Abstract
Abstract The balance between root and shoot growth is one of the mechanisms used by plants to adapt to a particular environment. This balance is affected by nutrient supply and water availability. The objective of this study was to understand how nitrogen (N) affects root and shoot growth of three cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown under two regimes of soil moisture ('non water stressed’ and ‘stressed’ during stem elongation') in the greenhouse and growth chamber. Data showed that before stem elongation, shoot growth was less sensitive to high soil N levels than root growth. In fact, root growth was inhibited by excessive soil N concentration. The cultivar ‘Nesma’ produced more dry matter, absorbed N more rapidly and avoided the negative effect of high soil N concentrations on root growth. ‘Merchouch 8’ produced less dry matter and tolerated more water stress, and appeared to require less water. Severe water stress masked the effect of N on root and shoot growth, and the negative effect of wa...
Published Version
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