Response of biochemical, yield and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes as affected by different sowing dates

Response of biochemical, yield and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes as affected by different sowing dates

The problem of late sowing of wheat is influenced by elevated atmospheric temperature during reproductive phase. The present paper studies the effects of late sown condition on various biochemical and yield attributes at pre- and post anthesis stages, in two wheat genotypes i.e., HUW-468 (high temperature sensitive) and HUW-510 (high temperature resistant). The three dates of sowing (DOS) were November 20th (DOS I), December 10th (DOS II) and December 30th (DOS III). Late or very late sowing induced a significant decline in total sugar content, total protein content, proline content, chlorophyll content and membrane thermostability in HUW-468 as compared to HUW-510, particularly at postanthesis under late sown than normal sown condition. Significant differences were observed among both the genotypes for the number of ears per 20 cm row length, spikelet per ear, number of grain per ear, test weight (g), yield per plant and harvest index in all the dates of sowing. Normal sowing date showed higher grain yield as compared to other dates of sowing in both the genotypes.