Phenology and yield of cumin at different sowing dates and planting patterns

In order to study the effects of sowing dates and planting patterns on phenology and yield of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), factorial experiments were conducted during 2005 - 2006 based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in Tabriz, Iran. Four sowing dates included 26(th) March (S-1), 5(th) April (S-2), 15(th) April (S-3) and 25(th) April (S-4). Four planting patterns included 20 cm x 20 cm (P-1), 20 cm x 16 cm (P-2), 20 cm x 12 cm (P-3) and 20 cm x 8 cm (P-4). The results showed that with 30 days delaying in planting, time from emergence to flowering decreased 10 days. Time from sowing to harvesting was decreased, when the planting date delayed. Stem height of cumin at the first sowing date was nearly double in comparison with 25(th) April sowing. With 10 and 30 days delaying in planting, seed yield in S-2 and S-4 was reduced 32.17% and 34.1%, respectively, compared with Si. Average seed yield was reduced significantly in lower plant densities. In all sowing dates, thousand seed weight in P4 was equal with P-3, then cumin density can be increased up to 625,000 plants ha(-1) without any reduction on thousand seed weight. For cumin seed production sowing date of 26(th) March with planting pattern of 20 cm x 8 cm was recommended.