Effect ofrow spacing and seed rate on the growth and grain yield of desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes*

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in winter (rabi) season of 2003-04 to study the effect ofrow spacings (30 and 45 cm)and seed rates (30, 40 and 50 kg/ha) on the perfonnance of genotypes ('GPF 2' and 'GNG 469') of desi chickpea (Cicer arietinunt L.). Bold - seeded genotype, i e GNG 469 recorded higher 100 - seed weight (22.81 g) and lower pods per plant than the small- seeded (14.85 g) genotype 'OPF 2'. Both the row spacings (30 and 45 cm) were on a par in plant traits and grain yield. Grain yield increased with increase in seed rate from 30 kg 50 kg/ha. The cultivar 'GNG 469' produced higher grain yield at 50 kglha seed rate, whereas 40 kg/ha seed rate was sufficient for 'GPF 2'.M