Title : Revolutionizing wheat cultivation: Accelerating growth and establishment through diverse phyto-solutions
Abstract:
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a staple cereal in temperate and subtropical regions, serves as both human food and livestock feed. In Dera Ismail Khan, KPK., Pakistan, the cultivation of sugarcane and cotton delays wheat sowing. In response, seed priming and the application of synthetic plant growth regulators to enhance crop production and expedite wheat emergence have gained popularity in recent years. Allelopathy is another innovative approach that has gained attraction to mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses. The shift towards sustainable crop production is also supported by innovation in organic farming. The fallen leaves and stubble of some trees and weeds may influence emergence of wheat in the field. A study was performed at the Postgraduate laboratory, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan during the year 2024. Nine treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design including T1 (Control), T2 (Bitter apple), T3 (Lasoda), T4 (Parthenium), T5 (Garlic), T6 (Peelu), T7 (Conocarpus), T8 (Moringa), T9 (Algal water solution) and were compared for emergence and growth indices of wheat. Germination parameters i.e. day wise germination, germination count, germination (%), germination energy and growth indices i.e. coleoptile, root, shoot, plant length, root, shoot, whole plant fresh and dry biomass at 15 days interval were observed and found significant at 5% probability level. Leaf area, chlorophyll content, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate and photosynthetic efficiency were also noted and significantly different from control. Our results classified Moringa, Bitter apple and Algal solution as growth stimulator, while Parthenium, Conocarpus and Garlic proved as inhibitor because they hampered the wheat germination and growth indices. Moringa water solution at 10% is most effective and should be used to enhance the wheat germination and development of seedling especially in late sown wheat. Plantation of Conocarpus around the crop area should be avoided. Parthenium reduced germination and its indices, so it should be managed before wheat crop.
