To ascertain the best sowing method and seed rate in wheat crop

A field experiment was laid out to determine the influence of sowing method and seed rate on the plant growth, grain and straw yields and yield components of wheat variety Abadgar-93 during winter 1998-99 at Wheat Research Institute, Sakrand. Homogenous seeds of wheat was planted by various sowing methods viz. (Drilling, Broadcasting end Broadcasting in Standing Water, using different three seed rates like 125.150 and 175 kg/ha in a four replicated Randomized Complete Block Design experimental trial. A highly significant difference in plant height between sowing method and seed rates were observed. Wheat planted by drilling method at 175 kg/ha with their interactions recorded maximum plant height 101.95, 101.25 and 105.85 cm/plant respectively. Tillers/plant varied significantly under sowing methods and seed rates. Wheat sown by drilling method 125 kg/ha seed rate and their interactions recorded greater tillers (10.32, 10.41 and 11.00/plant) respectively. Significant differences in spikelets/spike among the sowing methods and seed rates were found. Wheat planted by drilling method, 125 kg/ha of seed rate and their interactions displayed greater spikelets. 11.50, 11.62 and 12.55/spike respectively. Number of spikes/plant affected significantly by the various sowing methods, seed rates and the interaction. Individually maximum number of spikes 9.50. 9.60 and l0.55/plant, were found incase of seed drilling methods. 125 kg/ha of seed rate and their interaction. Number of grains/spike varied significantly (P less than 0.01) over sowing-methods and seed rates. Wheat seed sown by drilling method and 125 kg/ha seed rate with their interactions recorded maximum number of spikes (58.63, 58.83, and 60.60/plant). A significantly differences in grain weight/spike were observed between sowing methods, seed rates and their interactions. Wheat planted by drilling method, 125 kg/ha seed rate and their interactions displayed maximum grains weight 2.13, 1.99 and 2.30 g/spike. Seed index effected significantly by sowing methods and geed rates. Wheat sown by drilling method, with seed rate of 125 kg/ha and their interactions gave maximum seed index (40.33, 40.19 and 41.63 g) respectively. Biological yield/plot was affected significantly by sowing methods and seed rates. Drilling method, 175 kg/ha seed rate and their interactions produced individually greater biological yield 17.76, 15.87 and 17.76 kg/plot. Significant differences (P less than 0.01) in grains yield/plot under sowing methods and seed rates were observed. Wheat sown by drilling method, 175 kg/ha seed rate and their interactions recorded individually greater grains yields 8.69, 7.75 and 6.55 kg/plot. Highly significant differences in grain yield/ha were found under sowing methods and seed rates. Wheat sown by drilling method, 175 kg/ha and their interaction recorded greater grain yields 5791.64, 6050 and 6825 kg/ha. Straw yield varied significantly under sowing methods and seed rates. Wheat sown by drilling method, 175-kg/ha seed rate and their interactions produced individually maximum straw yield, 7708.83, 7858.33 and 8825 kg/ha respectively.