GROWTH AND YIELD OF WHEAT (TRITICUM-AESTIVUM) AS INFLUENCED BY FERTILITY LEVEL AND SEED-SOAKING AGRO-CHEMICALS

A field study was conducted during the winter season of 1992-93 and 19 93-94 at Sriniketan to find out the effect of seed-soaking agro-chemic als on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) at different fertility levels. Recommended fertility level(80 k g N/ha, 18 kg P/ha and 34 kg K/ha :N-80 P-18 K-34) improved the growth and increased the grain yield (2673 kg/ha) significantly compared wit h low fertility level (N40P9K17). Seeds soaked in 100 ppm solution of either Na2HPO4 or dikegulac-sodium increased the tillers/m(2), leaf-ar ea indices, crop-growth rate, ears/m(2), grains/ear, 1000-grain weight of grain and the grain yield. Greater efficiency of seed-soaking agro -chemicals was recorded at N80P18K34. Highest grain yield (3313 kg/ha) was recorded when the crop received seed treatment with 100 ppm solut ion of Na2HPO4 at N80P18K34, followed by dikegulac-Na (100 ppm) under same fertility level.