Study on effect of seed density and planting date on yield and yield components of bread wheat in dry land conditions

Planting date and plant density are effective factors for optimum yield. Hence, an experiment was conducted to determining the best planting date and plant density of advanced genotypes of bread wheat in dryland conditions. The experiment was conducted in factorial based on randomized complete block design with four replications in Sararood research station (Kermanshah) during three cropping seasons 2006-2009. The treatments were planting date with 2 levels (before and after effective rainfall), plant density with 3 levels (250,400 and 550 seed/m2) and 4 bread wheat genotypes (Ww33G/Vee"S"//Mrn/4/HD2172/Bloudan, Rizhaw, Awhadi and Sardari). The results showed that under intense drought stress, the effects of plant density, and planting date and their interactions with genotypes were significant on grain yield and its components. Planting before effective rainfall is recommended in Kermanshah along with 250-400 seed/m2. According to mean yield, Rizhav variety had better performance than Sardari especially under severe drought conditions.