Enhancing wheat yield and quality through optimized weed control timing and seeding density

作者：Muhammad Arshad, Rana Nadeem Abbas, Fernanda Maria Policarpo Tonelli, Rania Baloch, Muhammad Zia ul Haq, Ali Ahmad, Usman Zulfiqar, Ivica Djalović, P. V. Vara Prasad, Mohammed O. Alshaharni · 发表于：Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1080/03650340.2025.2570466 · 被引用次数：4 · 研究领域：Weed Control and Herbicide Applications、Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems、Wheat and Barley Genetics and Pathology

Wheat yield in Pakistan is constrained by improper seed rates and weed interference. A two-year field trial (2020–2021) was conducted to determine the optimal seed rate and critical weed competition period for wheat. Treatments included three seed rates (37, 74, and 111 kg ha−1) with weed competition and weed-free periods up to 45, 60, and 75 days after sowing (DAS), along with full-season competition. The treatments were arranged in an RCBD in three replications. Results showed that a seed rate of 111 kg ha−1 with a weed-free period up to 75 DAS significantly reduced weed cover, density, and dry weight. It also enhanced plant height, productive tillers, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, crop vigor, growth rate, leaf area index, test weight, and grain protein content of wheat. Weed-free up to 45 DAS resulted in better performance than the same duration of weed competition, showing that early-season weed control is important. The study confirms that the critical period for weed management may begin before 45 DAS and extend to around 75 DAS and recommends a seed rate of 111 kg ha−1 with at least 60 DAS weed-free period to maximize growth, yield, and quality of wheat.