Effects of different plant populations on yields of two different wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) varieties in Mashonaland Central
- Author
- Mwareka, Junior
- Title
- Effects of different plant populations on yields of two different wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) varieties in Mashonaland Central
- Abstract
- Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops grown globally and optimizing its production is essential for improving food security. In Zimbabwe, wheat production is often constrained by sub-optimal agronomic practices including poor plant population management and inappropriate variety selection. A field study was conducted at Pimento farm in Bindura, Mashonaland Central, to evaluate the effects of different plant population rates on the growth and yield of two wheat varieties (SC Serena & SC Select).The primary objective of the study was to determine how plant population influence wheat production parameters and to identify which variety performs best under different plant population densities. A 3*2 factorial treatment structure laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with three plant population treatments of 150, 250 and 350 plants/m2, replicated across both wheat varieties. Data were collected on plant height, number of effective tillers, spike length, number of spikes per plant, number of spike-lets per spike and number of kernels per spike. The collected data was analysed using ANOVA with Genstat 17th edition and an LSD (p<0.05) was used to differentiate between statistically different means. The interaction between variety and plant population densities was significant (p<0.05) across all the parameters. The results showed that moderate plant population (150 and 250 plants/m2) consistently produced better results across measured parameters where-as higher plant population (350 plants/m2) negatively affected wheat performance due to increased competition for space, light, water and nutrients. SC Serena significantly outperformed SC Select across all plant populations, demonstrating superior adaptability, higher tillering capacity, longer spikes and greater grain yield potential. The studies outcome reinforces the importance of managing plant populations carefully and selecting high-performing wheat varieties to maximize yield.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Wheat
- Cereal crops
- Food security
- Supervisor
- Mr. Watetepa
- Mr. Mlanga
