Wheat Growth Research Articles

Effects of integrated nutrient management on wheat growth and yield under late-sown conditions

Effects of integrated nutrient management on wheat growth and yield under late-sown conditions

Comparative study of fresh cow dung slurry v/s inorganic nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Comparative study of fresh cow dung slurry v/s inorganic nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Impact of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under the agro-climatic conditions of southern Uttar Pradesh

Impact of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under the agro-climatic conditions of southern Uttar Pradesh

Cyanobacteria inoculation mitigates salinity stress by regulating plant growth, photosynthetic performance, elemental concentrations and yield in wheat

Cyanobacteria inoculation mitigates salinity stress by regulating plant growth, photosynthetic performance, elemental concentrations and yield in wheat

Effect of nano fertilizer on growth and yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Dehradun region variety HD-2967

Effect of nano fertilizer on growth and yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Dehradun region variety HD-2967

Screening drought‐tolerant durum wheat genotypes using morphophysiological traits

Abstract Drought stress is a critical factor that limits the growth, yield, and related traits of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). Thus, to identify superior drought‐tolerant genotypes, a comprehensive study was carried out through rainout shelter and field experiments during the 2020–2021 and 2022–2023 growing seasons. The goal was to select genotypes that exhibit enhanced drought resilience based on key morphophysiological traits. In the preliminary phase, 100 genotypes were exposed to two water regimes: drought‐stressed and well‐watered conditions. From this pool, 12 promising genotypes were shortlisted for further evaluation in both pot experiments and natural drought‐prone environments. Various traits, including leaf water status, leaf gas exchange parameters, morphological characteristics, and agronomic performance, were measured. The results highlighted significant genetic variation among the genotypes for traits such as relative water content (RWC), excised leaf water loss (ELWL), and chlorophyll content. Significant differences were also observed from transpiration rate (E), photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance (gsw), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), boundary layer conductance, normalized difference vegetation index, leaf angle, and leaf rolling. Among the tested genotypes, DW183123 consistently outperformed others in both drought‐stressed and well‐watered conditions, demonstrating superior performance in pot and field trials. Under drought stress, it maintained higher RWC, Ci, E, and gsw, and low ELWL in drought stress conditions, which were identified as having a greater potential to maintain water balance in their leaves. Moreover, it displayed tighter inward leaf rolling with erect leaves compared to susceptible genotypes, which exhibited loose rolling. Therefore, these findings suggest that DW183123 is a promising candidate for future wheat breeding programs aimed at enhancing drought tolerance in durum wheat varieties.

Exiguobacterium aurantiacum SA100 induces antioxidant enzymes and salinity tolerance gene expression in wheat.

This study evaluated the effects of Exiguobacterium aurantiacum SA100 on wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth under varying levels of salinity stress. Results indicated that SA100 significantly enhanced seed germination, root and shoot length, and fresh and dry biomass across salinity levels, particularly at 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Inoculation improved antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, APX, POD, PPO), increased total phenolic content, and reduced oxidative damage by lowering MDA and H2O2 levels under 150 mM salinity. Ionic balance was maintained, with significant increases in K+, Mg++, and Ca++ and a reduction in Na+ accumulation. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of salt-tolerance genes (NAC7, NHX1, SOS1) and downregulation of stress-responsive genes (GS1, DREB2, DHN13, WRKY32). Principal component analysis confirmed that SA100 promotes salinity tolerance by modulating both biochemical and molecular responses. These findings suggest E. aurantiacum SA100 as a promising bioinoculant for enhancing wheat resilience under salinity stress.

Irrigation at an Early Growth Stage in Water‐Limited Conditions Improves Wheat Nitrogen Use

ABSTRACTWater and nitrogen (N) limitations are major abiotic stress factors constraining cereal productivity, particularly when they coincide with critical growth stages. In boreal‐nemoral environments, limited spring precipitation and high evaporative demand often lead to water scarcity, which in turn limits N uptake and assimilation. This study investigated the effects of early growth stage irrigation on wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Thell) performance under conditions of insufficient available N. Experiments were conducted in controlled conditions in a greenhouse with either irrigated or nonirrigated spring wheat that were either N fertilised (150 kg N ha−1) or unfertilised (0 kg N ha−1). Wheat grown under combined irrigation and N supply exhibited significantly greater water and N uptake, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance, compared to treatments with limited water and/or N. Irrigation improved agronomic N use efficiency by 75%, fertiliser N recovery by 44%, and both N translocation and remobilisation efficiency by 16% compared with nonirrigated wheat. Nitrogen deficiency stress reduced fertile florets per spike, grain number, grain weight and final grain yield, but early‐stage irrigation mitigated these effects. Key parameters for optimising N use efficiency included N uptake efficiency (R2 = 0.78), utilisation efficiency (R2 = 0.84) and grain N yield (R2 = 0.79). In conclusion, early growth stage irrigation markedly improved N utilisation in conditions where limited water availability restricts spring wheat growth and yield formation.

Composted Sludge and Trichoderma harzianum T-22 as a Dual Strategy to Enhance Wheat Growth and Soil Microbial Diversity

This study evaluated the effects of Trichoderma harzianum strain T-22 on wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. Durum, cv. Vitron) growth and soil microbial dynamics. Three inoculation levels (I0, I1, and I2) were applied to different soil substrates: Villacañas soil (V), Quero soil (Q), and composted sewage sludge (C) from Alcázar de San Juan. Over six months, soil physicochemical properties, fungal diversity, and plant development were analyzed. The results showed that Trichoderma significantly increased fungal diversity, particularly in compost-amended substrates. In treatments with composted sludge and Trichoderma (CVI2 and CQI2), Trichoderma colonization reached up to 112,000 propagules/g, enhancing microbial activity. Higher shoot biomass and spike weight were observed when combining compost with Trichoderma since it improved nutrient availability and plant growth. Additionally, Trichoderma inoculation reduced the presence of pathogenic fungi such as Helminthosporium and Fusarium, reinforcing its biocontrol potential. However, high salinity of the soil limited microbial proliferation and plant performance. In conclusion, composted sludge and Trichoderma improved soil microbiota, enhanced wheat growth, and increased resistance against pathogens. The results highlight the potential of Trichoderma as a sustainable alternative to chemical treatments in crop production. Further studies should further investigate field-scale applications to validate these findings under real agricultural conditions.

Impacts of Ellagic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide on Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Physiological Attributes Under Saline Stress: A Seed Priming Approach

ABSTRACTSoil salinity severely impacts seed germination, growth and overall crop productivity worldwide. Ellagic acid (EA) and hydrogen peroxide (HP, H2O2) play vital roles in plant stress responses, particularly in mitigating the negative effects of salinity. EA, a polyphenolic compound with strong antioxidant properties, helps enhance plant resilience by neutralising reactive oxygen species (ROS), regulating stress‐related genes and restoring osmotic balance. HP, although often seen as a harmful ROS, acts as a signalling molecule at low concentrations, promoting stress tolerance by activating antioxidant defences, maintaining ion homeostasis and regulating stomatal function. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of EA and H2O2 on wheat (Triticum aestivum) under saline stress. Two cultivars, salt‐tolerant Punjab‐85 and salt‐sensitive MH‐97, were soaked in various concentrations of EA (0, 60 and 120 ppm) and H2O2 (0, 55 and 110 ppm) for 6 h. After planting in pots, a saline solution of 150 mM NaCl was applied 2 weeks post germination to induce salt stress. Results showed that H2O2 positively affected ash concentration in both cultivars, with lower (55 ppm) and higher (110 ppm) concentrations being most effective for the respective cultivars. The study also found that leaf area, ear length, ear weight, dry weight and productivity were correlated with total chlorophyll content, which was negatively associated with Chl‐a, lipids, Na+ and Mg2+. Combined priming with EA and H2O2 had a stronger protective effect than individual treatments, helping alleviate salt stress and promote wheat growth.

Application of glycine betaine loaded chitosan nanoparticles mitigates lead toxicity and promotes plant growth in wheat

In recent years, heavy metal toxicity has become a major threat to all living organisms due to the increase in human population and anthropogenic activities. Among heavy metals, lead (Pb) is regarded as a highly toxic pollutant for wheat. A hydroponic experiment was performed to examine the potential of exogenously applied glycine betaine loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) (0.04%) in mitigating Pb phyto-toxicity in wheat. Under Pb stress (2 mM Pb), plant height, pigment contents were decreased and Pb accumulation was enhanced both in roots and shoots of plants. Moreover, the application of NPs decreased Pb accumulation and increased plant growth, pigment contents, soluble sugars, proline, and glycine betaine contents, Additionally, it enhanced the activities of antioxidative enzymes such as super dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) by 78%, 12%, and 36% in shoots, and 82%, 14%, and 40% in roots, respectively relative to plants under Pb stress alone. These findings suggest that the exogenous application of glycine- betaine loaded chitosan NPs is highly effective in mitigation of phytotoxicity of Pb in wheat grown under Pb contamination.

Comprehensive Analysis of Metabolites and Biological Endpoints Providing New Insights into the Tolerance of Wheat Under Sulfamethoxazole Stress.

Metabolomics is a commonly used method to study the responses of organisms to environmental changes. However, the relationships between metabolites and biological endpoints still need further discussion. In this study, we exposed wheat seeds to sulfamethoxazole (0, 1, 10, 100 mg/L) for 5 days. The results show that sulfamethoxazole (SMX) had an inhibitory effect on wheat growth. It reduced shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, chlorophyll content, and carotenoid content. At the same time, it increased the concentration of reactive oxygen species, the activity of superoxide dismutase, the activity of peroxidase, and the activity of catalase in the root. An orthogonal partial least squares analysis and correlation analysis were performed. SMX transformed five key metabolic pathways. Notably, certain metabolic alterations exhibited negative correlations with reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activities (including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT)), while showing positive associations with root growth parameters (fresh weight and length). Conversely, other metabolic changes appeared to promote ROS generation and enhance antioxidant enzyme activities, consequently inhibiting root growth. These findings offer novel perspectives on the metabolic regulation of wheat's stress response to SMX exposure.

REMEDIATION OF CADMIUM-CONTAMINATED SOIL USING BIOCHAR AND ITS IMPACT ON WHEAT GERMINATION AND GROWTH

Heavy metal contamination, particularly cadmium (Cd), poses a severe threat to crop productivity and food safety due to its toxicity and non-biodegradable nature. This study aimed to assess the role of cotton stick biochar (CSB) in mitigating cadmium toxicity in soil and its impact on the germination, growth, and physiological responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A controlled pot experiment was conducted using soil artificially spiked with cadmium at 0, 4, and 8 mg kg⁻¹ and amended with CSB at 0%, 1%, and 2% (w/w). Results revealed that cadmium stress significantly reduced wheat germination percentage, shoot and root biomass, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and increased cadmium accumulation in plant tissues. However, the application of 2% CSB markedly improved germination (up to 88%), shoot and root growth, physiological parameters, and reduced cadmium uptake by up to 80% in shoots and 71% in roots. Furthermore, CSB application significantly enhanced soil organic carbon and cation exchange capacity while decreasing available soil cadmium levels. The study demonstrates that CSB is a cost-effective and eco-friendly soil amendment for reducing cadmium bioavailability, improving soil health, and supporting sustainable wheat cultivation under metal-stressed conditions.

Low-Temperature and Light Pretreatment Interactively Promote Rapid Flowering, Early Ripening, and Yield Accumulation of Winter Wheat.

Exposing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds to a combination of light and low temperatures for 4-6 weeks, followed by transferring to speed breeding (SB) conditions, has been demonstrated to effectively reduce generation time in winter wheat. To reveal the underlying mechanisms of accelerated generation advancement in winter wheat, we investigated changes in transcriptome and the subsequent responses in plant growth, flowering of germinated seeds vernalized at 4 °C with white exposure (VL) or under dark conditions (VD) for 4 weeks before sowing, and subsequent growth under SB conditions. Germinated seeds without vernalization were directly sown under SB conditions and served as controls (Control). The results showed that, compared with Control and VD, VL significantly expedited vernalization, resulting in early flowering for around 6 days and accelerated ripening of progeny seeds for 13 days with a higher germination index and vigor index. The transcriptomic analysis revealed that the differently expressed genes (DEGs) involved in GA synthesis and its signal transduction both participated in the light-induced speed vernalization and the subsequent rapid growth and development of winter wheat. The MADS-box transcription factors, especially VRN-A1 and MADS55, might play a vital role in the light- and low-temperature-induced early flowering. Our results stress the importance of light in vernalization and lay the groundwork for further elucidating the mechanisms underlying the light-induced speed vernalization of winter wheat.

Winter Wheat Vernalization Alleles and Freezing Tolerance at the Seedling and Jointing Stages.

This study explores the relationship between allelic variation of the vernalization genes (VRN) and the freezing tolerance at the seedling and jointing stages of winter wheat growth. It provides a basis for molecular marker development for freezing tolerance breeding of winter wheat. A total of 435 wheat accessions were used to identify and evaluate the freezing tolerance at the seedling stage using field tests, while 192 wheat accessions were used to evaluate the freezing tolerance at the jointing stage in climate chamber tests. The VRN genes of the wheat accessions were detected using allele-specific markers of the VRN-A1, VRN-B1, VRN-D1 and VRN-B3 loci, and the relationship between VRN genotype and freezing tolerance at the two developmental stages was tested. There were significant differences in freezing tolerance between the wheat accessions. Assessing the freezing tolerance of 52 wheat accessions at both the seedling and jointing stages revealed no significant correlation between tolerance at these two stages. The genotypic analysis found that Vrn-D1 was the most frequent dominant allele in winter wheat, while no accession contained the dominant alleles Vrn-A1 and Vrn-B3. Notably, freezing tolerance showed stage-specific genetic regulation; seedling-stage freezing tolerance strongly correlated with vernalization gene allelic combinations (p < 0.05), whereas jointing-stage freezing tolerance exhibited no such association. The presence of all recessive alleles vrn-A1, vrn-B1, vrn-D1 and vrn-B3 was required for strong seedling-stage freezing tolerance. The VRN-D1 marker was effective for screening freezing tolerance materials under the premise that vrn-A1 and vrn-B1 alleles are recessive at winter wheat seedling stage.

Rhizobia as complex biofertilizers for wheat: Biological nitrogen fixation and plant growth promotion

The biological fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by rhizobia plays a key role in the cycle of ecosystems and their productivity. In agriculture, it is often used to increase the yield of legumes. We aimed to assess the stimulatory properties of three bacterial strains (Ensifer meliloti 441 B-219, Ensifer mexicanus B-4064, and Rhizobium tropici B-216) and their potential for promoting wheat growth under laboratory conditions. The bacterial were obtained from the All-Russian Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (National Bioresource Center, Kurchatov Institute). To explore their potential for agronomic practices, we determined their stimulating properties and assessed antagonistic activity against such phytopathogens as Fusarium graminearum F-877, Bipolaris sorokiniana F-529, Botrytis cinerea F-1006, Erwinia rhapontici B-9292, and Xanthomonas campestris B-4102. Finally, we studied the effect of the strains on germination and the contents of photosynthetic pigments, nitrogen, and protein in the above-ground parts of wheat plants under laboratory conditions. All the test rhizobia strains demonstrated various stimulating properties. In particular, they produced phytohormones, fixed nitrogen, solubilized phosphates and zinc, and synthesized ACC deaminase. The strains also exhibited pronounced antagonistic activity against F. graminearum, B. sorokiniana, and Xanthomonas campestris. According to the laboratory tests, the wheat seeds treated with E. meliloti 441 B-219 and R. tropici B-216 had longer shoots and roots, as well as higher contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids in some wheat varieties. R. tropici also had a strong positive effect on the weight of shoots and roots in all wheat varieties. E. mexicanus B-4064 exhibited a positive effect only on germination in some varieties. However, none of the strains had a significant effect on the nitrogen content. The test rhizobia strains have significant potential for stimulating plant growth, but they do not contribute to a significant increase in nitrogen availability for wheat.

Evaluating the Growth Performance of Nile and Red Tilapia and Its Influence on Morphological Growth and Yield of Intercropped Wheat and Sugar Beet Under a Biosaline Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture System.

Integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems (IAASs) offer a sustainable approach to mitigating soil salinity by utilizing aquaculture effluents for irrigation. This study evaluates the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) under varying salinity conditions and investigates their effluents on intercropped wheat and sugar beet. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with seven treatments: control (chemical fertilizers dissolved in freshwater) and brackish water effluents from Nile tilapia and red tilapia at salinities of 5 ppt and 10 ppt as monocultures or mixed polycultures. Fish growth parameters were assessed, while wheat and sugar beet morphological and yield traits were monitored. Statistical analyses, including correlation and principal component analysis, were performed. Red tilapia outperformed Nile tilapia at 10 ppt salinity, achieving the highest final weight (174.52 ± 0.01 g/fish) and weight gain (165.78 ± 0.01 g/fish), while the mixed polyculture at 10 ppt exhibited optimal feed conversion (FCR: 1.32 ± 0.01). Wheat growth and yield traits (plant height, stalk diameter, and panicle weight) declined significantly under salinity stress, with 10 ppt treatments reducing plant height by ~57% compared to the control. Conversely, sugar beet demonstrated resilience, with total soluble solids (TSS) increasing by 20-30% under salinity. The mixed effluent partially mitigated salinity effects on wheat at 5 ppt but not at 10 ppt. This study highlights the potential of IAAS in saline environments, demonstrating red tilapia's adaptability and sugar beet's resilience to salinity stress. In contrast, wheat suffered significant reductions in growth and yield.

Cereal crop following organic intercrops and their respective monocultures in the semiarid Canadian Prairie

Abstract Organic crop production relies mostly on legumes for N input. Intercropping of organic legumes with more competitive crops might provide an alternative to the poor weed suppression and disease susceptibility of legumes. It might also be expected that such intercropping could be of benefit to crops grown in the subsequent year through increased N from the preceding intercropped legume, and lower weed growth due to the more competitive companion. The objective of this study, conducted under drier than average conditions in a semiarid region of the Canadian Prairies, was to determine how organic intercrops of legumes with a cereal or oilseed at different ratios would affect soil nutrients the next spring, weed levels, and the productivity and quality of the following durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) Husn.]. Results from 2018 to 2019 showed that intercropping had a negligible impact on Olsen P and extractable K. Soil NO3‐N (&gt;15‐cm deep) was lowest following the lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)–mustard (Sinapis alba L.) intercrops and mustard monoculture, which was reflected in lower growth of the durum wheat. Conversely, some of the pea (Pisum sativum L.)–oat (Avena sativa L.) intercrops and the oat and all legume monocultures resulted in higher durum wheat biomass and grain yield, with their highest values observed after the checks summerfallow and forage pea manure. Weeds tended to have lower densities after the intercrops than the grain legume monocultures. Nutrient concentration in plant tissue suggested that weeds could be a greater source of soil nutrients than crops.

AtWRKY30 transcription factor mitigates chromium and salt toxicity and induces resistance against bacterial leaf blight and stripe rust in wheat.

Chromium (Cr) and salt stresses restrict wheat growth and yield globally. Wheat crops are also adversely affected by bacterial leaf blight and stripe rust caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) and Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), respectively. WRKY transcription factors revealed great potential in elevating crop resistance to environmental factors. This study assessed the roles of Arabidopsis WRKY30 (AtWRKY30) in regulating wheat tolerance to Cr toxicity, salt stress, bacterial leaf blight and stripe rust. Wild-type and AtWRKY30-overexpressing wheat plants were exposed to non-stressful conditions, Cr toxicity (0.5 mM K2Cr2O7), salt stress (150 mM NaCl), and pathogen infections (Pss or Pst). The results indicated that Cr and salt stresses restricted the growth and reduced the level of chlorophyll, gas exchange rates and potassium content in wheat plants. However, under Cr and salt toxicity, AtWRKY30 overexpression in wheat significantly reduced the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and minerals (Cr, sodium, and chloride), augmented the growth and yield components, and enhanced the levels of chlorophyll, potassium, gas exchange, osmoprotectants, enzymatic antioxidants, redox components, and expression of stress-related genes compared to wild-type plants. AtWRKY30 overexpression also significantly reduced bacterial leaf blight and stripe rust symptoms in wheat plants infected with Pss and Pst, respectively. Overall, this research demonstrated the effective roles of AtWRKY30 in enhancing wheat tolerance to Cr toxicity, salinity, bacterial leaf blight and stripe rust, indicating its general effect on stress tolerance and redox regulation. Hence, AtWRKY30 can be employed as a promising candidate gene to further boost crop stress tolerance.

Carbon dioxide-enriched atmosphere diminished the phytotoxicity of neodymium in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Neodymium (Nd), a rare earth element (REEs), is widely utilized in industry. Although the detailed biological role of Nd in plant biology is unclear, recent reports have noted its oxidative phytotoxicity at concentrations higher than 200 mg kg-1 soil. At present it is unclear if these detrimental effects could be offset by the global rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) which has been shown to enhance photosynthesis and growth in a wide range of C3 plant species. To assess any amelioration effects of [CO2], a phytotoxic dose of Nd (III) was given to wheat grown under two scenarios of atmospheric CO2, ambient levels of CO2 (aCO2, 420 ppm) and eCO2 (620 ppm) to assess growth and photosynthesis. Our results suggest that at ambient [CO2], Nd treatment retarded wheat growth, photosynthesis and induced severe oxidative stress. In contrast, eCO2 reduced the accumulation of Nd in wheat tissues and mitigated its negative impact on biomass production and photosynthesis related parameters, i.e., photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, Rubisco activity and photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm). Elevated [CO2] also supported the antioxidant defense system in Nd-treated wheat, enhanced production of enzymatic antioxidants, and more efficient ascorbate-glutathione recycling was noted. While additional data are needed, these initial results suggest that rising [CO2] could reduce Nd-induced oxidative stress in wheat.