Effects of sowing density on the yield and yield components of some feed barley cultivars

This study was conducted at the research and implementation area of Field Crops Department of Agricultural Faculty of Cukurova University during the growing season of 2019-2020. The field experiment was arranged according to the randomized complete block design in split plot arrangement with four replications. The aim of the study was to determine the effects different sowing densities 250, 350, 450, 550, 650 seeds/m2) on the number of plants per m2, number of stems per m2, number of spikes per m2, days to heading, days from heading to maturation , plant height, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of seeds per spike, seed weight per spike, 1000 seed weight, hectoliter weight, starch content, crude protein ratio and seed yield in three barley cultivars (Dolunay, Akhisar, Güldeste). The results of the study showed that the highest seed yield was obtained from the cultivar Dolunay while the lowest yield was obtained from cultivar Akhisar. Increasing the sowing density increased number of plants per m2, number of stems per m2, number of spikes per m2 , while it decreased plant height, number of spikelets per spike, number of seeds per spike, seed weight per spike, 1000 seed weight and seed yield. Sowing density did not significantly affect days to heading, days from heading to maturation, spike length, hectoliter weight, starch content and crude protein content.