14. Phenological traits of wheat response to different levels of humic acid and brassinolide
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted to investigate phonological traits of wheat response to different levels of humic acid and brassinolide at New Developmental Farm The University of Agriculture, Peshawar during Rabi season 2009 -10. The wheat variety Saleem 2000 was sown. The design used was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications in split plot arrangement. Humic acid was assigned to main plot whereas brassinolide was allotted to sub plot. Plot size of 3 x 3.5 m having 10 rows, 30 cm apart were used. Four levels of humic acid (0, 1, 2 and 4 kg ha-1) were applied at sowing times. Whereas 5 levels of brassinolide (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg L-1) were sprayed in foliar form at the tillering stage. Application of 4 kg HA ha-1 delayed days to heading (117.44). Increasing humic acid levels up to 2 kg ha-1 delayed anthesis (124.18) days and maturity (156) days and produced taller (82.69) plants. Increasing brassinolide concentrations up to 2 mg L-1 delayed days to heading (118.25days), anthesis (124.63days) and maturity (158days). Taller (89.56cm) plants were produced through the application of 2 mg BL-1. Increasing brassinolide concentration up to 2 mg L-1 as combined with 2 kg HA ha-1 delayed days to anthesis. Application of 2 kg HA ha-1 enhanced wheat phenology and thus is recommended for wheat cultivation in the agro climatic conditions of Peshawar for improved phonological traits. Application of 2 mg BL-1 improved wheat phenology and thus is recommended for wheat cultivation in the agro climatic conditions of Peshawar for better phonological traits.
Keywords: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.); Humic acid; Brassinolide; Phenological; Traits
