Progress in accumulation and translocation of nitrogen in winter wheat cultivars released in the years 1921–2003

Abstract

Ten winter wheat cultivars released in the years 1921–2003 in Slovakia were evaluated in pot experiment in 4 variants of N fertilization and in 2 terms of harvest (heading — a, maturity — m). Biomass N concentration at heading, grain N concentration (Ng), straw N concentration (Nv), and biomass N concentration at maturity were determined. N uptake and characteristics of N translocation, accumulation in grain and utilization were estimated. The year of cultivar release (YCR) was in relationships with nitrogen translocation efficiency (NTRE) (r = 0.720++) and with decreasing N% in vegetative biomass during grain filling (RNT) (r = −0.614). Strong correlation between YCR and N uptake in grain (r = 0.796), YCR and N harvest index (NHI) (r = 0.816++), and YCR and N utilization for grain (NUTg) (r = 0.877++) indicated that the modern cultivars more intensive accumulated N in grain and utilised N for grain than old ones. YCR was in negative correlation with N uptake in biomass at heading (r = −0.790++), N utiliz...