Changes in seed yield and yield components of elite barley cultivars under different plant populations and sowing dates

In order to evaluate the effects of different planting dates and plant populations on grain yield and yield components of elite barley lines, an investigation was conducted in 2007 in Isfahan Agriculture Research Station. Strip split plot layout within a randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Main plots were sowing dates (2 October, 1 November and 21 November), subplots were plant densities (300, 350 and 400 plants per m 2 ) and sub-subplots were cultivars (MB-79-4, MB-80-9, MB-80-16, D5 and Karoon×Kavir). Sowing date had significant influence on the number of spikes per m 2 , the number of grains per spike and a thousand grain weight. A thousand grain weight was significantly influenced by plant density. The effect of plant density and sowing date on grain yield was not significant, but interaction between sowing date and plant density had significant influence on grain yield. Cultivars had significant variation in fertile tiller, the number of spikes per m 2 , thousand-grain weight and grain yield. The results showed that sowing on October 2 nd with 400 plants per m 2 should be used for kernel production. M-80-16 line may be suitable for achieving to high grain production under similar condition as in this study.