Thesis Abstract of AGS Students
Wheat as a potential crop for upland agricultural system
Boontium Lerssupavithnapa (1989)
The present study was aimed to analyse the existing cropping systems and identify problems and constraints to the introduction of wheat as a new potential crop for the area. Fang district of Chiang Mai province was chosen for the study. Agroecosystem approach was adopted for the analysis of secondary data prior to the field experiment station. In addition field surveys were under take to collect additional primary data. On-farm research was carried out to identify varietal adaptation and group season to the rainfed wheat after main season upland crops. Analysis of secondary and primary data revealed that single cropping system of upland crops are currently predominated in the study area second crops after the rainy season frequently give low yields due to water shortage towards maturity.
The adaptability analysis of four wheat varieties grown over 11 sites in 6 Tambols indicated the wheat growing environments in the upland were heterogenous with average yield of 148 kg/rai. The adaptability indices as shown by the regression coefficient were 0.86 to 1.15.
The optimal planting date for wheat in the area was mid-October when average wheat yields
ranged from 155 to 284 kg/rai. The outstanding varieties were UP262, 1015 and SW9, particularly the line 1015 provided the highest average yield of 400 kg/rai when planted in 15 October.
The study showed that the rainfed uplands of Amphur Fang were variable for wheat cultivation as second crop. However high wheat yield of 400 kg/rai could be achieved when planted at the favorable environments in mid-October.