RESPONSE OF WHEAT (TRITICUM-AESTIVUM) TO CROP GEOMETRY AND WEED MANAGEMENT

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 1992-93 a nd 1993-94 on moderately acidic sandy-loam soil to study response of w heat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) to crop geometry and weed management. Weedy dry weight was minimum to closer sowing at 15 c m. Intergrated weed management was 97% efficient in reducing weed dry weight. Criss-cross sowing at 22.5 cm x 22.5 cm and unidirectional sow ing at 15 cm increased grain yield by 22.7 and 13.6% compared with wid er sowing at 22.5 cm. Similarly, straw yield increase was recorded up to 27.3 and 18.2% over wider sowing at 22.5 cm. Criss-cross sowing wit h integrated weed-management practice found to be the best combination and gave the maximum yield of 3.1 tonnes/ha.