GROWTH AND GRAIN YIELD OF TRITICALE AS INFLUENCED BY IRRIGATION INTERVALS, NITROGEN RATES AND WEEDING REGIMES

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted during 2014, 2015 and 2016 dry seasons at Saulawa (Latitude 12⁰40’11”N and Longitude 7⁰48’19”E) in Katsina State to study the response of triticale (Triticale triticosecale wittmack) to irrigation intervals, nitrogen rates and weeding regimes. The treatments consisted of 3 irrigation intervals (5, 7 and 9 days), 4 nitrogen rates (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha^-1) and 3 weeding regimes (No weeding, one weeding at 20 days after sowing (DAS) and two weeding at 20 and 40 DAS). These were factorially combined and arranged in a split plot design with three replications. Irrigation intervals were allocated to main plot while nitrogen rates and weeding regimes were allocated to the sub-plots. Data were collected on Leaf area index, Crop growth rate, Net assimilation, 1000 grain weight and Grain yield. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was adopted in separating the means. Results of the experiment revealed a significant (P≤0.05) difference among the treatments throughout the study period. The result further showed that, growth and yield of triticale were significantly (P≤0.05) higher at 5 days irrigation interval with the application of 120 kg N ha^-1 and weeded twice at 20 and 40 DAS. Irrigation interval beyond 5 days significantly (P≤0.05) decreased triticale growth and yield. Application of 120 kg N ha^-1 significantly (P≤0.05) influenced growth and yield of the crop. Similarly, two weeding at 20 and 40 DAS significantly (P≤0.05) increased yield and most of the growth characters. Based on the result of this findings, growing triticale under 5 days irrigation interval with the application of 120 kg N ha^-1 and two weeding at 20 and 40 DAS influenced growth and yield of the crop and is therefore recommended for better yield in the study area.