Phosphorus management improve productivity of wheat varieties under semiarid climates

Abstract

An experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of phosphorus management on yield and yield components of wheat varieties at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during winter season 2015-2016. The treatments were consisted of four wheat varieties (Pirsabak-2013, Siran-2010, Faisalabad-2008 and Atta Habib) and six phosphorus ratios of rock phosphate with diammonium phosphate (Control, 100% P from RP, 75% P from RP + 25% P from DAP, 50% P from RP + 50% P from DAP, 25% P from RP + 75% P from DAP, 100% P from DAP). Experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with (RCBD) three replication and plot size 3 m 2.4 m plot size was used which included 8 rows, whereas 30 cm space was maintained within rows. Results indicated that phosphorus ratios significantly affected growth and yield components of wheat varieties except days to emergence and emergence m-2. Among different phosphorus ratios, 100% DAP decreased days to physiological maturity (158) and enhanced tiller m-2 (295), leaf area tiller-1 (119.8 cm2), leaf area index (3.54), plant height (106.73 cm) and biological yield (9803 kg ha-1). Earlier heading (114 days) and taller plants were resulted from 25% P from RP + 75% P from DAP. Among different wheat varieties Pirsabak-2013 produced more tiller m-2 (281), leaf area tiller-1 (113.8 cm-2), leaf area index (3.21), plant height (102.17 cm) and biological yield (9361 kg ha-1) while early days to heading (117) and maturity (157) and taller plants (102.17 cm) were observed in Siran-2010. It is concluded that Pirsabak-2013 with application of 100% P from DAP can improve wheat productivity in the study area.