Yield and Yield Contributing Traits of Wheat Varieties as Affected by Nitrogen Rates

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major staple food crop of Pakistan. It is grown on the maximumcropped area every year. The suitable variety identification for agro-climate and its optimum N-fertilizer demand with application are need of the day to overcome on N-leaching from the soil and to ensure future food security. Present study was, therefore, conducted in two seasons (2011-12 and 2012-13) at the Agronomy Research Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. Treatments were laid-out in a randomized complete block design; split plot arrangements using four replications. The experiments were comprising of seven N-rates i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 kg ha^-1 as main plots treatment and the five wheat varieties i.e. Saleem-2000, Uqab, Pirsabak-2005, Tatara-96 and Pirsabak-2004 as subplot treatment. Results revealed higher spikes m^-2 (286), grains spike^-1 (38.55) and thousand grains weight (44.67 g) which resulted maximum grain yield (3308 kg ha^-1) from N-rate 150 kg ha^-1 as compared to the control. Among the varieties for yield and yield traits, Pirsabak-2005 produced the highest grain yield (3043 kg ha^-1) and the minimum (2494 kg ha^- 1) grain yield was observed by wheat variety Saleem-2000. The highest grain yield of the variety corresponds to higher thousand grains weight (46.98 g), spikes per meter square (263) and grains spike^-1 (37.24). Variety Saleem-2000 showed the minimum number of spikes m^-2 (242) and grains spike^-1 (34.13). It can be concluded from results that application of 150 kg N ha^-1 is optimum rate of N-fertilizer for irrigated spring wheat production in the area. Among the available spring wheat varieties, Pirsabak-2005 is relatively the best variety for grain yield in agro-ecological condition of Peshawar that may effectively contribute in food security of the growing population in the region.