Response of wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth and yield to the different water shorthage periods

Abstract

Wheat plants can grow and produce well on the island of Lombok, ranging from highlands to lowlands around 400 m above sea level, and have opportunities for further development. This adaptation effort needs to be followed by development of cultivation technology, including proper irrigation. Irrigation is a fundamental factor in achieving maximum yields in a crop land. Wheat crop does not require a large amount of irrigation as rice plants, but it is not yet known which growth periods are critical to the water requirements for wheat plants grown on Lombok Island. This study aims to determine the effect of water stress at different growth phases of wheat on the growth and yield of wheat plants. This research was conducted using the Experimental Method in a greenhouse, with 9 water stress treatments at different phases. The treatment of water stress at different period of plant development does not show a different effect on plant growth and development. However, it significantly reduces yield and yield components. The critical period of water requirements for wheat plants occurs when the plants reach the generative phase; plants experience pressure in grain production, especially when water stress occurs in the phases of heading and flowering (anthesis). Stress in the booting and milk-development phases also experiences reduction on grain production, even at the lower levels.