Application of New-Generation Growth Regulators and Topdressing Nitrogen Fertilizers Increases Improver Winter Wheat Yield and Grain Quality in South Russia

Abstract

The need for effective nutrient management is crucial for optimizing wheat production and increasing the plant’s ability to tolerate different environmental stresses. In this study, we assessed the influence of new-generation PGRs and foliar topdressing nitrogen fertilizer and their interactive effects on wheat yield and quality parameters of grain and flour. A three-year field experiment was conducted on the dark chestnut soil of the Rostov region. We estimated the effect of foliar topdressing liquid nitrogen fertilizer on consumption rates of N32 (N32), N64 (N32 + N32), and N96 (N32 + N32 + N32), as well as new-generation plant growth regulators (PGRs), namely, Zirkon, Silk, and Albit, on the productivity and grain quality of winter wheat Tarasovskaya 70. The results of the experiments indicate that the highest average grain yield over three years was 5.34 t/ha−1 with the application of N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and Albit PGR. In 2020, due to favorable weather conditions, the greatest grain yield was attained at 6.27 t/ha−1 for N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and Albit PGR. The highest grain quality with the greatest gluten content >28% was obtained when N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and PGRs were applied. According to the results, using N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and PGRs made it possible to obtain “valuable” grain in terms of quality, which is suitable for the production of premium flour. The beneficial interactive effects of N application rates and PGRs on winter wheat yield and quality parameters are worthy of further investigation.