Wheat Growth Research Articles

Effect of different weed management practices on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effect of different weed management practices on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effect of 11 essential oils on seed germination, radicle development, and seedling growth in wheat and barley

Effect of 11 essential oils on seed germination, radicle development, and seedling growth in wheat and barley

Digital twin-based winter wheat growth simulation and optimization

Digital twin-based winter wheat growth simulation and optimization

Effects of different straw returning amounts on soil physicochemical properties, dry matter accumulation, and yield of wheat

Abstract As a main way to reuse straw resources in the farmland, returning straw to the soil can effectively alleviate the adverse effects of direct straw burning on the soil and environment. Although there are previous studies on this aspect, few studies investigate the impact of the annual return of rice and wheat straws on wheat yield and soil properties. In this study, wheat ‘Annong 1124’ was used as the material. The four experimental treatments include: neither rice nor wheat straw returned to the field (R0), wheat straw returned to the field (RW), rice straw returned to the field (RR) and, both rice and wheat straw returned to the field (R2) were set up. The effects of different amounts of straw returning on soil physical and chemical properties, soil nutrient content, dry matter accumulation, and yield of wheat were studied, to clarify the characteristics of wheat yield formation, soil properties, and nutrient content changes under the condition of rice and wheat annual straw return. The results showed that straw returning increased soil aggregate content and root activity of wheat at the jointing stage. Still, they decreased soil pH and root activity at the flowering stage and increased soil aggregate content at small particle size (d ≤ 0.5 mm and 0.50 mm < d ≤ 1.00 mm). Straw incorporation (R2, RR, and RW) decreased soil urease activity in the early growth stage, increased soil urease activity in the late wheat growth stage, and increased soil nutrient content. Straw returning improved the dry matter quantity of wheat at the jointing stage and had a great difference in the dry matter accumulation of wheat at the flowering stage. RR and R2 treatments reduced the dry matter accumulation of wheat at anthesis by 11.97% and 7.38%, respectively, while RW treatment increased the dry matter accumulation by 25.38%. Straw returning (RW, RR, and R2) decreased the number of wheat spikes but increased the number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight. In 2019 and 2020, RW treatment increased wheat yield by 1.32% and 3.76%, RR and R2 treatment decreased wheat yield by 2.82%, 0.78%, and 1.70%, 0.42%, respectively. The results of path analysis showed that soil pH, soil biomass carbon, and soil urease activity had significant effects on wheat yield, especially soil biomass carbon. In summary, RW treatment increased soil nutrient content first and then increased dry matter accumulation at the flowering stage, which was beneficial to the transportation of dry matter from stem and leaf to grain. The grain number per spike and 1000-grain weight of wheat increased, but RR and R2 decreased the yield of wheat. Therefore, whether or not straw returning to the field can improve crop yield is related to the way straw returns to the field and crop type, as well as the time of straw returning.

Integrative multi-omics analysis reveals the potential mechanism by which Streptomyces pactum Act12 enhances wheat root drought tolerance by coordinating phytohormones and metabolic pathways

BackgroundDrought stress is one of the major abiotic stresses that limit wheat growth and yield. Streptomyces, a class of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with multifarious metabolic potential and remarkable stress resistance properties in soil, have significant potential in enhancing the drought tolerance of crops. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Streptomyces improve the drought tolerance function of the wheat root are poorly understood.ResultsIn this study, we investigated the role and molecular mechanisms of Streptomyces pactum Act12 in regulating the drought tolerance of wheat root by combining pot experiments and multi-omics techniques. The pot experiment results demonstrated that under drought stress, Act12 treatment significantly promoted the development of the wheat root system, including the total root length, surface area, number of root tips, and diameter. Furthermore, Act12 treatment increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD activity increased by 23.7%), the content of osmotic regulators proline (265.8%) and soluble protein (116.8%), and significantly decreased the content of malondialdehyde (39.0%). The integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome demonstrated that Act12 might promote root development through the synergistic regulation of phytohormone signaling. Concurrently, it might optimize energy supply and enhance the stability of cell membranes via the regulation of metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and glycerophospholipid metabolism.ConclusionConsequently, Act12 enhanced the drought adaptability of the wheat root system from multiple perspectives. This study reveals the central role of Act12 in the regulation of drought resistance in plants and provides a theoretical basis for the development of drought-resistant biologics based on Streptomyces.

The Impacts of Farming Activities on the Coevolutionary Structure of Plant Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Communities

Human agricultural activities can impact the soil microbial ecosystem, but the future implications of such changes remain largely unknown. This study aimed to explore how soil microbes survive and reproduce under the pressure of human agricultural cultivation and whether they resist or adapt. A 10-year continuous experiment was conducted, planting a maize and soybean rotation (control group), alfalfa (legume), and wheat (poaceae) to study the impact of different crop planting on soil microbial communities. During the experiment, the physical and chemical properties of the soil samples were measured, and the rhizosphere microbial communities were analyzed. Different crop plantings had varying effects on soil microbial species diversity, but these differences were relatively limited. The relative abundance of Cyanobacteriales (order) was higher in wheat than in alfalfa. Moreover, Cyanobacteriales were positively correlated with soil peroxidase, thereby promoting wheat growth. In addition, nutrition for fungi is mainly derived from decaying straw and plant roots. This study divided soil microbes under agricultural cultivation conditions into three categories: adaptive microbes, neutral microbes, and resistant microbes. At the ecological level of plant rhizosphere microbes, the plant rhizosphere soil microbial community showed a coevolutionary relationship with human cultivation activities. Future research needs to pay more attention to the adaptability of soil microbial communities to agricultural cultivation and the potential impact of this adaptability on the global ecosystem.

Evaluation of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) on Phosphorus Availability in Agricultural Soils and the Growth of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on phosphorus availability in agricultural soils and the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This applied research considered PSB and phosphorus availability in the soil as variables. An experimental design was employed, comprising four groups of pots containing 1 kg of wheat-cultivated soil (no inoculum, 5% inoculum, 10% inoculum, and 15% inoculum), with three replicates each, using a bacterial suspension of 3 × 108 CFU/mL. Wheat seedling development parameters were evaluated on days 29 and 45, and soil phosphorus availability was assessed on day 45. The 10% inoculum treatment yielded superior results in seedling development: plant height, aerial dry biomass, and root dry biomass showed highly significant differences (p < 0.0001). A 10% PSB dose improved soil phosphorus availability from 72.77 ± 0.13 ppm to 96.68 ± 0.58 ppm compared to the control. These findings highlight PSB as a sustainable alternative for enhancing agricultural productivity, thereby reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.

Upregulate Soil Health and Wheat Yield: Conversion of Organic Waste into Bioactivated Zn-Enriched Compost for Deficient Soils

<p>Soil zinc (Zn) deficiency is a major constraint limiting wheat productivity and nutritional quality, particularly in degraded agricultural lands. Sustainable organic waste management through composting presents an eco-friendly approach to enhancing soil health while mitigating environmental pollution. This study explores the development of zinc-fortified microbial compost (bioactivated Zn-enriched compost) from organic waste and its impact on soil fertility, microbial activity, and wheat yield in Zn-deficient soils. Domestic organic waste, including fruit and vegetable residues, was composted with Zn-enriched bio-inoculants to enhance nutrient bioavailability. A field experiment evaluated the effects of bioactivated Zn-enriched compost on soil biochemical properties, wheat growth, yield, and antioxidative enzyme activity. Results showed significant improvements in soil organic matter, nutrient availability, and microbial biomass compared to conventional compost and control treatments. Application of bioactivated Zn-enriched compost increased soil microbial population (45%), microbial biomass carbon (48%), and nitrogen (56%). Soil Zn and Fe availability improved by 26% and 12%, respectively. Wheat grain yield increased by 9%, with notable enhancements in Zn content and antioxidative enzyme activity (CAT by 41% and POX by 32%). These findings highlight the potential of bioactivated Zn-enriched compost in addressing soil nutrient deficiencies and promoting sustainable agriculture through improved soil fertility and crop productivity.</p>

Linking rhizosphere bacterial life-history strategies with wheat growth under drought stress

Linking rhizosphere bacterial life-history strategies with wheat growth under drought stress

Allelopathic potential and chemical profile of wheat, rice and barley against the herbicide-resistant weeds Portulaca oleracea L. and Lolium rigidum Gaud.

BackgroundWeeds cause low crop productivity and increasing costs, and therefore, different solutions, such as manual weeding or synthetic herbicides, have been suggested to solve this problem. These methods involve high efforts and costs, in addition to being harmful to the environment in the case of herbicides, which also result in increasing resistance mechanisms in weeds. Therefore, this work addresses the use of in vivo allelopathic crops to control surrounding weeds. To carry out the experiments, co-cultivation of wheat, rice and barley with the monocot weed annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) and the dicot weed common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) was conducted without physical contact among crop and weed plants. Germination and growth parameters of weeds, and growth parameters and chemical profile of crops, were analysed after the end of the experiment.ResultsThe three crops tested caused inhibitory effects on the two target weeds, and significant concentrations of benzoxazinoids were found in the plant tissues and/or root exudates of the different crops in response to the presence of weeds. All the crops showed different responses to the treatments. While the growth of rice was stimulated, barley was not affected, and wheat growth experienced inhibition due to the presence of weeds.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the capacity of wheat, rice and barley to inhibit both growth and germination of L. rigidum and P. oleracea. The effects observed could be due to the accumulation and/or exudation of benzoxazinoids such as DIMBOA, DIBOA, BOA or HBOA. Barley and rice are able to sustainably manage both target weeds without disrupting their development, while growth of wheat was affected by the presence of weeds. Based on our results, rice would be the most promising crop, since it has the ability to control weeds, while stimulating the development of rice plants. Nevertheless, more research should be carried out to fully confirm this fact, especially under non-controlled conditions.Graphical

Interactive impacts of heat stress and microplastics contamination on the growth and biochemical response of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays) plants.

The increasing global temperatures, driven largely by anthropogenic activities, pose a significant threat to crops worldwide, with heat stress (HS) emerging as one of the most severe challenges to agricultural productivity. Among the numerous human-induced pressures threatening terrestrial ecosystems globally, microplastics (MPs) represent one of the most persistent and urgent concerns. This study investigated the effects of heat stress (HS) at 35 °C and 40 °C (12 h exposure) on wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays) grown in soil contaminated with polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs; 0.01%, 0.1%, and 1% w/w), assessing their physiological and biochemical responses. The results indicated a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in plant height, root length, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and biomass of the selected plants due to MPs application. HS alone and in co-exposure with MPs caused damage to plant tissues as shown by significant (p < 0.05) reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and lipid peroxidation. Under ROS induction, proline and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, SOD) exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels in combined stress (HS + MPs) than in individual treatments. In conclusion, wheat exhibited higher levels of H2O2 and MDA stress markers indicating increased oxidative stress compared to maize. In contrast, maize showed elevated levels of proline, CAT, POD, and SOD, suggesting greater resistance to environmental stresses than wheat. Our results provide new understandings of sustainable agriculture practices and hold vast promise in addressing the challenges of HS and MP stresses in agricultural soils.

The effect of seeding date and rate on growth and productivity of wheat under the rice-wheat successive system

A field experiment was carried out in the fields of the rice research station in Al-Mishkhab - Najaf Governorate, belongs to the Agricultural Research Office, in the winter seasons 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 to study the effect of seeding date and rate on the growth and productivity of wheat grown under the rice-wheat successive system. The wheat variety Abaa 99 was planted in the fields of the Jasmine rice variety, and the plants were standing and not yet harvested, on two dates, 11/15 and 12/15, at four seeding rates of 120, 160, 200, and 240 kg/ha, according to a randomized complete block design in the order of factorial experiments, with three replications. The results showed that the early planting date of 11/15 outperformed the late date of 15/12 in all the studied traits, as it gave the highest grain yields of 2,635 and 3,690 tons/ha compared to the late date of 1,583 and 1,461 t/ha for the first and second seasons, respectively. The seed rate of 160 kg/ha gave the highest grain yield of 2.5 and 2.71 t/ha for the first and second seasons, respectively. Therefore, we recommend planting wheat in mid-November, at a seed rate of 160 kg/ha under the rice-wheat succession system, in the environment of the rice region of Iraq.

Effect of Nano ZnO on Growth and Yield of Wheat under Salt Affected Soils

Background: Nano zinc is important tool in agriculture for improving crop growth, yield and quality characteristics while increasing nutrient usage efficiency, reducing fertiliser waste and lowering cultivation costs. About 7.0 million ha of agricultural land is affected by varying degrees of salt problems in the country. The magnitude of yield reduction depends on the crop, soil type and management. The reduction in yield normally ranges from 10% to 90% for wheat, 30% to 50% for rice, 50% to 75% for cotton and 30% to 90% for sugarcane. High concentration of salts in the soils is one of the important factors associated with the low productivity of wheat. Due to high concentration of salts the germination of the seeds is affected which results in to low plant stand and ultimately low productivity. Zn is considered to have seed priming effect and increase the germination and helps to maintain the plant stand. Zn deficiency is the most damaging micronutrient to crop growth and output of all cereal crops, including wheat. Zn deficiency in Indian and global soils is a well-documented constraint in crop production and it is now regarded as the fourth most yield-limiting nutrient in India. Methods: A pot culture study was conducted during Rabi 2022-2023 at Dept. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The experimental saline soil was collected from saline tract of purna valley, medium in organic carbon, moderately calcareous in nature, low in available N, medium in available P, very high in available K, marginal in available S and sufficient in micronutrients but deficient in Zn. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with nine treatments replicated thrice. Result: Significantly higher germination percentage (85%), number of tillers per plant (6.80), plant height (50.03 cm) was recorded under T4: RDF+ seed treatment with nano ZnO 1000 ppm @ 8 ml per kg of seed. Maximum spike length (9.29 cm) was recorded in RDF+ foliar spray with of nano ZnO 1000 ppm @ 2 ml per litter. In case of chemical properties of soil i.e., pHs, ECe, organic carbon and available N, P, K, S and Zn content, non-significant changes were observed with the application of nano ZnO.

Understanding the interplay of genotypes, sowing time and rice residue management for optimizing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and yield: a comprehensive review

Understanding the interplay of genotypes, sowing time and rice residue management for optimizing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and yield: a comprehensive review

Long‐Term Study of Optical Nanoparticles Doped With Yb3+/Er3+ and Transition Metal Ions and their Real Application for Imaging and Temperature Sensing on Triticum Aestivum L.

AbstractUpconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) have incredible potential for countless applications, especially in biology and medicine. These NPs can be used to bioimaging animals and plants and analyze their physiology, metabolic pathways, or intercellular interactions in real‐time. However, before reaching such an application, the UCNPs physicochemical properties during prolonged storage and their toxicity to a particular species must be studied. Herein, SrF2:Yb3+, Er3+ water colloid, additionally doped with transition metals (Sc3+ or Zn2+) to enhance observed emission, are tested during 22 weeks of storage in ambient conditions. The obtained compounds presented high stability throughout the entire duration of the experiment, with minor changes in their composition, emission intensity, and thermal sensitivity. After carefully investigating the phytotoxicity of UCNPs on wheat Triticum aestivum L., UC emission plant imaging is successfully observed under 975 nm excitation while overcoming laser heating that can harm the plant. The UC emission from the UCNPs in the plant is also calibrated to monitor temperature. Moreover, it is discovered that SrF2:Yb3+, Er3+, Zn2+ can positively influence wheat growth. These results indicate that presented UCNPs are among the most promising candidates for biological and agriculture studies and applications.

Wheat growth and phosphorus uptake from polyculture algal biofilms are synergistically modulated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Serendipita vermifera

Abstract Background and aims Phosphorus (P) from surface waters can be captured in algal biomass, which can be used as a fertilizer. We investigated the efficiency of polyculture algal biofilms produced on municipal wastewater effluent as a P fertilizer for wheat. We asked whether arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and the beneficial root endophyte Serendipita vermifera influence plant performance and P uptake. Methods Two pot experiments were performed with wheat fertilized with algal biofilms or highly available triple superphosphate (TSP) at a rate of 37 mg P kg−1, corresponding to 56.8 kg ha−1. In the second experiment, plants were inoculated with AMF (Rhizoglomus irregulare, Funneliformis mosseae, F. geosporum), S. vermifera, or both. P species contained in the algal biofilm and P release dynamics were analyzed by liquid-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and leachate analyses. Results Algal biofilms contained high levels of orthophosphate with low water solubility. P recovery by wheat was lower than from TSP, as indicated by plant total dry matter and total P. In algae-fertilized wheat, AMF reduced growth but not P uptake, while S. vermifera in dual inoculation with AMF mitigated the adverse effects. S. vermifera significantly increased root growth and P content in roots when co-inoculated with AMF. Conclusion Polyculture algal biomass is an effective, less leaching-prone organic P source for wheat. The synergistic effect of S. vermifera as a root growth-promoting fungus in its interaction with AMF shows the potential and relevance of microbial involvement in using algae-based fertilizers.

Effect of Spacing and Organic Manures on Growth, Yield and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effect of Spacing and Organic Manures on Growth, Yield and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wide-narrow row planting and limited irrigation improve grain filling and spike traits in winter wheat in arid regions

Winter wheat is a vital grain crop in Xinjiang and severe water scarcity in this arid region necessitates efficient irrigation strategies for sustainable production. A two-year field experiment (2022–2023) in northern Xinjiang was conducted to evaluate the effects of sowing patterns and drip irrigation levels on winter wheat growth and yield. Two sowing patterns were tested: uniform row spacing (CK1, 15 cm) and wide–narrow row spacing, comprising 13.3 cm + 13.3 cm + 13.3 cm + 20 cm (M1), 10 cm + 10 cm + 10 cm + 30 cm (M2), and 10 cm + 10 cm + 10 cm + 20 cm (M3). Four drip irrigation levels were applied: 4500 mm2/hm2 CK), 3600 m³/hm² (D1), 2700 m³/hm² (D2), and 0 m2/hm2 (D3). The results indicate that wide–narrow row spacing increased the single-plant dry matter weight, with the stem + sheath and spike allocation ratios at maturity increasing by 15.31% and 6.59%, respectively. Wide–narrow rows improved spike traits, particularly in the outer rows, increasing spike length and grain number per spike by 0.46% and 0.68%, respectively, and reducing sterile spikelets by 1.35%. Compared with the CK1D1 treatment, the M2D1 treatment significantly increased the number of spikes per unit area, number of grains per spike, and yield by 19.15%, 5.92%, and 19.10%, respectively, with no significant difference in thousand-kernel weight. These findings demonstrated that M2D1 treatment optimized yield and water-saving efficiency, providing critical guidance for winter wheat production in arid regions.

Foliar Application of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles to Mitigate Drought -Induced Oxidation Stress in Wheat

Background: Global agricultural production is seriously threatened by water scarcity and drought-induced oxidative stress, especially for crops that are sensitive to water, like wheat. Materials and Methods: The goal of this study is to determine whether applying zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) that have been green-synthesized topically can help wheat suffer less from oxidative stress brought on by drought. The study focuses on wheat's physiological and biochemical characteristics under varied water conditions, including as growth, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and oxidative damage. Results: In the investigation, ZnO-NPs were employed at four distinct concentrations. The results emphasis the potential of ZnO-NP foliar sprays for enhancing wheat's resistance to drought stress by showing their beneficial impacts on wheat growth, chlorophyll content, increased shoot, root weight and antioxidant enzyme activities. Conclusion: This creative strategy conserves resources in areas with limited water supplies while increasing agricultural yield in an eco-friendly manner.

Assessing the exposure of lead, cadmium, and arsenic on growth parameters and antioxidant defense system in wheat.

Heavy metals (HMs) pollution of soil adversely impacts agricultural productivity and poses risks to public health, necessitating regular and timely monitoring of HMs accumulation in soils. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), as a globally cultivated staple crop, is particularly vulnerable to HM-induced stress, which can significantly reduce its yield and quality. The purpose of the experiment was to study the effect of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) on the growth, photosynthetic pigments content, enzymatic and low molecular weight antioxidants, and the uptake of metals in the wheat seedlings. We carried out a pot experiment in which HMs were introduced into the soil Pb (1300mgkg-1), Cd (20mgkg-1), As (100mgkg-1) separately and all together in one combination and an uncontaminated control. The doses of HMs corresponded to the registered high pollution level in impact zone (10 approximate permissible concentrations). The results showed that HMs contamination of the soil affected the growth, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant enzymes activities in wheat. The polyelement contamination significantly reduced root growth. The polyelement contamination led to an intensification of lipid peroxidation processes, which was reflected in an increase in malondialdehyde content in leaves and roots by 39% and 127% compared with the control. The cumulative exposure affected antioxidants in wheat, leading to deregulation of defense mechanisms, characterized by an increase in reduced glutathione content in leaves and roots by 23% and 69%, an increase in proline and ascorbic acid content in leaves by 174% and 20%, and a decrease in roots by 80% and 43%, respectively. These results highlight that HMs contamination not only inhibited growth but also affected antioxidant defense system. Therefore, developing effective strategies to mitigate HMs-induced stress and enhance wheat production is crucial for sustainable agriculture in contaminated environments.