The Effects of Different Row Spacings, Cutting Heights and Stubble Burning on Seed Yield and Yield Components of Crested Wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum)

Authors: AHMET GÖKKUŞ, YUNUS SERİN, ALİ KOÇ, MUSTAFA TAN

Abstract: This trial was conducted on the experimental fields of the Agricultural Faculty at Atatürk University in 1987-92 and five-year results were evaluated except for the first year. The effects of different row spacings (20, 30 and 40 cm), cutting stubble heights (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 cm) and stubble burning on seed yield and yield components of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) were studied. According to five-year averages, the effects of row spacings on the seed and straw yield, reproductive shoot number per m^2 and seed number and weight per spike were significant. The values for all parameters were increased by expanding the row spacing. The effects of stubble treatments on the seed and straw yield, plant height, reproductive shoot number per m2 and seed number per spike were also significant. The highest seed yield (50.28 kg/da) was obtained from 40 cm row spacing and stubble burning. Data obtained for all parameters were varied from year to year. The correlations between seed yield and plant height and ear number per m^{2} were positive and significant while the correlations between seed yield and stem yield, seed number and weight per spike and thousand seed weight were insignificant. According to the results presented, row spacing of 40 cm and stubble burning may be recommended for seed production of crested wheatgrass in Erzurum and similar ecologies.

Keywords: Crested wheatgrass, seed yield, row spacing, cutting height, burning

Full Text: PDF