Nitrogen management for productivity and quality of macaroni wheat (Triticum durum)

A field trial was conducted during the winter seasons of 1996–99 at Vijapur, to find out the economic rate and optimum time of nitrogen application for better quality and higher yield of irrigated durum or macaroni wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Though the level of nitrogen did not differntiate among the grain and biomass yields and to some extent grain apperance score and yellow-berry incidence, other quality parameters, viz. protein and beta carotene content and sedimentation value, were improved and test weight was decreased with successive increase in N from 120 to 180 kg/ha. Application of N in 2 equal splits (basal and first node stage) recorded highest production and good quality with low yellow-berry incidence. Different levels of N showed non-significant effect on N uptake by grain and straw, while among the time of application, N in 2 equal splits (basal and first node stage) showed significant difference in grain N uptake. Maximum net realization and benefit: cost ratio were registered under 120 kg N/ha applied at sowing and first node stage in equal quantity.