Yield and Yield Parameter of Rice as Influenced by Age of Seedling and Spacing

A field experiment was conducted at National Rice Research Program, Hardinath, Dhanusha to evaluate the effect of age of seedling and spacing on yield and yield components of rice during rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016. The experiment was arranged in a split plot design with four replications. Age of seedlings at four levels (21, 28, 35 and 42 days old) and planting space at three levels (15 cm x 15 cm, 20 cm x 20 cm and 25 cm x 25 cm) were evaluated as main plot and sub plot factors, respectively. Observations on yield and yield contributing parameters were recorded. Results showed that the effect of seedling age was significant for days to heading, grain yield and most of the yield contributing parameters. The effect of plant spacing was also significant for number of effective tillers/m2 and grain yield. The interaction effect of seedling age and planting space was found significant for most of yield and yield attributing traits. The highest grain yield (5.26 t/ha) was recorded in 21 days old seedlings with 20 cm x 20 cm spacing.