Effect of different planting densities on growth and yield of wheat in climatic conditions of Samangan.

Abstract

In order to investigate effect of plant density on yield and yield components of wheat under the climatic conditions of Samangan, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications over the agricultural years 2023 and 2024 at the research farm of the Agriculture Faculty, Samangan Higher Education Institute. The treatments included plant densities of 100, 200, 300, and 400 seeds per square meter. The results showed that with increased plant density, plant height, number of spikes per meter, grain yield, and harvest index significantly increased. At a density of 400 plants per meter, the plants reached maturity earlier than at other densities, with the 400 plants per meter treatment reaching maturity in 194 days, compared to 198 days at 100 plants per meter. Lower densities resulted in a higher number of spikelet's per spike and more grains per spike, with the 100 plants per meter treatment exhibiting the maximum values for these traits. Additionally, lower densities increased the thousand-grain weight, with 48 grams at 100 plants per meter and 35 grams at 400 plants per meter. To achieve maximum yield under Samangan irrigated cultivation conditions, it is recommended to use a density of 400 seeds per square meter.