Abstract
Low plant population is the major cause for low rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields in Pakistan which can be optimized
using a proper sowing method. For the purpose, an experiment was conducted to determine the effects of
different sowing methods on plant population and yield of fine rice cv. Super Basmati. The sowing methods
included direct seeding by broadcast at field capacity (DSBFC), direct seeding by broadcast in standing water
(DSBSW), direct seeding with drill at field capacity (DSDC), transplanting at 20cm apart rows (TR-20), farmer's
practice (FP), transplanting by parachute method (TPM). Data on plant population, number of panicle bearing
tillers, plant height, number of grains per panicle, spikelets per panicle, 1000-grain weight and grain yield was
recorded. It was also observed that maximum paddy yield (3.06 t ha-1) was produce by TR-20 while minimum
paddy yield (2.52 t ha-1) was observed in case of DSBSW. TR-20 proved to be the most productive planting
method for rice cultivation.
