Effect of irrigation intervals and NPK on yield and seed quality of wheat  (Triticum aestivum L.)

Gharib, A.F, Mohamed, I.E., Awad Elkareem, M.A.

           Abstract

           The productivity and seed quality of wheat variety (Elnilain) in response to irrigation regimes and nitrogen levels were evaluated in a two-year field experiment (2004-2006) at the University of Gezira Research Farm. The experimental design was a split plot. Three irrigation intervals (7, 14 and 21 days) were used as main plot and three nitrogen rates (0, 43 and 86 kg N/ha) equivalent to 0, 240 and 480 kg NPK 18:18:5 respectively, were the subplot. An accompanying laboratory experiment was carried out to test the effect of the treatments on seed storability and the quality of wheat seeds. Application of 86 kg N/ha coupled with the 7 or 14 days irrigation intervals gave the highest grain yield and resulted in significantly higher seed storability up to 12 month. Quality parameters such as seed germination, seed germination speed and seedling vigour were also shown to be significantly improved by the above mentioned treatments. Seed storability was significantly reduced (36%) when wheat seeds were stored beyond 18 month. The results of the experiment indicated that seeds produced at irrigation intervals of 7 or 14 days under the highest N fertilizer preserved their quality up to one year. They also emphasized the necessity of avoiding the use of seeds that had been under storage for 18 month or more in future wheat cultivation.