Effect of Sowing Time and Seeding Rate on Seed Yield and Some Agronomic Traits of Two Kabuli Chickpea Genotypes in Autumn Sowing in Rainfed Conditions in Kurdistan Province of Iran

This study was carried out to determine the suitable sowing time and seeding rate and their effects on seed yield and some agronomic traits of kabuli chickpea lines (Sel93TH24460 and ILC482) using split-plot factorial arrangements in randomized complete block design with four replications in two cropping seasons (2008-10) in Saral experimental station of Kurdistan Province in Iran. Main plots included two levels of sowing time (early October and early November) and sub-plots consisted of the factorial arrangements of seeding rate (25, 35 and 45 plants m-2) and chickpea genotypes. In the first year entezary planting of Sel93TH24460 with 45 plant m-2 (100 kg seed ha-1) and in the second year autumn sowing of same line with 25 plants m-2 (60 kg seed per ha-1) produced the highest seed yield. Combined analysis of variance revealed that autumn sowing of Sel93TH24460 combined with 45 plant m-2 gained the highest seed yield over teo years with no significant difference with 35 plant m2 (80 kg seed ha-1). In general, Sel93TH24460 was significantly superior to ILC482, and autumn sowing in cropping season with adequate snow and rainfall was better than entezary planting system. It is concluded that 45 plant m-2 with adequate moisture supply and appropriate rainfall distribution will produce higher seed yield. Based on the results of this research, autumn sowing of Sel93TH24460 with 35 plant m-2 (seed rate of 80 kg ha-1) could be recommended as the suitable package for autumn sowing of chickpea in rainfed conditions of Kurdistan Province in Iran.