Response of winter wheat to the date and density of sowing

Yields of winter wheat were determined and described in the canopy of different plant density sown at early date and the date 2-weeks delayed as compared to the recommended one. It was shown that the density of winter wheat ears which would guarantee the grain yield of 72.9 dt per hectare can be obtained already by sowing 240 germinating grains per 1 square m. In the years of good humidity in spring, even sparse sowing density (120 and 240 grains/square m), due to good productive tillering, ensures high grain yields. Under semi-drought in spring a higher sowing density (480 or 600 grains/square m) is more favourable to the yield. When sowing took place on the 24th of September the highest yield was achieved. 10-14 day earlier sowing date increased the number of ears in the canopy and the number of grain per ear, however it helped a decrease in 1000 grain weight and resulted in a greater plant infection with Septoria nodorum Berk., which resulted in a decreased yield