Influence of planting dates and nitrogen levels on yield and quality of durum wheat (Triticum durum)

An experiment was conducted at Indore during winter 1995-97 to study the influence of planting dates and N levels on yield and quality of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). The results revealed that the maximum grain yield (4.8 tonnes/ha), response to N application (19.3 kg grain/kg N) and return (Rs 16.0) per rupee invested on fertiliser N were obtained in 1 November sowing. The yield and quality traits of durum wheat were significantly influenced by the planting dates and nitrogen levels. Sedimentation value and protein content increased, while percentage of yellow-berry kernels decreased significantly under late planting compared to early planting. Similarly, at higher N levels, sedimentation value and protein content increased and yellow berry percentage decreased. Early planting with high nitrogen levels assured high yield but the good quality grain was obtained under late planting.