Evaluating the Optimum Transplanting Time for Different Coarse Rice Genotypes under Semi-Arid Conditions of Faisalabad

Abstract

Continuously changing climate and availability of different rice genotypes make it necessary to find optimum time of sowing as well as suitable variety for cultivation to get maximum productivity under a specific set of climatic conditions. A field study was carried out to search out the suitable rice transplanting time for four different coarse genotypes under the semi-arid environment of Faisalabad. The experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad and was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement keeping transplanting time in main plots while rice genotypes in subplots. Variability among treatments was measured by Fisher’s ANOVA (P ≤ 5%) and LSD test was applied to compare the differences among treatments’ means. The ANOVA indicated statistically significant differences among genotypes as well as transplanting dates irrespective of all studied traits while interactive effects of both were found to be non-significant. NIBGE-1 performed best with maximum paddy yield of 6.05 t/ha while KSK-434 performed poor with paddy yield of 2.78 t/ha. Increased paddy yield and yield related parameters of all rice genotypes were recorded where transplantation was done on 25th of June. Generally, paddy yield decreased with delaying the transplanting time. The results suggested that NIBGE-1 can perform better under the semi-arid conditions of Faisalabad and last week of June might be the optimum time for nursery transplantation. It can also be further elucidated that late transplanting causes yield reduction which could not be recommended among farmers.