Inducing drought tolerance in wheat by applying natural and synthetic plant growth promoters

Crop productivity in future may be limited due to water scarcity. However, foliar spray of plant growth promoters may boost crop production even in adverse environments. In the present study, foliar application of one natural (moringa leaf extract, 3% MLE) and four synthetic (Polydol, Multisol, Classic, and Asahi Star) were applied at tillering, jointing, booting, and heading growth stages of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during severe, moderate, and light drought and well‐watered condition. No spray and water spray were taken as controls. Results showed significant reduction in growth parameters such as total dry matter production, mean crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, leaf area index, and duration due to drought employed at various phenophases of wheat. However, improvement in these parameters was observed after foliar application of growth promoters, whereas interactive effects between factors were found non‐significant. The activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) were more accelerated under drought treatments from exogenously supplied growth promoters. Foliar application of promoters significantly alleviated drought‐induced reduction of yield and related traits. Grain weight (15%) and grain yield (27%) were improved due to exogenously applied MLE under moderate drought stress treatments relative to controls. Furthermore, 16% higher grain yield and 17% saving of irrigation water over fully irrigated and without promoter treatment (farmers' practice) was recorded from foliar‐applied MLE under skipped irrigation at jointing. In conclusion, foliar‐applied MLE may ameliorate drought‐induced deleterious effects by enhancing antioxidant activities under drought stress.     

Barley responses to copper foliar spray concentrations when grown in a calcareous soil

This study was designed to determine the adequate copper (Cu) foliar spray concentration to correct Cu deficiency on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) when grown in a calcareous soil. Five Cu foliar spray solution levels were tested (0% or control; 0.03%, 0.06%, 0.13%, and 0.33%). Copper was applied in the sulfate form at the early boot stage. The results showed that Cu flag leaf concentration was increased with the highest Cu application (0.33%), while Cu concentration in the grain was increased with a spray of 0.03%. An antagonism between Cu, Zn, and Fe leaf concentration was observed. Grain yield and harvest index showed a linear positive response to Cu foliar spray concentrations. A significant increase of 19.6% on grain yield was recorded with a foliar spray 0.33% of Cu.     

Response to molybdenum and limestone on wheat and barley grown on podzol soils

Abstract

Molybdenum applications had no effect on the grain yield of wheat or barley. Application of limestone increased barley yield at one of the three locations and had no effect on wheat yield at any location. The Mo concentration of boot stage tissue increased with added Mo. In most cases, 0.56 kg Mo/ha applications increased the Mo concentration of boot stage tissue above 10 ppm. Increases in Mo concentration due to added Mo were generally greater at higher rates of limestone application but the Mo x limestone interaction was statistically significant only for barley at the location having the lowest pH and for wheat at the two locations with the lowest pH. Molybdenum applied as a foliar spray was found to be an effective means of increasing the Mo concentration of cereal tissues. In the case of suspected Mo deficiency in cereals, a foliar application of 0.28 kg Mo/ha should correct the problem without any ill effect from an animal nutrition standpoint.     

Effects of Soil pH on Wheat Grain Yield and Quality

The effects of planting wheat in permanent beds with fertilization on grain yield and quality need to be better understood. An experiment was conducted at five sites during 2008 and 2009. The objective was to estimate the effects on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield and quality of two granular forms of nitrogen (N) (urea and ammonium sulfate, AS) split applied at planting and tillering, and three sprays (urea, AS, and a fungicide) at anthesis. The granular N source affected yield, spike number, and rheological parameters depending upon the soil reaction. Dough resistance/extensibility ratio (P/L) was associated with the normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) readings collected during tillering before the granular N application. Fungicide spray at anthesis improved yield and grain physical quality evaluated as thousand-grain weight (TGW), test weight, and hardness. Grain protein concentration (GPC) appeared to be mainly affected by environmental factors rather than fertilization practices.     

The impact of phytohormone concentration in Moringa oleifera leaf extract on wheat yield and components of yield

Abstract

Trials with Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) sprayed on leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) showed different outcomes in grain yield and the components of yield (biomass at anthesis, number of ears, number of tillers, grain weight, 1000 seed weight). An irrigated field trial testing different MLE concentrations resulted in an increase in grain yield of 19% with a 10% concentration but not significant yield increases for higher concentrations of MLE. Dryland field trials with MLE concentrations at 5% and 10% showed no effects or more moderate (about 5–10%) increases in grain yield, depending on the year and location of study. The differences in grain yield responses are most likely due to changes in phytohormone concentration in MLEs brought on by abiotic stress (moisture deficit and seasonal change) of the moringa tree before the collection of the leaves. Concentrations of gibberellins, auxin, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid in MLEs differ markedly due to plants subjected to abiotic stresses. Comparing chemical analysis of MLE with grain yield effects showed that GA4 – most likely in crosstalk with auxin – is the major growth enhancer. It is concluded that the hormonal concentrations of MLEs strongly varies on a yearly basis, which may affect the potential use of this bio-stimulant in agriculture.     

Phosphorus,potassium, chloride,and fungicide effects on wheat yield and leaf rust severity

Abstract

Plant nutrition and disease suppression are among the most important management tools for producers of hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the central and southern Great Plains. This study was conducted to examine the effects of phosphorus (P) (0, 15, and 30 kg ha^?1) and potassium (K) (0, 37, and 74 kg ha^?1) fertilization, foliar fungicide application, and cultivar disease tolerance on wheat yield, yield components, and severity of leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.). Compared with no P, fertilizing with P increased yield by as much as 60% (>1.3 Mg ha^?1 increase). Yield of cultivars susceptible to leaf rust was nearly 0.6 Mg ha^?1 less without K than with K fertilization. Fungicide application resulted in mean yields of 4.8 Mg ha^?1 for both resistant and susceptible cultivars, however, yield of susceptible cultivars was suppressed more than yield of resistant ones without fungicide. Although P fertilization had a moderately suppressive effect on leaf rust, the increased yield was primarily due to production of about 50% more heads m^?2 apparently from more prolific tillering. Similarly, K fertilization appeared to reduce leaf rust severity and improve yield by increasing kernel weight, but this response may have been related partially to chloride (Cl) in the KCl fertilizer. Correlations suggested that improving dry matter production and N, P, and K uptakes at the boot stage by P and K fertilization can reduce leaf rust severity later in the growing season and increase wheat grain yield. These results indicate that especially P fertilization, but also K fertilization and fungicide application, are important management tools for reducing disease and increasing winter wheat yield.     

Assessment of ZN Interaction with Nutrient Cations in Alkaline Soil and its Effect on Plant Growth

An experiment was conducted to assess the zinc (Zn) availability to wheat in alkaline soils during Rabi 2009–2010. Wheat seedlings in pots having 2 kg alkaline sandy soil per pot were treated with 5, 10 and 15 kg Zn ha^?1 as soil and with 0.5 and 1.0% zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) as foliar application. Results showed that Zn increasing levels in soil helped in phosphorus uptake up to boot stage but its conversion to grain portion lacked in Zn treated plants. Potassium (K) uptake also increased up to 6.24% in boot stage with treatment of 10 kg Zn ha^?1 + 1.0% ZnSO₄ foliar spray. Zinc (Zn) concentration increased in plant tissues with the increasing level of Zn application but this disturbed the phosphorus (P)-Zn interaction and, thus, both of the nutrients were found in lesser quantities in grains compared to the control. Despite of the apparent sufficient Zn level in soil (1.95 mg kg^?1), improvement in growth and yield parameters with Zn application indicate that the soil was Zn deplete in terms of plant available Zn. The above findings suggest that the figure Zn sufficiency in alkaline soil (1.0 mg kg^?1) should be revised in accordance to the nature and type of soils. Furthermore, foliar application of Zn up to 1.0% progressively increased yield but not significantly; and it was recommended that higher concentrations might be used to confirm foliar application of Zn as a successful strategy for increasing plant zinc levels.     

硅肥对浙南山区晚稻的增产效果

试验研究了硅肥对浙南山区晚稻生产应用效果及最佳施用量和施用方式。结果表明,在浙南山区晚稻施用硅肥150~450 kg/hm2能增产15%~18.5%,增产的原因是增施硅肥能增强水稻抗逆能力、提高水稻抗病性、有利增加有效穗和千粒重等,并以150 kg/hm2的施用量和以50%基施、50%在水稻孕穗期喷施的施用方法为最佳。     

Morpho-physiological and yield responses to exogenous moringa leaf extract and salicylic acid in maize (Zea mays L.) under water stress

Two field experiments were executed to investigate the effects of foliar-applied moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf extract (MLE; 1:30 w/v) and salicylic acid (SA; 0.5 mmol), singly or in combination, on growth, physio-biochemical, yield attributes and water use efficiency (WUE) of maize (Zea mays L., Three Ways Cross 329) under full and deficit irrigation conditions. Deficit irrigation was carried out by withholding water for 36 d from 12 to 48 days after sowing (DAS). At vegetative stage, deficit irrigation signi?cantly decreased all growth criteria, chlorophyll a concentration, and relative water content (RWC). In contrast, deficit irrigation considerably increased the concentrations of carotenoids, proline, membrane permeability (MP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Similarly, grain yield, most yield components and WUE were significantly depressed in drought-stressed plants. However, foliar-applied treatments particularly MLE+SA signi?cantly increased growth traits, photosynthetic pigments, RWC and proline accumulation associated with a simultaneous decrease in MP and MDA concentration under full and deficit irrigation conditions. The application of MLE+SA markedly increased grain yield, yield components and WUE over control (spray tap water). Overall, the combined application of MLE and SA could be used for alleviating the adverse effects of growth, physiology, yield criteria and WUE in drought-stressed maize plants.     

Enhancing nutrient translocation,yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system through zinc nutrition and residual effect of green manuring

Abstract

Efficient nutrient and water use are two important considerations to obtain good harvests of wheat. This necessitates the development of an effective nutrient management technique that not only increases yield, but simultaneously can save nutrient and water use. In this context, a field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India to evaluate the residual effect of sesbania and rice bean (in-situ), subabul (ex-situ) green manuring and Zinc (Zn) fertilization, using chelated Zn-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Zn-EDTA) on nutrient use, yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system. Among residual effects of green manure crops and Zn fertilization, sesbania and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing (DAS) recorded significantly higher nutrient content and uptake and yields than other green manure crops and Zn treatments. Residual effect of sesbania saved about 46.5?×?10³ and 30.5?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne of wheat over subabul and rice bean, respectively. Foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS saved about 55.5?×?10³, 47?×?10³ and 13?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne wheat over residual effect of 5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application, 2.5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application + 1 foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at flowering and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at active tillering?+?flowering?+?grain filling, respectively. Correlation analysis showed positive correlation between Zn uptake and grain yield.     

Foliar application of silicon at different growth stages alters growth and yield of selected wheat cultivars

To evaluate the response of some selected wheat cultivars to silicon application at different growth stages under drought stress, an experiment was carried out in the greenhouse of College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Iran, during 2012 using a completely randomized factorial design with four replications. Experimental treatments included drought stress (100% F.C. as control and 40% F.C. as drought) and foliar application of 6 mM sodium silicate (control, application at mid tillering stage, at anthesis stage, and application at tillering + anthesis stages) and wheat cultivars (Sirvan and Chamran, relatively drought-tolerant, and Shiraz and Marvdasht, drought-sensitive cultivars). Drought stress significantly reduced chlorophyll content, leaf area, relative water content, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and biomass of all wheat cultivars. Furthermore, drought stress increased electrolyte leakage of the flag leaves of all cultivars. In contrast, foliar-applied silicon significantly increased these parameters and reduced electrolyte leakage. Furthermore, highest positive influence of silicon application was observed at combined use of silicon both at the tillering + anthesis stages in wheat plants under both stress and non-stress conditions. Significant differences were found in physiological responses among wheat cultivars. The drought tolerant cultivars (Sirvan and Chamran) had significantly higher growth and yield than those of drought sensitive cvs. Shiraz and Marvdasht under drought stress. In conclusion, foliar application of silicon especially at the tillering + anthesis stages was very effective in promoting resistance in wheat plants to drought conditions by maintaining cellular membrane integrity and relative water content, and increasing chlorophyll content.     

Timing and Method of 15Nitrogen-Labeled Fertilizer Application on Grain Protein and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Spring Wheat

ABSTRACT

Grain protein content is one of the most important quality constraints for bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in eastern Canada. A field experiment was conducted for two years (1999 and 2000) on the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Canada, to study whether split application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer improved grain protein content and nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE). Two cultivars (‘Celtic,’ as N-responsive and ‘Grandin’, as N-non-responsive) were grown using three different N doses and application methods: (1) 100 kg N ha^?1 as NH₄NO₃, soil-applied at seeding with ¹⁵N₂-labeled NH₄NO₃ to microplots, (2) 60 kg N ha^?1 soil-applied at seeding plus 40 kg N ha^?1 foliar-applied at the boot stage with ¹⁵N₂-labeled urea to microplots, and (3) 90 kg N ha^?1 as soil-applied at seeding plus 10 kg N ha^?1 foliar-applied at the boot stage with ¹⁵N₂-labeled urea to microplots. Plants were sampled at heading and maturity. While dry-matter production and grain yields were not affected by the treatments in either year, N application methods influenced tissue N concentration and NUE. In 1999, extended drought stress led to significant yield reduction; in 2000, foliar application of 10 kg N ha^?1 at the boot stage significantly increased grain N concentration when grain protein was under the limit for bread quality, suggesting that later-applied N can contribute to grain protein content. At maturity, the average NUE was 22.3% in 1999 and 34.5% in 2000, but was always greater when all N was applied at seeding (42.5%) than when N was foliar-applied at the boot stage (18.5% to 24.5%). We conclude that application of a small amount of fertilizer N at the boot stage can improve the bread-making quality of spring wheat by increasing grain protein concentration.     

土施和喷施锌肥对冬小麦子粒锌含量及生物有效性的影响

为揭示潜在性缺锌土壤上不同施锌方式对小麦子粒锌含量及其生物有效性的影响,选用5个冬小麦品种进行了土施和喷施锌肥的田间裂区试验。结果表明,供试土壤条件下,不同施锌方式对小麦产量均无明显影响,但是在一定施锌方式下小麦子粒锌含量大幅度提高。与对照相比,土施、喷施及土施+喷施锌肥提高小麦子粒锌含量幅度分别为-6.1%、64%和83%,提高小麦子粒锌携出量幅度分别为-3.6%、69%和83%。3个施锌处理降低子粒中植酸含量的幅度分别为-2.4%、7.2%和1.5%,降低植酸与锌摩尔比的幅度分别为-25%、41%和44%,且不同品种之间也存在一定差异;虽然植酸与锌的摩尔比有所下降,但仍高于20。此外,单独土施锌肥虽可大幅度提高耕层土壤有效锌含量,但对子粒锌含量及生物有效性的影响很小。总之,在小麦生长后期喷施锌肥是提高潜在性缺锌土壤上小麦子粒锌含量和生物有效性较为经济的方式,对改善小麦锌营养品质有较好作用。     

The effect of phosphorus and mulching on the efficiency of phosphorus use and productivity of wheat grown on a mountain Alfisol in the Western Himalayas

Abstract. A field experiment was conducted over two years in one of the mountain Alfisols of the Western Himalayas to study the effects of phosphorus and mulching on phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and productivity of wheat (cv. S-308) at difference growth stages. The source of phosphorus was single superphosphate at 0, 26, 52 and 78 kg P/ha whereas the sources of mulching materials were pine needles ( Pinus longifolia ), lantana weed ( Lantana camara ) at 8 t/ha and transparent polyethylene sheet compared with no mulch.
The phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) at tillering, flowering and harvesting was greatest at the lowest dose of P and decreased as the P levels were increased. However, the increased levels of P up to 78 kg/ha, significantly improved the dry matter yield at tillering stage (30%) and flowering stage (93%) and also the grain yield (139%) and straw yield (148%) at the harvest stage. The application of mulching materials in general, and polyethylene in particular, significantly increased the phosphorus use efficiency and the productivity of wheat by 27% at tillering stage; 17% at flowering stage, and by 98 and 110% in the case of grain and straw yield at harvest stage.
Although the polyethylene mulch effect was physically superior to the other materials, the latter gave greater financial returns. Consequently, the economic optimum application of P in association with 8 t/ha of lantana mulch was found to be 53 kg/ha over two years, whereas, in the absence of mulching, it was 58 kg/ha.     

Effects of Urea Foliar Application on Grain Yield and Quality of Winter Wheat

The effects of urea foliar application rates at different growth stages of wheat on protein and yield of winter wheat were evaluated in a factorial experiment. Time of application and amounts of urea foliar application rates were the treatments. Urea was applied at four stages including tillering, jointing, anthesis, and grain filling, and urea foliar application rates were 22.5, 45, 67.5, and 90 kg ha^?1 (12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50% of total urea application). Our data demonstrated that urea application time had significant effects on grain weight, number of seeds per spike, plant height, and protein content. Furthermore, total dry weight, grain weight, harvest index, 1000-seed weight, plant height, and protein content were significantly affected by amounts of urea foliar application. The effects of time?×?rate of urea foliar application on grain yield, 1000-seed weight, and plant height were significant.     

叶面喷施硒肥对小麦籽粒及面粉硒含量的影响

为了探明叶面喷施硒肥对小麦籽粒及制粉各粉路硒含量的影响,本研究选用4个小麦品种,在拔节和抽穗期分2次喷施0.017%亚硒酸钠叶面肥,并对成熟期籽粒进行制粉,分析各粉路的总硒、无机硒和有机硒含量。结果表明,叶面喷硒对小麦籽粒和面粉的总硒、有机硒和无机硒含量的影响存在品种间差异。喷施硒肥后,4个小麦品种籽粒的总硒含量提高了26.4~35.8倍,但小麦籽粒产量无显著变化。皮磨粉、心磨粉、统粉、小麸和大麸5种粉路中,小麸的总硒含量最高,其次为大麸,皮磨粉、心磨粉和统粉的总硒含量较低。与硬质小麦相比,软质小麦出粉率低,面粉的总硒量损失较多。经制粉,对照和喷硒样本的总硒积累量分别损失52.97%~69.28%和36.73%~44.51%。对照样本中,各粉路的有机硒含量略高于无机硒含量;而喷硒处理样品中,除宁麦20的小麸外,各粉路的有机硒含量均略低于无机硒含量。本研究揭示了制粉粉路硒分布规律,这对于富硒小麦的加工利用具有重要的指导作用。     

Response of wheat genotypes to zinc fertilization for improving productivity and quality

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) fertilization on yield potentiality and quality of promising wheat varieties during winter seasons of 2013–14 and 2014–15 at the research farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Among genotypes, HD 2967 genotype proved as best in realizing the highest grain yield (4.89 Mg ha^?1), net returns and benefit–cost ratio besides increased protein (13.4%) and wet gluten (29.4%) content in grain. Highest grain Zn concentration and recovery efficiency (RE) recorded in HD 2851 and HD 2687, respectively. HD 2932 registered lowest grain hardiness index (GHI) followed by PBW 343, indicating their better bread-making quality. With respect to Zn fertilization, application of 1.25 kg Zn Zn–ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (Zn–EDTA) + 0.5% foliar spray at maximum tillering and booting stages resulted in the highest yields, grain Zn concentration and RE followed by 2.5 kg Zn (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) + 0.5% foliar spray at both stages. These treatments are also superior most with respect to grain quality parameters such as protein, wet gluten and starch content. From profitability viewpoint, 2.5 kg Zn (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) + 0.5% two foliar sprays were most remunerative with maximum net returns and benefit–cost ratio.     

Effect of zinc application methods on apparent utilization efficiency of zinc and potassium fertilizers under rice-wheat rotation

Apparent utilization of zinc (Zn) and potassium (K) fertilizers was examined in rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using combinations of no K; soil applied K levels and no Zn; soil and foliar applied Zn. Application of 33.2 kg K ha^?1 in rice and 24.9 kg K ha^?1 in wheat along with foliar spray of 2 kg Zn ha^?1 at 30 and 60 days gave the highest mean grain yields. Foliar application of zinc increased Zn concentration in flag leaves, grain, and straw of rice and wheat and K concentration in flag leaves of rice and straw of wheat significantly. Potassium application increased Zn concentration in rice grain and straw and K concentration in wheat straw significantly. Zinc and K increased the uptake of each other in grain; straw and total uptake by both crops significantly. Zinc fertilizer enhanced the utilization of soil K. Potassium fertilizer enhanced the utilization of applied Zn.     

Mitigation of salinity stress effects on growth,yield and nutrient uptake of wheat by application of organic extracts

ABSTRACT

The reduction of the plant performance was observed in plant growth and yield with reduction in the plant’s production of at least 20% of irrigated land worldwide due to the salinity, so it is the major abiotic stresses. For promoting growth and increasing crop yield natural extracts were used in agriculture and horticulture as bio-stimulants. At the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture Zagazig University, a pot experiment has been done under greenhouse condition for studying the spray of natural extracts; moringa leaves extract (MLE); algae extract (AE); licorice root extract (LRE) and propolis extract (PE) on yield, photosynthetic pigments and nutrient uptake of wheat grown on saline soil taken from Abou Hammad county, El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Results showed that spraying with different organic extracts significantly increased yield, protein content, photosynthetic pigments and nutrient uptake as compared to untreated plants. Spraying with MLE gave an increase of all parameters i.e., yield, protein content, NPK, Fe, Zn, and Mn accumulation of wheat plants. The highest increases in grain yield were 81%, 110%, 78% and 50%, caused by MLE, AE, LRE and PE, respectively.     

Growth,morphological and yield responses of irrigated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes to water stress

Water shortages is a major constraint in wheat production in South Africa. It is important therefore to assist irrigated wheat farmers to identify water stress tolerant growth stages in irrigated wheat genotypes. This study evaluated new wheat genotypes for water stress at different growth stages. An 8 (genotypes) × 2 (water treatments) × 3 (growth stages) factorial experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replicates. The results indicated that plant height was not affected (p > .05) by water stress at tillering and grain filling. Water stress imposed at the tillering stage reduced the number of fertile tillers (p < .05) in susceptible genotypes while at the flowering and grain filling stages all genotypes were tolerant (p > .05). Aboveground biomass was only affected (p < .05) by water stress imposed at the tillering stage. Water stress reduced grain yield on the genotypes where stress was imposed at the tillering stage (p < .05); whereas when stress was imposed at flowering and grain filling the grain yield was not reduced (p > .05). This study provided evidence to suggest that most genotypes were tolerant to water stress at the flowering and grain filling stages.