Wheat

Useful tips for wheat production

1. Moisture should be conserved during monsoon by using deep tillage technology.

2. Resistant improved wheat varieties should be planted.

3. Treat the seed with recommended fungicides to control seed borne diseases.

4. Irrigations at the time of tillering and grain formation are critical.

5. Planting must be finished before Nov. 30 to obtain maximum yield.

6. Nitrogenous and Phosphatic fertilizers should be used in a ratio of 1:1 or 1: 1-1/2 .

7. Potassium fertilizer must be used if wheat is planted after rice or sugarcane and in sandy soils which had continuously
been irrigating by tube well water.

8. Weeds must be destroyed by using chemical weedicides.

9. Harvesting should be done few days earlier in case of semi dwarf improved varieties to avoid shattering damages.

RECOMMENDED VARIETIES, PLANTING TIME AND SEED RATE FOR DIFFERENT PRODUCTION ZONES.

The country has been divided into twelve different production zones. The zoning is mainly based on disease prevalence, yield
potential, cropping pattern and climatological factors (zones are shown on the map).

It is very important that different varieties should be planted before the dates given in front of each variety. In case planting is
delayed, broadcast method of planting with 4-5 kgs more seed rate than normal seed rate is recommended.

Certified seed should be used which can be obtained from Punjab Seed Corporation, Sindh Seed Corporation, Agriculture
Development Authority in NWFP. Agricultural Department in Balochistan, Agriculture Development Corporation depots and
other seed agencies. In other case, use only healthy seed which is obtained from healthy crop. Detail of different zones,
diseases, recommended varieties, planting time and seed rate is shown in table-1:

Table-1: RECOMMENDED VARIETIES, PLANTING TIME AND SEED RATE

LAND PREPARATION

Deep ploughing should be used by sub soiler or mould board if sub soil is hard.

2-3 ploughings are recommended where chronic weeds are present. If possible Dab method should be used.

Rotavator should be used in proper moisture if tractor facility is available. Soil should become well pulverized and planker can
be used for this purpose.

Moisture conservation by using mold board in rainfed areas has been very successful in obtaining good yield.
In case of limited water in plains, field should be divided into sub-plots.

Field boundaries should be made strong. Rat holes should be closed and pruning of trees should be done in the farm to avoid
shade effects to the crop.

METHOD OF PLANTING

Barani Areas:

Drill or poring method is recommended for planting in barani areas. Planker should not be used if planting is done by "Pora".
All fertilizer should be applied before planting. Pre-soaking treatment to the seed should be given for 8-12 hours if moisture is
limited. Water used for this purpose should be free of salts which otherwise can affect seed germination.

Irrigated Areas:

Seed should not be placed more than two inches when semidwarf improved varieties are planted. The best results have been
obtained in planting by drill because uniform and proper germination is obtained in this method. Second method of planting in
"Kera" should be used in proper moisture to obtain better results. Good results could not be achieved through broad cast, but
if there is no other solution except this one then 4-5 kgs more seed rate is recommended in this method. Dry sowing can also
be done if planting is late and irrigation can be applied after planting. Dry sowing should only be done after December, 15
where water availability is limited. Seed should not be put more deep in this case.

SEED TREATMENT

Seed can be treated with Benlate, Vitavax 200 or Topson-M at the rate of 2.5 gms/kg seed or Derosal at the rate of 1.0 gms
and/or Raxil 2DC at the rate of 1.50 gms/kg seed. Seed treatment can be done by using Drum with cover or shaking in the
plastic bag.

FERTILIZER APPLICATION

In general both nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers are of Primary importance to obtain good yields of wheat crop. It has
been found, through experimentation, that both N and P must be in a proper balance in the ratio of 1:1 or at the most 1:1-1/2.
Potassium sulphate should also be used at the rate of 12-15 kgs potash/acre (1/2 bag of Potassium sulphate) when wheat is
planted after rice and sugarcane. The use of potash also becomes important in sandy weak soil which had been continuously
irrigating with tube well water.

The whole quantity of phosphatic and half of nitrogenous fertilizer should be applied at seeding time while the remaining half
of nitrogenous fertilizer be applied with first irrigation. In case phosphatic fertilizer is not applied at the time of planting this can
be applied with first irrigation.

The whole quantity of Nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers should be used at planting time in rainfed areas. If somehow
nitrogenous fertilizer was not applied at planting time, this can be applied at first rain. PH value of the most of the soils in
Punjab has increased from 8.2 which is affecting fertilizer uptake efficiency of the soils. GYPSUM is recommended in such
affected soils.

ORGANIC MATTER AND GREEN MANURING

In general our soils are deficient in organic matter and this situation is getting worst day by day. Therefore it is very important
that proper crop rotation and green manure/farm yard manure should be used in our soils. This helps in the development of
plant and increases water absorbing capacity of the soil. Root development become more vigorous. Guara and Jantar are
good crops for green manuring. Guara has produced good results in irrigated areas whereas Jantar is recommended for
saline soils and after rice. Arhar can be used for green manuring in barani areas.

Crop rotation for barani areas : Wheat-Fodder-Wheat

Wheat-Fodder-Millet

Crop rotation for plains : Wheat-Cotton-Sugarcane

Wheat-Berseem-Cotton.

Depending on soil conditions, 8-10 cart load of well rotten farm yard manure should be used.

IRRIGATION

Wheat plant has two critical stages for its water requirements. The first is at tillering stage which starts about a week after
emergence. The first irrigation should therefore, be applied not later than 12-18 days after seeding. In rice growing areas the
sub-soil is usually saturated with moisture as moisture retention power of the soil is high. The first irrigation in these areas
should be delayed as long as possible. In many cases it may even be more than a month after emergence.

The second critical stage is between anthesis and grain formation when irrigation is necessary. The remaining irrigations
depending on rainfall should be well distributed between different growth stages. Generally 4-6 irrigations are applied to the
wheat crop. The irrigation requirements in case of semi dwarf improved varieties is at the following growth stages.

1. At crown root initiation.

2. Tillering stage

3. Late jointing stage.

4. At flowering

5. Grain formation

6. Dough stage.

Among above mentioned stages, three stages are very critical.

1. Crown root initiation.

2. Boot stage.

3. Milk and dough stages.

Depending upon the availability of water following irrigation schedule can be applied.

Four irrigations.
1. Crown root initiation.

2. Tiller completion.

3. Booting Stage.

4. Milk stage.

Five irrigations.
1. Crown root initiation.

2. Tiller completion.

3. Late jointing.

4. Flowering stage.

5. Milk stage.

Six Irrigations.
1. Crown root initiation.

2. Tiller completion.

3. Late jointing.

4. Flowering stage.

5. Milk stage.

6. Dough stage.

Limited irrigation.

One irrigation. 1. Crown root initiation.

Two irrigations
1. Crown root initiation.

2. Boot stage.

Three irrigation
1. Crown root initiation.

2. Boot stage.

3. Milk stage.

WEED CONTROL

Weeds can significantly reduce wheat yield. Although crop rotation can reduce the population of weeds, a large amount of
weed seeds still remains in the fields. For better control, barharrow and weeding should be done. Weeding become more
easy if wheat is grown on seed beds 45 cm apart. The distance between two lines on a seed should be 15 cm. This method of
planting does not affect plant population and wheat yield per acre. Other method of weed control is used of chemical
weedicides. Weeds should be removed from the fields within 4-6 weeks of seeding. Agriculture experts have recommended
the following weedicides mentioned in Table-4. Recommended dose should be applied with 120 liters of water after first
irrigation at proper moisture. If sprayer is not available at proper time then all the powdry weedicides could be applied with
sand at proper moisture after first irrigation or mixed with urea and then irrigate.

HARVESTING/THRESHING AND STORAGE

1. Clean parts of field where crop is not lodged should be selected to keep as seed. Harvesting and threshing of that field
should be done separately to avoid any mixture.

2. Harvesting should be done 2-3 days earlier in case of semi dwarf improved varieties.

3. Harvesting should be done when grain moisture is around 16-17 percent.

4. Grain should be dried properly to bring down moisture at 9-10 percent before storage.

5. If possible use thresher or combine to be more efficient and avoid losses.

6. Seed should be stored in proper clean stores to avoid insect damage. Fumigation should be done in the seed stores.

7. Use clean bags for storage.

Resource Person:
Dr. Nafees Sadiq Kisana National Coordinator green123@isb.sdnpk.org wheat@narc.isb.sdnpk.org
WHEAT PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY IN PUNJAB

WHEAT PRODUCING ZONES

A- IRRIGATED

Cotton zone, Central/ mixed zone & Rice zone

B- RAIN FED

Rain-fed Zone

A- IRRIGATED AREAS

I) COTTON ZONE

Total wheat area: 6.719 million acres

i) Districts

Sahiwal, Khanewal, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Layyah, D.G. khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnager
and Rahimyar khan

ii) Cropping pattern

Cotton-wheat, Mung-wheat, Sugarcane-wheat, Kharif fodder/maize-wheat

iii) Commercial wheat varieties

Name of Time of Remarks

Varieties planting
Inqilab-91 Nov.10 – High yielding disease resistant, lodging resistant and
Dec.15 general purpose variety suitable for rich soils under
normal and late planting
Punjab.96 Nov.1 – High yielding variety having durable resistance against
Nov.30 rust diseases and suitable for early to normal planting
with good performance under sandy soils
M.H.97 Oct.25– High yielding variety with better adaptability, and good
Nov.30 tillering capacity, suitable for early to normal planting
Pasban.90 Nov.1 – High yielding slow rusting variety suitable for saline
Nov.30 areas
Bwp.97 Nov.15– Recommended for irrigated areas of south Punjab for
Dec.15 late planting
Augab.2000 Nov.01- Recommended for early and late planting in irrigated
Dec.15 areas of Punjab
Iqbal.2000 Nov.15- Recommended for late planting in irrigated areas of the
Dec.15 Punjab.
Chenab-2000 Oct.25- Recommended for early and normal planting in the
Nov.30 irrigated areas.

Note: Maximum planting should be completed by 30th November and in no case should be extended
beyond mid December.

iv) Seed treatment and seed rate. Healthy and clean seed of recommended varieties should be used
@ 50-60 Kg/ac. Seed should be treated with appropriate systemic fungicide.

iv) Planting method

Rabi drill or 'Kera' should be practiced to ensure better yields.

v) FERTILIZER APPLICATION PER ACRE

Type of soil (KG) Bags

N P K DAP UREA POTASH
 POOR 52 46 25 2.0 1.75 1.0
MEDIUM 42 34 25 1.50 1.50 1.0
FERTILE 30 23 25 1.0 1.25 1.0

Note:- All the NPK fertilizer should be applied at the time of sowing

in case of late planting in December (NP ratio 1.5:1 or 1:1).

Common weeds: Phalaris minor (Dumbi sitti), Avena fatua (Wild oats),

Chenopodium (Bathu) & Convolvulus (Lehli).

vi) Weed control

Cultural: Double bar harrow should be practiced.

Chemical: i) Selective weedicides for broad and narrow leaved weeds should be used.

ii) Wide spectrum weedicides can be used when both types of weeds are problem.

Note:- i) Weedicides should be applied after Ist irrigation in good moisture condition

when weeds are at 2-3 & wheat crop at 3-4 leaf stages.

ii) Herbicides belonging to the same group or family should not be repeated in the same field,
the following year.

iii) Irrigations: Three irrigations are necessary at the critical stages

after 'rauni' as given below.

1. Ist irrigation 20-25 days after sowing.

2. 2nd " At boot stage.

3. 3rd " At milk stage of grain development.

II). CENTRAL/MIXED CROP ZONE

Total wheat area 3.639 million acres

i) Districts:

Jhang, Faisalabad, Okara, T.T. Singh, Sargodha, Khushab and parts of Mianwali and Bhakkar.

ii) Cropping pattern

Sugarcane – Wheat, Cotton – Wheat, Kharif fodder/maize – Wheat, Rice – Wheat, Wheat - Fallow – Wheat &
Guar - Wheat

iii) Varieties

Inqlab-91, Pasban-90, MH-97, Punjab 96, Auqab-2000 and Iqbal 2000

iV) Planting time

Nov.Ist to Nov.25 for obtaining optimum yields and for late planting by Dec.15.

V) Seed treatment and seed rate

Seed treated with recommended fungicides be used at the following rate

 Normal sowing 50 kg/ac

Late sowing 60 kg/ac

Vi) Planting method

Line sowing with Rabi drill or 'Kera' method should be practiced.

Vii) Fertilizer application (Kg/ac)

Type of soil (KG) Bags

N P K DAP UREA POTASH
POOR 52 46 25 2.0 1.75 1.0
MEDIUM 42 34 25 1.50 1.50 1.0
FERTILE 30 23 25 1.0 1.25 1.0

Note:- All the NPK fertilizer should be applied at the time of sowing in case of late planting in December
(NP ratio 1.5:1 or 1:1).

Viii) Weed control

Cultural 'Daab' and double bar harrow.

Chemical Same as mentioned earlier for Cotton zone.

ix) Irrigations

Four to five at critical stages of wheat plant growth.

STAGE NO OF DAYS AFTER SOWING

Crown root initiation 20-25
Jointing stage 50-58

Boot stage 90-105

Pollination stage 110-120
Dough stage 125-135

III). RICE ZONE

Total wheat area 3.132 million acres

i) Districts

Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Lahore and Kasur

ii) Cropping pattern

Rice - wheat (Major), Potato – Wheat, Sugarcane – wheat, Kharif Fodder/Maize – Wheat, Mash –
Wheat, Sunflower - Kharif fodder - Wheat

iii) Varieties

Inqilab-91, Pasban-90, Punjab 96, Auqab 2000,Iqbal 2000 and Durum 97 and Chenab 2000.

iv) Planting time

November 10 to 25 for optimum yields; late planting should be completed by December 15.

v) Seed treatment and seed rate

 Healthy and clean seed of recommended varieties should be used @ 50-60 Kg/ac. Seed
should be treated with recommended systemic fungicides.

vi) Planting method

Planting with automatic Rabi drill or zero tillage drill is recommended.

vii) Fertilizer application

Depending upon the type of soil and fertility level as given in case of cotton zone.

viii) Weed control

As mentioned in case of cotton zone.

ix) Irrigations

Three irrigations at the following crop stages are enough depending upon rainfall.

1st irrigation 35-45 days after Sowing.

2nd irrigation at boot stage.

3rd irrigation at dough stage of grain formation.

Note: Rainwater should not be allowed to stand in wheat field but be drained out to

low lying areas.

B- RAINFED ZONE

Total wheat area 1.770 million acres

i) Districts

Rawalpindi, Attock, Jehlum, Chakwal, Narowal and Parts of Sialkot, Gujrat,Layyah,

D.G.Khan, Muzaffargarh, Bhakkar, Mianwali and Khushab.

ii) Cropping Pattern

Wheat - Fallow – Wheat, Wheat - Groundnut – Wheat, Wheat - Kharif fodder - Wheat

iii) Commercial varieties

VARIETIES TIME OF PLANTING REMARKS

Chakwal-86 Oct.20 - Nov.15 For all Barani areas
Rawal-87 Oct.20 - Nov.15 For all Barani areas
Kohistan-97 Oct.20 - Nov.15 For all Barani areas
Chakwal-97 Oct.20 - Nov.15 For all Barani areas
Inqilab-91 NOV.01 – DEC.10 For high rainfall & partially irrigated barani
areas

iv) Seed treatment and seed rate

Healthy and clean seed of recommended varieties should be used

@ 40-50 Kg/ac. Seed should be treated with recommended systemic fungicide.

Note: In case of low moisture soils, seed should be soaked in water for 8-10 hours before sowing.

v) Planting methods

Planting with Rabi drill, Pore or Kera should be practiced.

vi) Fertilizer application (Kg/Ac)

ANNUAL RAINFALL (KG) Bags

N P K DAP UREA POTASH
LOW RAINFALL 350 mm 23 23 25 1.0 0.75 1.0
MEDIUM RAINFALL 350-500 mm 34 23 25 1.0 1.25 1.0
HIGH RAINFALL ABOVE 500mm 46 34 25 1.5 1.50 1.0

Note: All the fertilizer should be applied at the time of sowing

vii) Weeds:

Chenopodium(Bathu), Medicago spp. (Maina) Lathyrus spp. (Matri), Asphodelus tenuifolius

(Piazi), Carthamus oxycantha (Pohli) etc. All weeds be removed through mechanical
means/manual labour and can be used as fodder for live-stock. The Pre-emergence
weedicides can be used in barani area in good moisture condition.

KEY POINTS FOR OBTAINING GOOD WHEAT CROP.

1. Proper seed bed preparation for crop growth and development. Moisture preservation through
deep ploughing followed by Monsoon rains in Barani areas.

2. Use of pure and healthy seed of recommended varieties with seed rate of 50 kg/acre for normal
planting and 60 kg/acre for late planting.

3. Seed treatment with proper fungicides before planting increases yield by 5-6%.

4. Planting must be completed by the end of November and for late planting upto 15th of December.

5. In Barani areas planting should be done with pore or automatic Rabi drill whereas for irrigated areas
automatic Rabi drill should be preferred.

6. Use of phosphatic fertilizers along with nitrogen is very essential both under irrigated and rain fed
conditions. The N:P ratio of 1:1 or 1.5:1 be maintained.

7. Application of Potash to the wheat crop on tubewell irrigated soils or sandy type soils or crop sown
after rice, sugarcane etc is essential.

8. Late planting should be completed by 15 December and all fertilizers be applied at planting time.

9. Irrigations to wheat at critical stages of crop growth be ensured viz; 12-18 days after germination,
at booting, milk and dough stages. In rice zone the first irrigation should be applied 30-40 days after
germination.

10. Weed eradication through Daab, double bar harrow or spray of weedicides is very important.
It should be practiced on vast areas in collaboration with extension services & private herbicide companies.

11. In sick soils and in Barani areas planting of barley and Wadanak wheat should be preferred. In partially
affected saline soils wheat variety Pasban-90 can be successfully grown.

12. Extension service and electronic media should be consulted for improved wheat production.

13. Supply of inputs must be ensured before planting season at reasonable prices and without adulteration.

14. Wheat varieties, Pasban 90, MH 97 and Uqab 2000 should not be sown in northern parts of the
Punjab due to their moderately susceptible reaction against stripe rust.

WHEAT RESEARCH INSTITUTE FAISALABAD

Dr. Muhammad Aqil Khan

Director
Ph: 041-651529

Fax: 041-684721