Effects of Nitrogen Splitting and Foliar Application on Yield and Yield Components of Two Durum Wheat Cultivars

In order to investigate two durum wheat cultivars response to splitting and foliar application of nitrogen, an experiment was conducted during 2002-04 growth seasons. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design adopting split-factorial arrangement as follows: factor a: variety (Aria and Dena durum wheat varieties), factor b: Nitrogen application (2, 3, and 4 splits), factor c: foliar application of nitrogen at 3% concentration (one time at anthesis). Combined analysis of data revealed that Aria and Dena cultivars were significantly different in grain yield as well as 1000 grain weight, protein percentage, number of grain per spike, and yellow berry characteristics. Dena had higher grain weight and yield as well as protein yield compared with Aria. However, Aria cultivar showed higher protein content. Split application of nitrogen significantly affected grain weight and hardiness as well as yellow berry. Four times split application of nitrogen at sowing, stem elongation, pollination, anthesis, and grain filling stages had the highest effect on grain quality. One time foliar application at anthesis stage increased grain yield significantly as well as protein yield but decreased yellow berry. Foliar application of nitrogen with 3% concentration at anthesis significantly increased grain quality and quantity, therefore, this treatment is recommended. Most significant and positive effect of foliar nitrogen application was observed on yellow berry percentage reduction