Chickpea phenology and grain yield response to sowing date – Yanco 2018

Abstract

Key findings •• The low mean yield averaged across sowing dates and varieties (1.23 t/ha) at this site was largely attributed to limited pre-sowing moisture and low (87 mm) in-crop rainfall. •• Genesis™ 090 showed more signs of susceptibility to drought stress than other varieties. •• Late April and mid May sowing dates produced higher yields overall. •• There was an interaction between sowing date and variety for phenological development and harvest index, but not for grain yield. •• Growing degree days affected time to emergence, with delayed time to emergence as sowing date was delayed into late autumn, but there was no effect on plant density.