Different dates of sowing effect on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops

Abstract

An experiment conducted at experimental field Eklavya University, Damoh, M.P. The initial plant population at 15 days was significantly influenced by the sowing dates and varieties, with the highest population recorded for the November 25 sowing date, followed by November 15, and December 05. Wheat sown on November 25, similar to November 15, but significantly taller at all growth stages compared to other sowing dates. The highest dry matter production was recorded for the November 25 sowing date at all growth stages as comparable to November 15 and lower was recorded December 05. The November 25 sowing date, similar to November 15, produced the highest number of tillers at all growth stages, outperforming other sowing dates. The leaf area index was highest for the November 25 sowing date at all growth stages compared to other dates. All yield attributes were significantly influenced by sowing dates, with November 25 sowing recording the highest values for spike length, grains per spike, grain weight per spike, 1000-grain weight, and effective tillers per m2, comparable to November 15 and higher than December 05. The highest grain yield (55.88 q/ha) was recorded for the November 25 sowing date, followed by November 15 and December 5. Regarding the sowing dates, the highest grain yield was observed for D2 (November 25) with 55.88 (q/ha), followed by D1 (November 15) with 54.25 (q/ha) grain yield, and the lowest was recorded for D3 (December 05) with 52.90 (q/ha). The highest straw yield was recorded for the November 25 sowing date, followed by November 15 and December 5.