Effect of planting methods and seed ingrates on yield, yield components and water use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

In order to comparison of bed planting (3 rows on 75 cm beds) and flat planting (random broadcast pattern) of wheat, in different seed rates in terms of yield, yield components and water use efficiency, an experiment was conducted with use of randomized complete block design with 7 treatments and 3 replications during 2008-2009 in Isfahan city. Treatments included bed planted wheat in 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 seed rates, and flat planted wheat in 60, 120, 180 and 300 kg ha-1 seed rates. Although flat planting with consumption of 180 kg of seeds ha-1 produced highest yield but had not significant differences with bed and flat planting methods with 120 kg seeds ha-1. Flat planting with 60 kg of seed ha-1 due to a significant reduction in the number of grains per spike and spike had the lowest yield. Flat planting and 300 kg of seeds ha-1 (conventional method) had yield of equivalent with bed planted and consumed 120 kg of seed ha-1. Water use efficiency was 11 percent more and used water was 14 percent less on a bed culture method than the flat method. In summary, using a bed planting up to 120 kg of seeds ha- 1 in similar conditions study, compared to conventional method is recommended.