Sowing calendar, seed rate, and seed treatment
Adhering to proper sowing windows prevents terminal heat stress during grain filling and ensures vigorous tillering.
- Timely sowing window: November 1 to November 15 across the northern plains; late sowing extends into December.
- Seed rate: Approximately 40 kg per acre for timely sowing; increase to 50 kg per acre for late-sown conditions.
- Seed treatment: Treat seed with Carboxin + Thiram or Trichoderma viride to prevent loose smut and flag smut.
- Precision sowing: Use zero-till seed-cum-fertiliser drills or happy seeders to sow seeds at a uniform depth of 4 to 5 cm.
Critical irrigation stages and nutrient management
Wheat requires 4 to 6 irrigations depending on winter rainfall, with timing tied to sensitive plant growth stages.
- Crown Root Initiation (CRI) stage: 20 to 25 days after sowing; the most critical irrigation stage determining productive tiller counts.
- Tillering stage: 40 to 45 days after sowing; promotes branching and vegetative biomass development.
- Jointing and booting stages: 60 to 75 days after sowing; supports stem elongation and flag leaf expansion.
- Flowering and grain filling stages: 85 to 105 days after sowing; prevents shriveled kernels and optimizes grain weight.
- Nutrient schedule: Apply balanced NPK along with zinc sulphate, splitting nitrogen between basal and top-dressings.
Weed management, rust disease protection, and harvesting
Apply selective post-emergence herbicides at 30 to 35 days after sowing to control narrow-leaf weeds (Phalaris minor) and broadleaf weeds. Monitor flag leaves for yellow stripe rust or brown rust, applying Tebuconazole or Propiconazole if pustules emerge. Harvest when grain moisture drops below 12 to 14 percent and straw turns golden dry.
Official source
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ICAR - Indian Institute of Wheat & Barley Research ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the most critical irrigation stage for the wheat crop?
Crown Root Initiation (CRI), occurring 20 to 25 days after sowing, is the most crucial irrigation stage; missing it drastically cuts tiller numbers.
What is the recommended seed rate for timely-sown wheat per acre?
A seed rate of 40 kg per acre is recommended for timely-sown wheat using standard seed drills.
How can wheat farmers control the problematic Phalaris minor weed?
Apply approved selective post-emergence herbicides (such as Clodinafop-propargyl or Sulfosulfuron) at 30 to 35 days after sowing in moist soil.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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