Radiation Interception, Extinction Coefficient of Radiation and Leaf Area Index of Wheat Under Open and Poplar Plantation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ija.2026.28.01.06Keywords:
Wheat, Leaf area index, Photosynthetically active radiation, Open conditions, Poplar plantationAbstract
Radiation interception plays a significant role in determining photosynthetic efficiency of crop as photosynthesis directly depends on interception of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and leaf area index (LAI). The present study was conducted during rabi season of 2023-24 at Research Farms of Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology and Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The experiment was laid out with split plot design incorporating three sowing dates (20th October, 5th November and 20th November) in main plots and three wheat varieties (PBW 826, HD 3086 and PBW 677) in sub plots. The PAR and LAI were monitored at regular intervals in both growing environments. PAR interception remained higher under open conditions by 20-29%, than under poplar plantation. The leaf area index was consistently recorded highest in first sowing, under both open and poplar plantations. Among the varieties, PBW 826 exhibited maximum LAI (4.80, 4.60) in open conditions and under poplar plantations than other varieties. The extinction coefficient (k) was comparatively higher under poplar plantation at both phenological stages in different treatments. The k value was maximum (0.60, 0.47) at anthesis and hard dough stage in third date of sowing followed by second and first date of sowing under poplar plantation. Among varieties, k value was maximum (0.55, 0.49) in PBW 677 followed by HD 3086 and PBW 826 at both phenological stages under poplar plantation. The relationship developed between PAR interception and LAI under both environments exhibited significant R2 value (0.77 & 0.89).
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