INFLUENCE OF SOWING DATE AND IRRIGATION LEVELS ON GROWTH AND GRAIN YIELD OF WHEAT

A field study was conducted during 1999-2000, at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, to determine the influence of sowing date and irrigation levels on the growth and yield of wheat. Both 15 November sowing and increasing level of irrigation (6 irrigations) enhanced leaf area index and dry matter accumulation over 15 December sowing and lower levels (0, 2 or 4 irrigations) of irrigation. The higher grain yield (5486 kg ha) in IS November sowing was due to increase in yield components as compared to 15 December sowing, and this response was significantly greater with 6 irrigations than less irrigations or nil irrigation. The results suggest that there is a considerable scope to exploit the yield potential of wheat in the irrigated areas of Pakistan.