Influence of nursery raising methods, age of seedling and planting dates on rice (Oryza sativa) under temperate Kashmir

Field experiments were conducted during 2006 and 2007 to study nursery raising methods, seedling age and transplanting dates of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under temperate Kashmir valley. Treatments comprised two transplanting dates (25 May and 20 June), two nursery types (Protected and Modified protected) and three seedling age (20, 35 and 50 days old), which were evaluated by split plot design. Simultaneously in the same medium (as in field conditions) pot study was carried out. All the defined seedling ages along with direct seeding were evaluated under pot conditions by CRD. 25 May transplanting out yielded 25 June transplanting by 58.5% and 58.3% during both the years. Similarly, modified protected nursery out yielded protected nursery by 3.5% and 4.25%. 20 and 35 days old seedling recorded grain yield increase over 50 days seedling by 9.78 and 6.14% in 2006 and 10.64 and 7.51% in 2007. However, older seedling performed better under late transplanting than younger seedlings. Under pot studies, root length, root weight and root volume recorded significant decreasing trend with increased seedling age. Early transplanting, modified protected nursery and younger seedling recorded less transplanting shock, which in turn increases net profit and B:C ratio.