about rabi crops

1. AGR 220: Crop production
technology – II (Rabi crops)
Lec -1
WHEAT

2. Wheat
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Botanical name : Triticum spp.
Family: Poaceae/Gramineae
Annual monocot plant
Cultivation of wheat is as old as civilization
Wheat is the world’s most important cereal/grain crop.
Wheat ranks first position in the world among the cereals both
in respect of area and production.
It constitutes the staple food in at least 43 countries.
Most imp. use of wheat is to manufacture flour to prepare
chapatis, bread, cakes, biscuits etc.
It is also used for the production of semolina for the macaroni
industry and for preparing breakfast foods.
Wheat straw makes an important fodder.

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In terms of production and acreage, India ranks 2nd place among
the wheat growing nations of the world.
The most important wheat growing countries are the USSR, USA,
China, India, Canada, Argentina, Australia and a number of
European countries.
In India, it is the second important food crop being next to rice
and contributes to the total food grain production of the country
to the extent of about 25%.
The introduction of Mexican dwarf wheat varieties in the mid
1960’s revolutionized the wheat productivity as well as its total
production in India.

4. Wheat production statistics
India Punjab
Area 30 mha 3.51 mha
Production 99.7 mtonnes 16.61 mtonnes
Productivity 3371 kg/ha 4732 kg/ha

5. Research institutes
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ICARDA- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the
Dry Areas, Beirut, Lebanon
CIMMYT - Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maizy Trigo,
Mexico (International maize and wheat improvement centre)
ICRISAT – International Crop Research Institute in Semi-arid
Tropics, Hyderabad
ICAR- IIWBR Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research,
Karnal
ICAR-AICRP on Wheat and Barley Improvement, Karnal

6. Classification of wheat
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Genus Triticum can be classified into 3 groups:
Diploids = 7 pairs of chromosomes
Tetraploids = 14 pairs
Hexaploids = 21 pairs
Commonly cultivated wheat spp.
There are 7 in the world, only 3 is important in India, they
are:
Triticum aestivum (hexaploid) 2n = 42
Triticum durum (Tetraploid) 4n = 28
Triticum dicoccum (Tetraploid) 4n = 28

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The tetraploid and hexaploid species of wheat originated from
the wild diploid species by mutations and hybridization resulting
in a wide range of adaptability in the modern wheat.
Centre of origin: The origin is supposed to be South west Asian
countries from where it spread to European countries.
The Aryans are supposed to have brought it to India.

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‘Norin’ is the dwarfing gene isolated from norin series
wheat variety
First dwarf variety – Norin-10
The introduction of the Reduced height (Rht)-B1b and Rht-
D1b semi-dwarfing genes led to impressive increases in
wheat (Triticum aestivum) yields during the Green
Revolution.
Introduction of mexican dwarf wheat in India by Dr. N. E.
Borlaug was the major contributor in country’s green
revolution.

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Common wheat ( T. vulgare / aestivum)
Bread wheat
Most suited for chapati and bakery
Cultivated throughout India
Durum wheat (T. durum)
Macaroni wheat
Best suited for noodles, vermicelli
Spring habit
Cultivated in Central & Southern India

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Emmer wheat (T. dicoccum)
Winter / spring wheat
Wheat suitable for TN
Preferred for granular preparation
Gujarat, Maharastra, AP & TN
Club wheat (T. sphaerococcum)
Indian dwarf wheat
Practically gone out of cultivation due to low
productivity and high susceptibilty to diseases.
Small extent in N. India and Pakistan for local
consumption

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The inflorescence of wheat is called Spike/ear.
Spike is composed of spikelets which consist of tiny florets.
The fruit of wheat is called as Caryopsis.

12. Proximate (chemical) composition of wheat grain
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Starch (Carbohydrate) :60 - 68 %
Protein : 11-12 % (wheat protein – gluten)
Fat : 1.5 -2 %
Cellulose :2-2.5 %
Minerals :1.5 -2%

13. Climate
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Wheat is mostly a winter crop. It requires cool temperature
during early period of growth. The tillering is favoured by cool
conditions.
Generally grow in Temp. 22 ºC -26.4 ºC
Optimum temperature for growth- 21.1 ºC
Wheat requires moderate amount of soil moisture and low
humidity which favour early ripening and reduces lodging as a
result of which the crop escapes from rust attack.
Base temperature for germination is 4.5 ºC
In India, wheat is grown in areas with annual rainfall varying
from 125-1125 mm.
Optimum annual rainfall required by crop is 750-1000 mm

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It can also be grow in high altitudes. It is grown in Kashmir
at an altitude of 2000-3000 m above MSL.
Wheat crop takes 180 days in hills of Northern India and
western region and 100 days in Peninsular India for
maturity.
It can tolerate severe cold and snow and resume growth
with the setting of warm weather.
Best wheats are produced with cool moist weather during
major portion of growing period (dry warm weather during
grain ripening period)

15. Soils and seed bed preparation
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In India, wheat is grown on different soils; but it does well on
well drained loams and clay loams.
Best growth is achieved in alluvial soils of Gangetic plains.
It requires well pulverised but compact seed bed for good and
uniform germination.
3-4 ploughings in summer, repeated harrowing in the rainy
season followed by 3 or 4 cultivator workings and plankings
immediately before sowing produce a good fine seed bed for the
dry crop on alluvial soils.
Timely cultivation and conservation of moisture are essential.
In black cotton soils blade harrow is used instead of plough.
For irrigated crop, the land is given a pre-sowing irrigation .

16. Coordinating Research Zones
Research zone Areas covered Contribution
North hill zone Foot-hills of Himalayas in Jammu and
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh
4% of area and 3% of wheat
production in India
North eastern
plain zone
eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West
Bengal and contributes about
24% total production of wheat
from 27% area.
North western
plain zone
Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and
Western Uttar Pradesh
covers nearly 37% of area and
contributes about 45% of wheat
production in the country
Central zone Parts of arid western India, Central
India and Vindhyas
17% area and contributes 13% to
production
Peninsular zone Deccan plateau, Western ghats and
Karnataka plateau
6% area and contributes 2.5% to
total production
South hill zone hilly areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Wheat has a minor importance
with respect to area and
production

17. Q. Base temperature for germination in wheat:
a. 5.5 ºC
b. 6.5 ºC
c. 4.5 ºC
d. 3.5 ºC

18. Important varieties
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HI 1633 – biofortified (rich in protein, Fe and Zn)
HD 3298 rich in protein and iron
DBW 303 and DDW 48 rich in protein
Hi 8759 (Pusa Tejas) – high rust resistance
HD 4728 (Pusa Malawi) – durum wheat
HW 5207 (COW3)
HS 562
HD 3171
HD 1605 (Pusa Ujala)

19. Q. Triticum sphaerococcum is not cultivated anymore
because of:
a. low productivity
b. higher susceptibility to diseases
c. both a & b
d. none of the above

20. Seed and sowing
Particulars
Time of sowing Optimum time: 1st fortnight of Nov.
Early sowing: last week of Oct.
Late sowing: last week of Nov.
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Seed rate 100-125 kg/ha
late sowing: increase seed rate by 25 %
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Spacing 22.5 cm row to row in drilling
30 cm x 10-15 cm with 2-3 seeds per hill with dibbling.
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Depth of sowing 5-6 cm for dwarf var., 6-7 cm in rainfed areas
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Methods of sowing Broadcasting
Drilling
Dibbling
Sowing behind plough
FIRB system
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21. FIRB system
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The furrow-irrigated raised bed (FIRB) system has been
developed and is being promoted by the Rice-Wheat
Consortium of the CGIAR Institutes.
In this method, wheat is sown on raised beds accommodating
2-3 rows of wheat.
Between the beds are furrows that are used for irrigation.
This system permits adequate saving in irrigation water.
The yields obtained are similar to or more than conventional
seedling.

22. FIRB system

23. Seed treatment
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Fungicides: Captan or Thiram @ 3 g/kg of seeds for
controlling soil borne diseases like root rot and seedling rot.
In areas having light and sandy soils where termite is a
serious problem, the seeds should be treated with Chlorpyriphos
(450 ml for 100 kg seeds) in 5 l of water.

24. Manures & fertilizers
• Well decomposed FYM @ 25 kg/ha should be applied and
incorporated in the soil at the time of field preparation.
N kg/ha P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Stage of
application
60 60 40 Basal
60 0 0 20-25 DAS
120 60 40 Total

25. Weed management
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One or two hand weedings (HW) @ 25-30 DAS and 60 DAS.
Pendimethalin @ 0.5 to 1.0 kg/ha in 600 l of water as pre-
emergence.
If it is not possible to apply weedicide at the time of
sowing, 2-4-D sodium salt @ 960 g/ha.
Other herbicides: Metsulfuron methyl, Clodinafop-propargyl,
Isoproturon

26. Q. Mimicry weed in wheat:
a. Avena fatua
b. Phalaris minor
c. Echinochloa spp.
d. Cyperus spp.

27. Water management
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A life saving irrigation is necessary for uniform
germination and good plant stand.
Total water requirement is 300-400 mm.
first irrigation should be given at CRI stage, second at
12-13 days of sowing and subsequent irrigations should be
given at 8 to 10 days interval.
Border strip method of irrigation is the best method
for effective water distribution.

28. Critical stages in wheat
Sr. No Critical stages DAS Reduction yield if
irrigation is not
given (%)
0 Pre-sowing - -
1 CRI 18-21 35
2 Tillering 35-40 20
3 Jointing 50-55 20
4 Booting 65 25
5 Milking 75-80 17
6 Dough stage 90-95 10

29. Irrigation scheduling under limited water
supply
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If one irrigation is possible, it should be given at CRI.
If two irrigations are possible, they should be given at
CRI + flowering stage.
If three irrigation are possible, they should be given at CRI +
Jointing + Flowering stages.
If four irrigation are possible, they should be given at CRI +
Tillering + Flowering + Milking stages.
If five irrigation are possible, they should be given at CRI +
Tillering + Jointing/booting + Flowering + Milking stages.

30. Major pest and diseases
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Pests: Termites, aphids, army worm
Diseases: Rust, loose smut, karnal bunt and powdery mildew
Leaf rust Loose smut Powdery mildew

31. Harvesting
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The crop is harvested when grains become hard, straw become
golden yellow, dry and brittle.
The plants can be harvested manually with the help of sickle or
combine harvesters.
The grain is generally threshed by trampling under the bullock
feet on threshing floor or by wheat thresher.
Simple mechanical threshers eg: Ludhiana thresher & Sherpur
thresher are used by some farmers.
Winnowing is done generally with winnowing baskets.
Clean grains should be dried to reduce moisture content up to
10-12 per cent for safe storage.

32. Combine harvesters

33. Threshing Winnowing

34. Yield
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Average yield: 20-30 q/ha
40-50 q/ha under good management
Test weight – 40 g
Grain: straw – 1:1.5
Harvest index – 40-45 %

35. Q. If only one irrigation is available for wheat, it should be
applied at:
a. Tillering
b. Crown root initiation
c. Jointing
d. Heading

36. Crop rotation with wheat
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Rabi wheat is followed in kharif with crops such as maize, jowar,
bajra, cotton & arhar.
Sometimes green manure crops like blackgram, guar, clover are
sown immediately after the harvest of kharif crop to enrich
the soil.
With the availability of photo-insensitive varieties, the rotation
patterns have undergone some changes.
In Haryana, Western UP, rice becomes an important crop in
kharif. It is followed by wheat (Rice-wheat).
In Eastern India – mainly Rice-wheat

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In some states like West Bengal -Rice-Wheat-Jute rotation has
become more popular.
Sugarcane -Wheat rotation is also common in North India.
Where irrigation facilities are available, legume crop is grown
in between two cereal crops to enrich the soil as well as to get
the needed pulses.
Black soils of central India & Peninsular India, unirrigated
wheat is rotated with sorghum, bajra or cotton in the kharif in
the preceding year.

38. Mixed cropping with wheat
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All over India, the growing of wheat mixed with barley,
mustard, gram, lentil and safflower is quite common.
A row of mustard or safflower for every 8-12 rows of
wheat is taken.
In north western India and in the Tarai regions of UP,
wheat is grown as a companion crop with row crops eg:
sugarcane. About 3-4 tonnes of wheat is harvested as bonus
in such companion cropping, without affecting the quality
or yield of sugarcane.
Intercropped with barley, mustard, chickpea, lentil,
safflower and linseed.
Mustard is a very common crop usually intercropped with
wheat.
Intercropping with barley, mustard, chickpea, lentil,
safflower and linseed.

39. Q. Higher temperature during wheat growing period:
a. hastens grain ripening and maturity
b. delays grain ripening and maturity
c. has no effect on maturity
d. depends on crop cultivar

40. AGR 220: Crop production
technology – II (Rabi crops)
BARLEY

41. Introduction
• Barley is a Rabi cereal crop. It is the major source of food for a
large number of people in cooler semi-arid parts of the world.
• It is important next to rice, wheat, maize in area and
production.
• It is more suitable than wheat in India
– Due to hardy nature
– Can withstand adverse agro-environments like
• Drought, Salinity, Alkalinity
• Varied topography like plain, hill
• Under rainfed and irrigated
– Preferred by farmers where wheat is not possible

42. • Barley contains protein (11.5%), carbohydrates (74%), fat
(1.3%), crude fibre (3.9%) and ash (1.5%).
• Flour is used for making ‘Chapati’ along with wheat flour or
gram flour and used as “Missi roti”. It is used for preparation
of malt, beer, whiskey and industrial alcohol, vinegar and it is
also used in malt and brewing industries and biscuit making.
• Grain is broken and roughly ground into pearl barley to be
used in soup. Excess grain is used as cattle feed and horse
feed.

43. Barley grains

44. • Origin: Asia and Ethiopia
Abyssinia as the centre of origin for hulled, awned type
and South-East Asia particularly, China, Tibet and Nepal
as centre of origin for hull less six rowed varieties.
• Classification:
• Cultivated barley varieties are classified based on number
of rows of grain and their arrangement. Of these, six
rowed barley is the most commonly cultivated type.
1. Six rowed barley : Hordeum vulgare
2. Two rowed barley : Hordeum distichum
3. Irregular barley : Hordeum irregulare

45. Area & distribution
• In India cultivation of barley is done in about 0.7 million
hectares with a total production of 1.5 million tonnes.
• It is cultivated on a large scale in Uttar Pradesh,
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and Punjab.
• U.P is the largest producer of barley in India.

46. Climate
• Barley requires cool weather during early growth and warm
and dry weather at maturity.
• It requires around 12–15°C during growing period and
around 30°C during maturity. It cannot tolerate frost.
• Frost and hailstorms at flowering are detrimental.
• Rain at ripening phase causes discolouration of grain and it
is not good for malting or seeding. The crop possesses high
degree of tolerance to drought and sodic condition.

47. Soil requirement
• Barley is tolerant to salinity and alkalinity, but,
sensitive to acidity.
• Barley, being salt tolerant, best substitute for
sodic soil.
• Drained, fertile deep loam soil with pH 7-8.
• Barley grown in high N soils, often lodges.

48. Land preparation
• Barley being a shallow rooted crop, responds well to light textured,
fine seedbed.
• One ploughing with soil turning plough followed by 2–3 ploughing
with desi plough or 2–3 harrowing by tractor or bullock power is
done.
• In areas where termite is a problem, mixing the soil with BHC
(Beta-hexachlorocyclohexane) 10% at 20–25 kg/ha or Aldrin 5%
dust at 10–15 kg/ha is recommended.
Seed treatment:
• The seeds are treated with either Captan/Thiram/Bavistin @ 2 g/kg
of seeds. In the case of saline and rainfed areas, sowing of overnight
soaked seeds is recommended for quick germination and also
ensures better stand.

49. Seed & sowing
Season:
• Under rainfed conditions, sow barley before end of October.
• In irrigated condition, first or second fortnight of November is
optimum time of sowing.
• In hilly zones barley is sown as summer crop in April-May.
Seed rate:
• Irrigated condition – 100 kg/ha; Rainfed – 80-100 kg/ha
Spacing:
• 22.5cm row spacing for irrigated and 22.5 - 25 for rainfed situation
is optimum for better yields.
• Depth of sowing must be 5cm under irrigated situation, whereas, in
rainfed condition it is 6-8cm.

50. Q. Which of these is correct for barley crop:
a. Tillering is more in 2-rowed barley than 4-rowed.
b. it is a long day plant.
c. it is more drought resistant than wheat
d. All the above

51. Nutrient management
• Application of FYM at 12.5 t/ha during last ploughing is
recommended.
• The fertilizer schedule for different conditions is given below:
✓Irrigated: 80:50:50 kg NPK
✓Rainfed: 50:30:30 kg NPK
• Application of 50% N and 100% P and K as basal and the remaining
50% N at 30 DAS (1st irrigation) is recommended.
• In rainfed and saline soils, entire fertilizer should be drilled below
8–10 cm depth as basal.
• In light textured soil, N should be applied in three splits viz., 50% as
basal, 25% during first irrigation, 25% during second irrigation.

52. Varieties
➢Two types: Husk less and Hulled barley.
• Husk less barley is preferred - Karan 18 & 19 are popular
varieties and have more demand from farmers.
• Suited for hills: Himani, Dolma, Kailash.
• Suited for rainfed areas: Ratna, Vijay, Azad, Ameru (best
for malt).
• Suited for irrigated areas: Jyoti, Ranjit, Clipper (best for
malt & brewing), Karan 18 & 19.
• Dual purpose (fodder and grain): Ratna, Karan2, Karan 5,
Karan 10

53. Hull-less
Barley
Hulled
Barley

54. Water management
• It requires 200–250 mm water. 2–3 irrigations are
adequate. Light soil requires 4 irrigations.
• The critical growth stages are
1. seedling or sprouting stage,
2. active tillering stage (30–35 DAS)
3. flag leaf
4. milking stage or soft dough stage.
• Of these, active tillering stage around 30–35 DAS and
grain filling (60–65 DAS) are most critical.

55. Weed management
• Weeds : Chenopodium album, Cirsium arvense,
Anagallis arvensis, Melilotus alba, Melilotus indica
• Up to 30 days is critical weed free period for barley
crop.
• Pendimethalin (pre-emergence) 1.0 kg/ha or Post
emergence herbicides Isoproturon @ 0.75kg/ha + 0.5
kg 2,4DEE at 3-5 leaf stage + one hand weeding proved
effective weed control.

56. Cropping system
• Best barley based cropping systems are:
✓Rice-barley
✓Sorghum–barley
✓Pearl millet-barley
✓Cotton-barley
✓Black gram-barley
• Mixed cropping: Barley is raised as mixed crop with
Chickpea, pea, mustard, linseed, lentil

57. Harvesting
• Harvest: Similar to wheat
• Premature harvesting results in lower yield and poor quality
malt.
• Yield: 3.0 – 3.5 t/ha under ideal irrigated condition with
straw of 4.0-5.0 t/ha.
• In Rainfed situation, depending on the weather condition,
yield levels vary from 1.5-3.0 t/ha

58. Q. Protein in barley and wheat:
a. Hordein, Gluten
b. Hordein, Zein
c. Gluten, Zein
d. Lysine, Gluten