WEED SUPPRESSION BY HIGHER SEEDING RATE AND ROW SPACING OF WHEAT

An experiment was conducted at Agricultural ResearchFarm, NWFP Agricultural University Peshawar during Rabi2006-07 to study the effect of seeding rate and row spacingof wheat on weeds and grain yield. The experiment was laidout in Randomized Complete Block design with split plotarrangement, having three replications. Wheat seed rates(100, 120 and 140 kg ha-1) were assigned to main plots whilerow spacing 20, 24, 30 and 40 cm were assigned to sub plots.Results indicated that closer row spacings were more effectivein decreasing the weed density while higher seeding rates didnot affect the weed density. It is concluded from the dataobtained that weeds and yield related parameters of wheatwere affected by seed rates as well as by row spacings.Findings also suggested that higher seed rate (140 kg ha-1) ofwheat and closer row spacing (24 cm) can be used effectivelyto suppress the weeds. This cultural control method should beincorporated in integrated weed management packages.