Determination of Seed Quality Tests of Wheat Varieties under the Response of Different Sowing Dates and Nitrogen Fertilization

A two years field study was conducted to determine seed quality tests of wheat varieties under the response of different sowing dates and nitrogen fertilization at New Developmental Farm of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Agricultural University, Peshawer, Pakistan under agro-climatic condition of Peshawar valley during 2008-09 and 2009-10. The experiment was laid out according to randomized complete block design having split plot arrangements with four repeats. Four planting dates (24th October, 13th November, 3rd December and 23rd December) with 20 days intervals allocated to main plots whole 4 levels of nitrogen (0, 100, 130 and 160 kg N/ha) along with two varieties (Pirsabak 2005 and Khyber-87) were allotted to sub plots. Wheat crop responded differently to sowing dates and nitrogen fertilization for various characters. Highest standard germination, field emergence, accelerated aging germination test and seedling dry weight were recorded under 24th October sowing but lowest values were obtained under delay seeded condition. Similarly these seed quality attributes of Khyber-87 significantly affected by nitrogen application. Early (Oct. 24th) seeding date in combination with 130 kg N/ha accelerated seed quality attributes of Khyber-87 whereas late seeded condition declined these parameters even using maximum dose of nitrogen.