Field Crops

WHEAT

Introduction

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L) is the second most important cereal crop of India and plays a vital role in food and nutritional security of the country. Nearly 55 per cent of the world population depends on wheat for about 20 per cent of calories intake. Wheat crop in India is grown under six diverse agro – climatic zones (Table 1), wherein Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGPs) comprising  the two zones namely; North Western Plains Zone (NWPZ)  and the North Eastern Plains Zone (NEPZ) from the major wheat tract followed by the Central Zone (CZ) and the Peninsular Zone (PZ).

Wheat Cultivars

Ramnagar Seed Farm Pvt Ltd offers the following varieties:

  1. PBW 343
  2. PBW 373
  3. PBW 502
  4. HD 2967
  5. PBW 154
  6. RR 21 (SONALIKA)
  7. HUW 234
  8. GOLD 309
  9. SHER-E-PUNJAB
Agronomic Practices

In addition to the varietal improvement, adoption of appropriate crop management practices of fertilization, irrigation, weed management, crop geometry and crop residue management in wheat based crop sequences in various wheat growing zones have significantly contributed in harnessing the yield potential of few varieties. To cut down the cost of wheat production without compromising on yield, the zero – tillage technology has been perfected for wheat cultivation.

Other forms of Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) which are also gaining momentum include rotary-tillage and Furrow Irrigated Raised Beds (FIRBs) Technology. The rotary tillage technology saves about 80 per cent diesel but has given higher yields over zero tillage as well as conventional tillage. Recently, new machines (Turbo seeder & Rotary disc drill) have been fabricated to seed into surface retained crop residues which is otherwise being burnt causing environmental pollution and loss of essential plant nutrients.

Sowing Time, Seed Rate and Fertilizer Application

The wheat crop in India is grown across six agro – climatic zones and production conditions. The time of sowing has slight variation from zone to zone and under varying production conditions. To realize best yields under any situation, timely sowing and following recommended agronomy is the most important key factor to make best use of inputs and technology. The information for the commercial cultivation of wheat crop under different systems is given in Table 3.

Approaches for Improving Soil Health

The intensive tillage coupled with crop residue burning and continuous mining of soil has led to the depletion of soil organic matter as well as essential plant nutrients. The situation is further complicated by imbalanced fertilization leading to expression of multiple nutrient deficiencies. The Zn is already recommended and there is more frequent occurrence of deficiencies of Mn, Fe, Cu, Mo and B in the rice – wheat system. More than 35% soils are also deficient in sulphur and the K status has also reached a threshold in many soils since farmers are mainly applying nitrogen and phosphorus.

Zone-Wise Sowing Time, Seed Rate and Fertilizer Dose for Wheat Crop
ZONE
SOWING CONDITIONS
SEED RATE
FERTILIZER DOSES AND TIME OF APPLICATION
NHZ

Irrigated, Timely Sown

(1 to 15 Nov)

 100 Kgs/Ha 120:60:40 Kg NPK/ha (1/3 N and full P&K as basal at sowing and remaining N in two equal splits at first and second irrigation)
Irrigated, Late Sown 125 Kgs/Ha 90:60:40 Kg NPK/ha (1/3 N and full P&K as basal at sowing and remaining N in two equal splits at first and second irrigation)
(After 25th Nov) Rainfed 125 Kgs/Ha 60:30:20 Kg NPK/ha to be applied at the time of sowing
NWPZ & NEPZ
 Irrigated, Timely Sown NWPZ: 1 to 15 Nov NEPZ: 10 to 20 Nov 100 Kgs/ha 150:60:40 Kg NPK/ha (1/3 N and full P&K as basal at sowing and remaining N in two equal splits at     first and second irrigation)
Irrigated, Late Sown 125 Kgs/ha 120:60:40 Kg NPK/ha (1/3 N and full P&K at sowing and remaining N in two equal splits at first and second irrigation)
(After 25th Nov) Rainfed 125 Kgs/ha 60:30:20 Kg NPK/ha to be applied at the time of sowing
CZ, PZ & SHZ
 Irrigated, Timely Sown CZ: 10 to 20 Nov PZ : 1 to 15 Nov 100 Kgs/ha 120:60:40 Kg NPK/ha (1/3 N and full P&K as basal at sowing and remaining N in two equal splits at first and second irrigation)
Irrigated, Late Sown 125 Kgs/ha 90:60:40 Kg NPK/ha (1/3 N and full P&K as basal at sowing and remaining N in two equal splits at first and second irrigation)

(After 25th Nov)

Rainfed

 125 Kgs/ha 60:30:20 Kg NPK/ha to be applied at the time of sowing to the crops

Following strategies may help in reversing the adverse effects on soil.

  • Adoption of resource conservation technologies like zero tillage and conservation agriculture
  • Minimum soil disturbance to conserve soil organic matter
  • Residue management – Incorporation or surface residue retention to enhance the soil organic matter
  • Developing new and improving the available machinery for residue management and conservation agriculture
  • Introduction of leguminous crops like moong bean to regain & build up the soil health
  • Green manuring to increase soil organic matter
  • Balanced use of fertilizers – Application of NPK in proper proportion along with FYM and need based application of Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Mo and B as micro-nutrients for optimum yields
Application of Micronutrients

Zinc Sulphate at the rate of 25 Kgs/ha once in a year or 10 Kgs/ha to each crop during Rabi and Kharif season should be applied in areas where its deficiency is prevalent. If Zinc deficiency symptoms are visible in the crop then spray 0.5 % Zinc Sulphate solution. For this, dissolve 2.5 Kgs Zinc Sulphate and 1.25 Kgs unslaked Lime or 12.5 Kgs Urea in 500 litres of water for one hectare and spray it 2 to 3 times at 15 days interval. Irrigation and remaining 2 to 3 sprays at one week interval. Spray should be done during clear and bright sunny day. In case of sulphur deficiency, soil application of sulphur or spray application can be resorted for correcting deficiency .When Zinc Sulphate or Gypsum is applied; sulphur deficiency is taken care of. Where only sulphur deficiency is prevailing, apply Cosavet 80WDG @ 8 to 10 Kgs/ha at the time of sowing or just before first irrigation.

Weed Management

What is infested with both grasses and broad-leaved weeds? For realizing full yield potential of wheat crop the proper weed control is essential. Among various methods of weed control chemical method is most effective. Based on weed flora following herbicides can be applied:

  • In areas having the problem of Isoproturon resistant P.minor use Sulfosulfuron, or Clodinafop or Fenoxaprop or Pendimethalin or Pinoxaden. Sulfosulfuron and Pendimethalin are effective against both grassy and non – grassy weeds whereas, Clodinafop, Fenoxaprop, and Pinoxaden are specific to grasses. Whereas, areas infested with multiple herbicide resistant P.minor (resistant to Isoproturon, Clodinafob and Sulfosulfuron) use pre-emergence Pendimethalin.
  • For the control of complex weed flora combination of herbicides should be applied. Sulfosufuron+ Metsulfuron and Isoproturon with 2, 4 – D or Metsulfuror can be used as tank mixture.

 

 

Improving the input use efficiency particularly of water and nitrogen. Usually, it is observed that the early infection of stripe rust starts in wheat fields under the poplar trees wherever these are grown having early sown crop (i .e. October). Hence, strict watch is needed by the farmers in such fields.

Since most of the varieties recommended for NWPZ and NHZ do not carry high level of resistance, hence, chemical sprays are needed. Spray the crop with Propiconazole (Tilt 25 EC @ 0.1 per cent), or Tebuconazole (Folicur 250EC @ 0.1%) or Triademenfon (Bayleton 25WP @ 0.1%) at stripe rust initiation using 200 litres of water/ha. Usually, it is required in the first half of February.

Loose Smut

Loose smut is a seed borne disease. In view of the horizontal distribution of the seed material among the farmers and the use of the carry over seed, effective control measures for loose smut should be undertaken. For this, seed treatment with Carboxin (75 WP @ 2.5 gm/kg seed) or Carbendazim  (50 WP @ 2.5 gm/kg seed ) or Tebuconazole (2DS @ 1.25 gm/kg seed) or a combination of a reduced dosage of Carboxin (75 WP @ 1.25 gm/kg seed ) and a bioagent fungus Trichoderma viride (@ 4gm/kg seed) is recommended.

Powdery Mildew

For the control of powdery mildew in disease prone areas, one need based spray of Propicnazole (Tilt 25 EC @ 0.1 %) Can be given at ear head emergence or appearance of disease on flag leaf, whichever is earlier.

General Tips
  • Choose the best suitable variety for your area and condition
  • Follow timely planting and avoid delay in sowing of wheat crop to avoid yield losses due to adverse effects of heat around maturity
  • Do not grow varieties from other zones to avoid risk of disease susceptibility
  • Manage your crop with optimum inputs (fertilizer irrigation water, herbicides, fungicides) for maximum yield
  • Timely and judiciously irrigate fields to save water and cut costs
  • Harvest crop at proper maturity to minimize risk due to shattering, threshing etc.
  • Follow proper storage practices for wheat produce to avoid post-harvest losses
What to do
When to do?
How to do?
Why to do?
What not to do?
Soil Testing
 October/After Harvesting of Crop Take samples from all corners and middle of field and mix well.

Draw 500 Gms soil sample from it and get it tested in nearby Soil Testing Laboratory.

 It will give information about soil fertility of the particular field so that one can apply fertilizer as per soil requirement/recommendations Don’t collect the soil sample from heap of the compost/residue standing crop to get the accurate results
Field Preparation
 Field Preparation should start from October by good ploughing followed by planking for moisture conservation. Field should be well levelled so use Laser Land Leveller for levelling the field which is quite beneficial. Field should be well prepared by Disc Harrow and Cultivator as per requirement of the soil. Land Laser Leveller can be used for perfect land levelling. It can be arranged from nearby source, if not available in the village. Therefore, field preparation operations should be done and then levelling through planker should be done Good field preparation will help in weed control. Irrigation will be uniform and saving of irrigation water in the levelled field. Irrigation will be faster and saving of irrigation water in the raised bed field. To conserve soil moisture, there should not be deep heavy cultivation. If sowing is to be done by zero tillage then harrow cultivation should be avoided. In heavy soils, avoid bed planting due to cold formation & crop stubbles may affect germination.
Sowing Method
 If there is loose straw in the field use rotary Drill/ Happy Seeder. If there is sufficient moisture after paddy harvesting, use both the machines for wheat sowing. Sowing is to be done by drilling seed and fertilizer. Seed and fertilizer pipes should be checked carefully during drilling operation. By keeping crop residues in field, weeds can be controlled. Residue retention helps in conserving moisture and increases soil organic matter. Do not burn residues. By burning the crop residues, beneficial insects may die. There is no need to proper field in zero tillage seeding
Selection of Improved Varieties
 In October Selection of recommended

suitable varieties should be

done through discussion with

the representative of Research

Centre/State Agriculture

Department/Friends etc.

 It will increase productivity of the crop and good quality may fetch higher prices in the market. Don’t use old varieties such as PBW 343, UP 2338, Lok 1, HD 2687, HD 2329, WH 711, HUW 234, UP 262, WH 147 as they have become susceptible to Yellow Rust disease.
Balanced and Integrated use of Fertilizers N:P:K in 4:2:1 Ratio
 At the time of sowing and after the first irrigation, micronutrients may be applied as per requirement and deficiency in the soil. 1/3 of Nitrogen, full of Phosphorus and Potash may be applied at the time of sowing. Rest of Nitrogen may be applied after first and second irrigation. All essential nutrients are made available to the plants through balanced and integrated nutrient management application. The crop will be healthy, with higher productivity. Deficiency of one element may affect availability of other element Seed and fertilizer should not be placed at the same place in the soil, it will affect germination adversely and productivity will be less. So fertilizers should be placed deeper than seed if sown with seed-cum-fertilizer drill.
Irrigation
 The pre-sowing irrigation in October followed by as per requirement and availability. Bunds may be prepared in and around the field and field should be divided in equal parts so that irrigation may be uniform, easy and quick. It will help in field preparation, better germination and production of bumper crop. There should be judicious use of irrigation water. Don’t apply heavy irrigation in standing crop otherwise there may be loss instead of benefit due to water logging.
Weed Control
 At 30 to 35 days after sowing Spray properly and use recommended doses of herbicides. Use flat fan nozzle for uniform application. There will be economic loss by weeds if their population goes beyond threshold level. Don’t mix two or more herbicides without recommendations. 2,4 D and Metslfuran with Clodinafop/ Fenoxaprop. Don’t use wheat seed contaminated with weed seeds. Do not under dose herbicides. Don’t use same herbicide year after year in the same field.
Use of Resistance Varieties
 October – November Procure healthy seeds from reliable sources. Use of healthy and resistant varieties prevent crop from diseases. Don’t use varieties which are not recommended, otherwise there may be danger of disease spread.
Seed Treatment
 At the time of sowing Seed treatment should be done one day before sowing. Raxil @ 1.0 gm/kg seed or Vitavex @ 2.0 gm/kg seed or Thiram + Vitavax (1.1) may be used for seed treatment only. Seed treatment may give protection to soil and seed borne diseases. Germination will be better; plants will be healthier and have capacity to fight against diseases. Don’t sow seed without seed treatment otherwise smuts (covered and loose) may cause heavy losses.
Treatment against Termite Aphid, Karnal Bunt and Powdery Mildew
 3 to 4 days after first irrigation Chloropyriphos 20EC @ 3 Litre mixed in 50 Kgs soil to be used for one hectare field. There should be optimum moisture in the field so that the chemical may go in to the soil and control termite. Broadcast pest treated sand/soil to avoid termite damage. Don’t use termite treatment if it is not required. Do not apply termite

treatment, if sufficient moisture is not available in soil.
Aphid Control
 Only after visual appearance of Aphid at the borders of the field To control Aphid, apply lmidachloprid (Confidor 200 SL) @ 15 ml in 35L water. The application should be around the borders 2 to 3 meters inside the field. There is loss due to aphid attack in

wheat crop.

 Don’t broadcast the chemical for aphid control in whole field. It may affect the friendly pest like “lady bird beetle”. It is important that beneficial insects remain active inside the field.
Harvesting
 Manual harvesting is done when the grain moisture is 20 percent. Use combine harvester when the grain moisture is below 14 percent. If the grains appear hard when pressed under teeth, then the crop is ready for harvest Grain quality will be better at optimum time of harvesting. There may be less damage due to pest under proper storage and germination will be better. Don’t use combine harvesters if the moisture is more otherwise grains will be damaged and the grain quality will be affected fetching lower prices.
Storage
 Moisture should be below 12 percent. Storage should be at airy open space. Use pesticides in rainy season. In rainy season, grains will absorb moisture and may be damaged by storage pests. Don’t store at high moisture condition, otherwise it may lose viability or storage pest damage may occur.