DefinePK

Abstract

The optimal sowing dates are crucial in achieving the maximum genetic potential for grain yield. Field study investigated that wheat’s grain yield differences under different sowing dates and took into account related growth characteristics. The experiment was carried out at allotted Wheat Research Area, National Agricultural Research Center Islamabad. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with split plot arrangement having three replication. The results showed that: (1) in 2nd date of sowing (DS2), the grain yield was significantly increased in all genotypes compared to the 1st sowing date, and (2) in the 3rd sowing date grain yield was significantly increased in six genotypes out of seven compared to the first sowing date. The reasons for such disproportions of grain yield in sowing dates are usually the rain fall and low temperature during germination of wheat. Furthermore, second sowing date led to significantly higher test weight, higher 1000 grain weight, up to two days’ latter heading date, plant height and lower protein contents, compared to the first sowing date. The same significant level between sowings on the second and third sowing dates remained for test weight and protein contents. According to this research, climate change is more likely to lead to one or two weeks later wheat sowing dates.