Effect of boron on seed germination, seedling vigor and wheat yield

Wheat is an important cereal crop in Pakistan and poor germination is an important yield limiting factor. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of boron application on seed germination, seedling vigor and yield of wheat. Five treatments viz. recommended dose (RD) of NPK (control), RD of NPK + 0.5 kg ha^-1 B, RD of NPK + 1.0 kg ha^-1 B, RD of NPK + 1.5 kg ha^-1 B and RD of NPK + 2.0 kg ha^-1 B were used. The data regarding plant height, number of tillers per square meter, grains per spike, 1000 grain weight, grain and straw yield was collected. After harvesting the grains were tested for germination and seedling vigor. Boron had no effect on yield components, except, grain per spike and 1000 grain weight which were improved significantly with its application. Wheat leaf B content increased with B application. Maximum grain and straw yield (4.85 and 9.16 Mg ha^-1, respectively) was recorded with 2.0 kg B ha^-1 along with recommended dose of NPK. Boron had no effect on seed germination; however, seedling vigor i.e. shoot and root length improved with B application.