N2O fluxes (0.68 ≤ d ≤ 0.88), and cumulative N2O emissions (4.9%≤NRMSE≤11.9%). By adopting sensitivity analysis, the DNDC model then assessed the impacts on crop yield and cumulative N2O emissions of multiple management practices from the winter wheat season. Delaying the sowing date from October 7 to November 4 reduced annual yield by 1.9%, while cumulative N2O emissions were increased by 10.4%. Furthermore, postponing the supplementary irrigation date from April 1 to May 20 decreased annual yield by 2.4% without affecting cumulative N2O emissions. An N fertilizer rate of 120–150 kg N ha−1 was able to reduce N usage and cumulative N2O emissions without sacrificing annual yield. Despite an improvement in the annual yield at the 0–30 cm tillage depth by 2.9%, cumulative N2O emissions increased by 11.6%. The results suggest that sowing in early October, applying supplementary irrigation in early April, an N fertilizer rate of 120–150 kg N ha−1, and no-tillage from the winter wheat season can improve crop yield and mitigate N2O emissions. This is conducive to the synergism of agricultural production and environmental sustainability.

Yield response of field beans (Vicia faba) to plant population and sowing date in a temperate climate

Abstract Sowing date and seed rate influence crop establishment, growth, yield and profitability. The growth and yield of field beans (Vicia faba) in response to sowing date and seed rate was examined over three seasons, 2016–2019, in Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, Ireland. Early winter sowings (October) established better than late winter sowings in November and January. No significant difference was found in establishment from mid-February to mid-March. Yield was generally highest from October sowings for the winter cultivar. Yields were similar from February, March and April sowings for the spring cultivar, with March generally yielding higher across the three seasons. Yield was also found to increase significantly with seed rate for both winter and spring cultivars. The economic optimum plant population was estimated for the October and March sowing dates, by fitting a standard (linear + exponential) curve. There is no published information on the optimum plant populations for field beans in Ireland and we believe we are the first to report these findings. The estimated economic optimum plant populations varied between 13 and 38 plants/m2 for both varieties, with an average optimum of 25.5 plants/m2. This range falls within the current recommendations for sowing field beans in Ireland, demonstrating that increasing plant populations above the current commercial practice for field beans in Ireland, will not increase yield or profitability.

Juvenile Heat Tolerance in Wheat for Attaining Higher Grain Yield by Shifting to Early Sowing in October in South Asia.

Farmers in northwestern and central India have been exploring to sow their wheat much earlier (October) than normal (November) to sustain productivity by escaping terminal heat stress and to utilize the available soil moisture after the harvesting of rice crop. However, current popular varieties are poorly adapted to early sowing due to the exposure of juvenile plants to the warmer temperatures in the month of October and early November. Therefore, a study was undertaken to identify wheat genotypes suited to October sowing under warmer temperatures in India. A diverse collection of 3322 bread wheat varieties and elite lines was prepared in CIMMYT, Mexico, and planted in the 3rd week of October during the crop season 2012–2013 in six locations (Ludhiana, Karnal, New Delhi, Indore, Pune and Dharwad) spread over northwestern plains zone (NWPZ) and central and Peninsular zone (CZ and PZ; designated as CPZ) of India. Agronomic traits data from the seedling stage to maturity were recorded. Results indicated substantial diversity for yield and yield-associated traits, with some lines showing indications of higher yields under October sowing. Based on agronomic performance and disease resistance, the top 48 lines (and two local checks) were identified and planted in the next crop season (2013–2014) in a replicated trial in all six locations under October sowing (third week). High yielding lines that could tolerate higher temperature in October sowing were identified for both zones; however, performance for grain yield was more promising in the NWPZ. Hence, a new trial of 30 lines was planted only in NWPZ under October sowing. Lines showing significantly superior yield over the best check and the most popular cultivars in the zone were identified. The study suggested that agronomically superior wheat varieties with early heat tolerance can be obtained that can provide yield up to 8 t/ha by planting in the third to fourth week of October.

Growth response and water production functions of wheat (Triticumaestivum L.) under abiotic stresses in central and south-western Punjab

A field experiment was conducted in two agroclimatic zones of the Punjab (viz., Ludhiana representing central plain zone and Bathinda representing south-western arid zone) to study the growth, yield and water use efficiency of wheat under abiotic stresses. The wheat variety HD-2967 was evaluated under five thermal environments (D1 - 20th October, D2 - 05th November, D3 - 20th November, D4 - 5th December and D5 - 20th December) to expose the crop to different thermal environments and two nitrogen levels (N1- Recommended dose of N and N2 - 25 per cent less than recommended N) in main plots and two irrigation levels (I1-Optimal (recommended) irrigation (Irrigation at CRI, Jointing, Flowering and Soft dough stage) and I2-Sub-optimal irrigation (one irrigation less than recommended) (Irrigation at CRI, Flag leaf emergence and Soft dough stage) in sub-plots during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19. At 45 DAS; number of tillers/m2, plant height, dry matter accumulation and leaf area index in 20th October sown crop was significantly higher than other dates of sowing at both the stations during both the years. But at the time of harvesting, tiller count and plant height was highest under 5th November sown crop, whereas dry matter accumulation and leaf area index was significantly highest under 20th October sown crop. Yield and yield attributes were significantly highest under 5th November and significantly lowest under 20th December sown crop. Wheat crop exhibited significantly highest WUE w.r.t. straw and grain yield in 5th November sowing (D2) which was at par with that under 20th October sowing and significantly lowest water use efficiency was observed under 20th December (D5) sown crop at both the locations during both crop seasons. Recommended dose of nitrogen and optimal irrigation also produced significantly higher WUE at both the locations during both the years. The study concluded that earlier sowing of wheat along with recommended nitrogen and optimal irrigation can significantly improve growth and yield attributes as well as water use efficiency in both the agroclimatic regions.

Altering microclimate of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by adjusting sowing dates, irrigation and nitrogen application in semi-arid and arid agroclimatic conditions of Punjab

Field experiments were conducted during rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 and results of both the years were pooled to evaluate the microclimate of wheat under five dates of sowing, two nitrogen and two irrigation levels at Ludhiana and Bathinda representing semi-arid and arid agroclimatic regions of Punjab. Soil temperature reported during seed emergence was maximum in early sown (20th October) crop and decreased with delay in sowing at both the locations under study. Canopy temperature from 60 DAS onwards was recorded lower in 5th November and higher in 20th December sown crop while in case of irrigation and nitrogen levels, it was lower under optimal irrigation (I1) and recommended nitrogen (N1) application. Stress degree days (SDD) calculated were also lowest in 5th November sown crop (-323.6oC) and these were lower in N1 (-271.3oC) and I1 (-274.9oC) during both the years, respectively. Better crop growth and hence, leaf area index resulted in higher PAR interception in October sown with optimal irrigation and recommended nitrogen level. Canopy temperature at different periodic intervals (75, 90, 105 and 120 DAS) showed negative correlation with grain yield (R2 = 0.76, 0.75, 0.71 and 0.70, respectively). Similarly, SDD had negative relation with wheat yield (R2 = 0.74).

Optimizing sowing date for short- and long-day onion

ABSTRACT Bulb development of onion (Allium cepa L) varieties exhibit different reactions to sowing date, day length, and temperature. Short- and long-day onions exhibit different reactions to day length and temperature at sowing date as it affects bulb development. Seed of short-day ‘Mirela’ and ‘Es13022ʹ, and long-day ‘White Gorgan’ was sown on 2 March and 29 October 2017 to investigate vegetative development. October sown onion had greater vegetative yield. ‘Mirela’ and ‘Es13022ʹ had wider bulbs than ‘White Gorgon’ for both sowing dates. Short-day onion accessions ‘Mirela’ and ‘Es13022ʹ reached the greatest vegetative development earlier than long-day ‘White Gorgan.’ Short–day varieties sown in October could be suitable for off-season production.