Chemical alteration in wheat (Triticum aestivum) shoot induced by mefluidide and defoliation

Abstract

Mefluidide [N-2(2,4-dimethyl-5-((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)amino)phenyl)acetamide] was applied to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) to determine the alterations in shoot chemical composition and the value of the changes to a wheat-based forage system in field and controlled-environment chamber experiments. Mefluidide, applied at rates between 0.1 and 0.25 kg/ha during full tiller stage (Feekes stage 4), slowed down the rate of cellulose deposition in wheat shoot and reduced neutral-detergent fiber fractions. Mefluidide decreased the rate of nitrogen decline with advancing maturity of treated plants when compared to untreated ones. Mefluidide also reduced cellulose deposition and maintained high nitrogen contents in regrowth shoot tissues in addition to the effect produced by mechanical defoliation. Mefluidide, applied during jointing stage (stage 5), also retarded wheat maturation as the chemical maintained shoot chemical characteristics equivalent to those of earlier stages of development. Mefluidide did not alter significantly shoot chemical composition when applied at boot stage (stage 10), compared to untreated wheat. Based on the experimental results, mefluidide may be a management tool to alter timing of plant development. The delay in maturation and maintenance of vegetative quality longer into the spring attained with mefluidide may suggest a beneficial role of the chemical in a dual-purpose wheat production system that favors forage utilization.