Alleviation of drought stress in winter wheat by late foliar application of zinc, boron, and manganese

Abstract

AbstractIn many regions, drought during flowering and grain‐filling inhibits micronutrient acquisition by roots resulting in yield losses and low micronutrient concentrations in cereal grains. A field and a greenhouse experiment were conducted to study the effect of foliar applications of zinc (Zn), boron (B), and manganese (Mn) at late growth stages of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown with or without drought stress from booting to maturity. Foliar applications of Zn, B, and Mn did not affect grain yield in the absence of drought. However, under drought, foliar application of Zn and B in the field increased grain yield (15% and 19%, respectively) as well as raising grain Zn and B concentration, while Zn and Mn sprays in the greenhouse increased grain yield (13% and 10%, respectively), and also increased grain Zn and Mn concentrations. Furthermore, under drought stress both in the field and greenhouse experiment the rate of photosynthesis, pollen viability, number of fertile spikes, number of grains per spike, and particularly water‐use efficiency (WUE) were increased by late foliar application of micronutrients. These results indicate that by increasing WUE foliar application of Zn, B, and Mn at booting to anthesis can reduce the harmful effects of drought stress that often occur during the late stages of winter wheat production. These findings therefore are of high relevance for farmers' practice, the extension service, and fertilizer industry.