Abstract

Ali Soleymani , Mohamad Hesam Shahrajabian and Lila Naranjani

In order to determine the suitable planting date and plant density in different cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in semi arid region, an experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Lamard, Fars, Iran in 2002 to 2003. The main plots were planting dates, November 6th and December 6th, the sub plots were plant densities, 250, 350 and 450 plants per m2 , and the sub sub plots were three cultivars of barley, namely: Kavir, Rayhanee and Karun. Effect of planting date was significant on the number of days from planting to physiological maturity. Cultivar had significant effect on the number of days from planting to physiological maturity, plant height, grain yield and harvest index. The interaction between planting date and cultivar was significant on aboveground biomass and grain yield, and also, the interaction between plant density and cultivar was significant on grain yield. Early sowing was as a result in a decrease in grain yield. The differences in grain yield between different plant densities demonstrated the remarkable influence of sowing density on this important factor. It seems that cultivation of karun, with 450 plants per m2 in November 6th is suitable for this region