Field studies were performed during rabi seasons of 2013–14 and 2014–15 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to examine the influence of sowing time and Zn application on productivity and Zn use efficiency of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] varieties. Experiment was carried out in split-plot design and replicated thrice. Two factors sowing times (normal and very late) and wheat varieties (HD 2967, WR 544 and HD 3059) were taken in main-plots whereas third factor . application (control, 25 kg/ha soil application, three foliar sprays @ at boot, anthesis and grain filling stage, 25 kg/ha soil application + one foliar spray @ at anthesis) was kept in sub-plots. Results showed that very late sowing reduced grain, straw and biological yields of wheat though increased harvest index in both study years. Significant interaction was perceived between sowing time and varieties for grain yield with HD 2967 recorded highest grain yield ( t/ha) under normal sowing. It also exhibited highest yield reduction (18%) owing to very late sowing. On an average of two years, heat resistant varieties exhibited lower grain yield reduction ( in WR 544 and in HD 3059) under delayed planting. Non-significant effect of Zn was seen on grain, straw and biological yields though numerically higher value of above traits was found with soil application of ZnSO4. 7H2O @ 25 kg/ha + foliar spray of ZnSO4at anthesis stage treatment. Three foliar sprays of ZnSO4 at boot, anthesis and grain filling stage has registered the highest PFP as well as highest ZnMEI of externally applied Zn fertilizer though it was very closely followed by other Zn levels. | Sowing time and Zn application effects on productivity and Zn use efficiency of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties
