Effect of urea foliar application at tillering and booting stages on yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Agro climatic condition of Tandojam
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Abstract
The experiment was conducted at the Students’ Farm of Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, during the year 2022-23, to determine the effect of urea foliar application at the tillering and booting stages on wheat yield. Drought and water stress are common problems in Pakistan's agriculture, and these problems mainly hamper the wheat crop. Foliar application of urea is more effective and efficient than broadcasting for wheat crops, especially regarding rapid nitrogen delivery, reduced environmental losses, and improved yield and grain quality. It is particularly beneficial in regions with challenging agro-climatic conditions, where soil-applied nitrogen may be less effective. The recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and three different urea levels at the rate of 0.5 %, 1.5%, and 2.5% was applied. The results showed that the urea foliar application on the growth and yield of wheat crops was significant (P<0.05). The result revealed that RDF + foliar-applied urea at 2.5% increased the number of tillers 12.33 plant-1 when applied at the tillering stage, while booting stages, there was an increase in yield contributed characteristics i.e. 83.50 cm plant height, 10.69 cm spike length, 44.80 spikelet spike-1,46.00 grains spike-1, 54.98 g seed index, 14544 kg ha-1 biological yield and 6171 kg ha-1 grain yield. Meanwhile, the RDF + foliar-applied urea at 1.5% concentration at the tillering stage affected the numbers of the tiller as compared to 2.5% concentration. while applied at booting stages which lowers the yield-related parameters The foliar urea concentration RDF + foliar-applied urea at 0.5% concentration at tillering stages decreases in tillers 9.20 plant-1 was recorded as compared to 1.5%, while at booting stage decreases in yield contributed parameters. The control plots, (Recommended dose of NPK fertilizers applied without application of foliar urea show the least performance. It was concluded that applying RDF + foliar-applied urea at 2.5% concentration at tillering and booting stages affects wheat crop growth and yield traits.
Keywords: Boating; Foliar; Stages; Tillering; Urea; Wheat