How to Grow Pusa Sharbati Wheat
Pusa Sharbati Wheat
Triticum aestivum
grassPusa Sharbati is a high-yielding, semi-dwarf wheat variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, known for its excellent bread-making quality and disease resistance. It produces golden grain with superior protein content and is widely cultivated across India and South Asia. The variety is prized for both its agricultural productivity and nutritional value.
When should you plant Pusa Sharbati Wheat in your zone?
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Example Pusa Sharbati Wheat timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pusa Sharbati Wheat
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Pusa Sharbati Wheat
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pusa Sharbati Wheat dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best suited to tropical and subtropical regions (USDA zones 8-10); ideal for Indian subcontinent climate
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Get my Pusa Sharbati Wheat timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
10-15 daysSeeds germinate within 7-10 days. Seedlings emerge with narrow leaves and establish primary root system.
Ensure adequate soil moisture without waterlogging. Keep field free from weeds. No fertilizer needed at this stage.
Tillering & Vegetative Growth
30-45 daysPlant produces 4-6 tillers (side shoots). Vigorous leaf development and root expansion occur. Plant height reaches 12-18 inches.
Apply nitrogen fertilizer in 2-3 splits during this stage. First irrigation at crown root initiation (Zadoks GS 20-30). Implement weed control.
Stem Elongation & Booting
25-35 daysPlant height increases rapidly to 24-36 inches. Flag leaf emerges. Boot stage begins as spike develops inside leaf sheath.
Second irrigation around Zadoks GS 30-40. Monitor for Septoria and Leaf Rust diseases. Support with adequate potassium.
Flowering & Grain Development
30-40 daysSpike emerges (heading), flowers bloom (anthesis). Grain fills from milky to dough stage. Chaff turns from green to golden.
Third irrigation at grain-filling stage crucial for yield. Protect from rust diseases if needed. Watch grain moisture content.
Ripening & Harvest Maturity
15-20 daysGrain hardens to full maturity. Plant yellows and dries. Grain reaches 12-14% moisture content suitable for harvest.
No irrigation at this stage. Monitor for grain moisture (harvest at 12-14% moisture). Plan harvest timing to avoid weather damage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray Chlorpyrifos 20% EC (1.5L/hectare) or Cypermethrin 10% EC. Cultural practice: clean fields of crop residue. Monitor early growth stages.
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Apply NPV (Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus) or Bt formulations. Remove affected tillers. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
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Spray Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (125ml/hectare) or Dimethoate 30% EC (1L/hectare). Introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
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Drench soil with Chlorpyrifos 20% EC before sowing. Deep plowing to expose nests. Maintain field hygiene.
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Use certified disease-free seed. Treat seed with Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% (3g/kg). Avoid planting successive wheat crops.
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Spray Propiconazole 25% EC or Mancozeb 75% WP (2.5kg/hectare) at first sign. Remove infected crop residue. Choose resistant varieties.
Uses
Premium Wheat Flour & Bread Making
CulinaryPusa Sharbati produces superior bread flour with excellent gluten development and elasticity, resulting in loaves with superior crumb structure. The wheat is highly sought after for premium bakery products and artisanal bread production. [source]
Whole Grain & Nutritious Foods
CulinaryRich in dietary fiber, minerals, and B vitamins, Pusa Sharbati grain is used to make whole wheat products, breakfast cereals, and traditional dishes. Its nutty flavor enhances traditional Indian breads like chapati and roti. [source]
Livestock Feed & Animal Nutrition
HouseholdWheat straw and grains serve as nutritious fodder for cattle, sheep, and poultry. The straw is used as bedding material in animal husbandry. [source]
Bio-fertilizer & Crop Residue Management
HouseholdWheat straw can be incorporated into soil as organic matter, improving soil fertility and structure through crop residue management practices. [source]
Traditional Health & Nutritional Benefits
MedicinalUsed in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and considered cooling and nourishing. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support digestive and cardiovascular health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when grain moisture drops to 12-14% (typically 120-150 days after sowing). Spike color turns golden-brown and grains become hard. Use combine harvester or manual cutting and threshing. Ensure grains are completely dry (10-12% moisture) before storage to prevent fungal growth. Harvest early morning when dew allows easier handling.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pusa Sharbati was developed in the 1960s by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan's team at IARI Delhi and played a significant role in India's Green Revolution, transforming the country from a grain-deficit to a grain-surplus nation.
- 🌱 The name 'Sharbati' comes from the Sharbat (sherbet), referring to the exceptional quality and sweetness of the grain; it remains one of India's most premium wheat varieties commanding premium prices in domestic and international markets.
- 🌱 This semi-dwarf variety (85-95 cm height) was revolutionary for its time, allowing higher plant density and mechanized harvesting while maintaining excellent grain quality—a combination rarely seen before.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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