Wheat Production Research Articles

Planting pattern and nitrogen management strategies: positive effect on yield and quality attributes of Triticum aestivum L. crop

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple food crop that plays a crucial role in global food security. A suitable planting pattern and optimum nitrogen (N) split management are efficient practices for improving wheat production. Therefore, an experiment was performed to explore the effect of N split management and sowing patterns on wheat at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during rabi season 2020-21 and 2021-22. The treatments consisted of different nitrogen rates of 0, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha− 1 and planting patterns of W, M, broadcast and line sowing. The pooled analysis of both cropping seasons showed that application of 120 kg N ha− 1 increased spikelets spike− 1, grains spike− 1, 1000 grains weight, grain yield, grain N content, evapotranspiration and water use efficiency by 21.9, 16.7, 21.8, 70, 13, 19.9 and 40% as compared to control, respectively. In addition, W and M were observed the best management practices among all planting patterns. The M planting pattern enhanced chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids and evapotranspiration while W plating pattern improved yield components and yield of wheat as compared to broadcast planting patterns. The principal component analysis biplot showed a close association of M and W planting patterns with 120 kg N ha− 1 in most of the studied traits. Hence, it is concluded that split application of 120 kg N ha− 1 in W and M sowing patterns enhanced growth, biochemical traits and water use efficiency, reducing N fertilization from 160 to 120 kg ha− 1 while increasing grain yield of wheat. Hence, it is recommended that application of 120 kg N ha⁻¹ in combination with W and M planting patterns offer a sustainable approach to enhancing wheat production in the alkaline soil conditions of the Peshawar valley.

The Effect of Tillage Systems and Weed Control Methods on Grain Yield and Gluten Protein Compositional and Content-Related Changes in Hybrid Bread Wheat

The use of simplified tillage systems and weed control methods using reduced herbicide doses in wheat production technology is one of the basic requirements of sustainable agriculture in terms of obtaining high-quality grain of this species. The aim of three-year field studies was to determine the yield and quality characteristics of hybrid wheat grain depending on two tillage systems (CT and RT) and four weed control methods: mechanical (M) and mechanical–chemical, using recommended herbicide doses (MH100) and doses reduced by 25 and 50% (MH75, MH50). A comparable grain yield, number of grains per spike, weight of one thousand wheat grains, and amount of gluten and ω gliadin subunits (GLI) were obtained in the RT and CT systems. The CT system increased protein content (by 15.2 g kg−1) and the increase in the sum of gluten protein fractions was higher for glutenins (GLU) and their LMW and HMW subunits (from 20.9 to 29.8%). The application of the method with the recommended herbicide dose (MH100), compared to M and MH50, resulted in an increase in grain yield by 0.89 and 1.04 t ha−1, respectively, as well as in the sum of GLI (by 8.4 and 12.3%) and GLU (by 13.7 and 25.3%). The application of the herbicide dose reduced by 25% (MH75) compared to the recommended dose (MH100), especially in the RT system, did not cause a significant decrease in protein content and the amount of GLI and GLU, while reducing grain yield (by 0.26 t ha−1) and the amount of gluten (by 3.1%).

Novel resistance loci for quantitative resistance to Septoria tritici blotch in Asian wheat (Triticum aestivum) via genome-wide association study

BackgroundSeptoria tritici blotch (STB) disease causes yield losses of up to 50 per cent in susceptible wheat cultivars and can reduce wheat production. In this study, genomic architecture for adult-plant STB resistance in a Septoria Association Mapping Panel (SAMP) having 181 accessions and genomic regions governing STB resistance in a South Asian wheat panel were looked for.ResultsField experiments during the period from 2019 to 2021 revealed those certain accessions, namely BGD52 (CHIR7/ANB//CHIR1), BGD54 (CHIR7/ANB//CHIR1), IND92 (WH 1218), IND8 (DBW 168), and IND75 (PBW 800), exhibited a high level of resistance. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of 21 stable quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with resistance to STB (Septoria tritici blotch) on all wheat chromosomes, except for 2D, 3A, 3D, 4A, 4D, 5D, 6B, 6D, and 7A. These QTNs were predominantly located in chromosome regions previously identified as associated with STB resistance. Three Quantitative Trait Loci (QTNs) were found to have significant phenotypic effects in field evaluations. These QTNs are Q.STB.5A.1, Q.STB.5B.1, and Q.STB.5B.3. Furthermore, it is possible that the QTNs located on chromosomes 1A (Q.STB.1A.1), 2A (Q.STB_DH.2A.1, Q.STB.2A.3), 2B (Q.STB.2B.4), 5A (Q.STB.5A.1, Q.STB.5A.2), and 7B (Q.STB.7B.2) could potentially be new genetic regions associated with resistance.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate the importance of Asian bread wheat as a source of STB resistance alleles and novel stable QTNs for wheat breeding programs aiming to develop long-lasting and wide-ranging resistance to Zymoseptoria tritici in wheat cultivars.

Physio-biochemical and molecular characterization of wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) under post-anthesis heat stress

BackgroundHeat stress is one of the abiotic stresses that make wheat crops vulnerable, which significantly impacts crop production around the world. An increase in temperature during the reproductive phase (anthesis) beyond the optimal range of 15–20 °C leads to decreased crop production, poor quality of the grain, and altered physiological and biochemical processes. To study the association between high temperature and physio-biochemical traits under normal and late sown, a set of fifteen genotypes was utilized.ResultsRelative water content under high temperatures had an overall decrease of 8.7%. However, grain protein and malondialdehyde content were higher in the stressed conditions than in the control, with increases of 20.2% and 38.9%, respectively. Marker Xgwm67, located on chromosome 5B, was found to be significantly associated with malondialdehyde content (R2 = 21%) and Xgwm570, located on 6A, was closely linked to relative water content as well as grain protein content (R2 = 16%) revealed by regression analysis. The correlation matrix displays a positive association between the control and stressed condition by R2 = 0.92, 0.82, and 0.53 in malondialdehyde, relative water content, and grain protein, respectively. However, there was a negative correlation between water content–malondialdehyde and malondialdehyde–grain protein, though there was only a 4% correlation between grain protein content (control) and relative water content (stressed). Based on the tolerance matrix, WH730 and RAJ4079 were heat tolerant, and DBW173 and HD3086 were sensitive.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that to identify tolerant genotypes, physiological and biochemical traits can be utilized as an alternate criterion, and these closely associated markers can be applied for improved late-planted wheat production through MAS. The breeding scheme and genome editing by recognizing novel genes through physio-biochemical parameters, marker-assisted selection, and prospective screening of tolerant genotypes are proclaimed by the study.

Exploring the Biocontrol Potential of Phanerochaete chrysosporium against Wheat Crown Rot.

The worldwide occurrence of wheat crown rot, predominantly caused by the pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum, has a serious impact on wheat production. Numerous microorganisms have been employed as biocontrol agents, exhibiting effectiveness in addressing a wide array of plant pathogens through various pathways. The mycelium of the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium effectively inhibits the growth of F. pseudograminearum by tightly attaching to it and forming specialized penetrating structures. This process leads to the release of intracellular inclusions and the eventual disintegration of pathogen cells. Furthermore, volatile organic compounds and fermentation products produced by P. chrysosporium exhibit antifungal properties. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and modalities of action will facilitate the advancement and implementation of this biocontrol fungus. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the mycoparasitic behavior of P. chrysosporium, transcriptome analyses were conducted to examine the interactions between P. chrysosporium and F. pseudograminearum at 36, 48, and 84 h. During mycoparasitism, the up-regulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding fungal cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs), iron ion binding, and mycotoxins were mainly observed. Moreover, pot experiments revealed that P. chrysosporium not only promoted the growth and quality of wheat but also hindered the colonization of F. pseudograminearum in wheat seedlings. This led to a delay in the development of stem base rot, a reduction in disease severity and incidence, and the activation of the plant's self-defense mechanisms. Our study provides important insights into the biocontrol mechanisms employed by P. chrysosporium against wheat crown rot caused by F. pseudograminearum.

Deciphering anhydrobiosis and plant parasitism of the wheat seed gall nematode, Anguina tritici through transcriptomic analysis

The wheat seed gall nematode (Anguina tritici L.) poses a significant threat to wheat and barley production. Central to its survival is the ability to endure desiccation through anhydrobiosis, setting it apart from other nematodes. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing anhydrobiosis and plant parasitism in A. tritici is crucial for devising effective management strategies. A comprehensive transcriptomic analysis was conducted to elucidate the genetic pathways involved in these processes. Employing next-generation sequencing technologies, gene expression profiling was performed across three developmental stages, namely anhydrobiotic J2, revived J2 and the adult. Transcriptomic profiling yielded 139,002 transcripts in anhydrobiotic J2s, 156,731 in revived J2s, and 80,282 in adult stages, with a cumulative assembly size of 133.2 Mb. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that 1223 genes were significantly upregulated whereas 1934 genes were downregulated in anhydrobiotic J2s in comparison to revived J2s. Comparative transcriptomic analysis across nematode species highlighted conserved and species-specific genes. Functional annotation identified key genes associated with anhydrobiosis, plant parasitism, glycosylation, and longevity mechanisms. Real-time PCR validation corroborated differential expression patterns. The present study provides gene homologs and longevity pathways, which indicate similarity of the mechanism of dauer larva formation and survival strategies to that of Caenorhabditis elegans. Comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis for survival and parasitic strategies of A. tritici, shall provide potential targets for novel control interventions to mitigate nematode's impact on wheat crops.

Effect of Nano-Zinc Oxide, Rice Straw Compost, and Gypsum on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Yield and Soil Quality in Saline-Sodic Soil.

The salinity and alkalinity of soils are two fundamental factors that limit plant growth and productivity. For that reason, a field study conducted at Sakha Agric. Res. Station in Egypt during the 2022-2023 winter season aimed to assess the impact of gypsum (G), compost (C), and zinc foliar application in two images, traditional (Z1 as ZnSO4) and nanoform (Z2 as N-ZnO), on alleviating the saline-sodic conditions of the soil and its impact on wheat productivity. The results showed that the combination of gypsum, compost, and N-ZnO foliar spray (G + C + Z2) decreased the soil electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) by 14.81%, 40.60%, and 35.10%, respectively. Additionally, compared to the control, the G + C + Z2 treatment showed improved nutrient content and uptake as well as superior wheat biomass parameters, such as the highest grain yield (7.07 Mg ha-1), plant height (98.0 cm), 1000-grain weight (57.03 g), and straw yield (9.93 Mg ha-1). Interestingly, foliar application of N-ZnO was more effective than ZnSO4 in promoting wheat productivity. Principal component analysis highlighted a negative correlation between increased grain yield and the soil EC and SAR, whereas the soil organic matter (OM), infiltration rate (IR), and plant nutrient content were found to be positively correlated. Furthermore, employing the k-nearest neighbors technique, it was predicted that the wheat grain yield would rise to 7.25 t ha-1 under certain soil parameters, such as EC (5.54 dS m-1), ESP (10.02%), OM (1.41%), bulk density (1.30 g cm-3), infiltration rate (1.15 cm h-1), and SAR (7.80%). These results demonstrate how adding compost and gypsum to foliar N-ZnO can improve the soil quality, increase the wheat yield, and improve the nutrient uptake, all of which can support sustainable agriculture.

Nitrogen Fertilisation and Seed Rate Regulation Improved Photosynthesis, Grain Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Ridge–Furrow Cropping

ABSTRACTRidge–furrow cropping patterns, nitrogen fertilisation and seed rate regulation are popular management strategies for improving crop yields in the semi‐arid areas of Northwest China, but their interactive effects on grain yield and water use efficiency remain poorly understood. In 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, a two‐season field experiment was conducted on winter wheat. There were two cropping patterns (C), ridge–furrow cropping with film mulch (RC) and traditional cropping without mulch (TC), two nitrogen fertilisation rates (N), 0 and 200 kg N ha−1 (N0 and N1) and three seed rates (S), 240, 360 and 480 plants m−2 (S1, S2 and S3). The study was conducted in a split–split design with three replications (randomised blocks) and a total of 24 experimental plots. It was found that the interactive effects of C × N, C × S and N × S were significant on soil temperature (ST), leaf area index (LAI), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), photosynthetic parameters, grain yield (GY) and water use efficiency (WUE) (p < 0.05), while C × N × S was significant only for LAI, aboveground biomass (AGB), GY and WUE (p < 0.05). Compared with TC and N0, RC and N1 significantly increased SPAD value (2.4% and 15.8%), net photosynthetic rate (Pn) (19.8% and 32.8%), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr) (7.0% and 15.7%) and the effective PSII quantum production (ΦPSII) (10.7% and 5.0%). The highest GY (6773 kg ha−1 over 2020–2021 and 8036 kg ha−1 over 2021–2022) and WUE (20.03 kg ha−1 mm−1 over 2020–2021, and 21.77 kg ha−1 mm−1 over 2021–2022) of winter wheat were observed under RC + N1 + S2. The findings showed that the RC cropping pattern with fertilisation and seed rate regulation (360 plants m−2) of winter wheat, which is appropriate for ensuring the long‐term sustainability of agricultural production in the semi‐arid regions of Northwest China, enhanced plant growth, photosynthetic traits, yield and water use efficiency. The study might give useful information for enhancing the productivity and water use efficiency of winter wheat in this and other similar climate locations.

Alternative cereal crop rotations in a no‐tillage dryland under Mediterranean conditions

AbstractCereal crops are frequently rotated with broadleaf crops to achieve the benefits associated with crop diversification. However, broadleaf crops often fail in Mediterranean drylands due to their lower adaptation to drought. Alternative cereal crops such as triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) and oat (Avena sativa L.) can help diversify drylands in the Ebro valley, dominated by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation. A 6‐year field experiment was conducted with five crop sequences under no‐tillage: triticale–wheat–barley (TWB), oat–wheat–barley (OWB), fallow–wheat–barley, monocrop wheat, and monocrop barley. Wheat and barley grain yield, N use efficiency, and water use efficiency responses were evaluated, and economic analyses of the whole sequences were performed. Oat increased subsequent wheat yields by 15% and barley yields by 12% (p < 0.001) compared to monocropping. Similar water and N availability at sowing suggest additional synergies in an OWB rotation (possibly pest reduction), contributing to the yield increase of both crops. However, this rotation was less profitable than a TWB rotation (p = 0.002) due to the limited adaptation of oat to Mediterranean settings. Long fallowing lacked consistent benefits in water and N availability for subsequent crops. This practice protects farmers from economic losses in low‐yielding seasons, but there is an associated opportunity cost in favorable years. The introduction of alternative cereal crops has demonstrated benefits for wheat and barley production, although greater understanding of the synergistic mechanisms involved is essential to ascertain whether resource efficiency is maintained beyond the studied timeframe.

Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Alleviating Salinity Stress and Improving Physiological Parameters of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): A Review

Salinity stress poses a significant threat to global wheat production, impacting crop yield and food security. In recent years, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) have gained attention as potential bioinoculants capable of mitigating salinity-induced stress and improving plant physiological parameters. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the role of AMF in alleviating salinity stress and enhancing physiological parameters in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Through a systematic analysis of relevant literature, we explore the mechanisms underlying the beneficial interactions between AMF and wheat under saline conditions. Key findings from various studies demonstrate that AMF colonization enhances wheat growth, nutrient uptake, and antioxidant enzyme activities, while reducing the adverse effects of salinity stress. However, challenges such as variability in AMF effectiveness and compatibility with modern agricultural practices persist. Future research directions should focus on refining AMF inoculation techniques and developing strains with enhanced salt tolerance to maximize their potential in sustainable agriculture. Overall, this review underscores the promising role of AMF in revolutionizing wheat cultivation in saline environments, offering insights for enhancing crop productivity and resilience to salinity stress.

Genetic Diversity of Promising Spring Wheat Accessions from Russia and Kazakhstan for Rust Resistance.

Spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a major crop in Russia and in Kazakhstan. The rust pathogens, leaf rust caused by the fungus Puccinia triticina, stem rust incited by P. graminis and yellow rust caused by P. striiformis, are the significant biotic factors affecting wheat production. In this study, 40 new promising spring wheat genotypes from the Kazakhstan-Siberia Network for Spring Wheat Improvement (KASIB) were tested for resistance to leaf, stem and yellow rust at the seedling stage, and for identification of rust resistance genes using molecular markers. In addition, the collection was tested for leaf rust resistance and grain yields in the South Urals agroclimatic zone of Russia in 2023. As a result, 16 accessions with seedling resistance to leaf rust, 21 to stem rust and 4 to yellow rust were identified. Three breeding accessions were resistant to all rust species, and nine to P. triticina and P. graminis. Wheat accessions resistant to leaf rust at the seedling stage were also resistant in the field. Molecular analysis showed the presence of cataloged resistance genes, Lr1, Lr3a, Lr9, Lr10, Lr19, Lr20, Lr24, Lr26, Sr15, Sr24, Sr25, Sr31, Sr38, Yr9 and Yr18; uncatalogued genes Lr6Agi1 and Lr6Agi2 from Thinopyrum intermedium and LrAsp from Aegilops speltoides; and 1AL.1RS translocation. The current analysis showed an increase in leaf and stem rust resistance of new KASIB genotypes and their genetic diversity due to the inclusion of alien genetic material in breeding.

International cooperation was key to stabilize wheat prices after the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered a global wheat price spike and food insecurities in import-dependent countries. We combine an analysis of the global wheat supply network with an agricultural commodity price model to investigate national impaired supplies and the global annual wheat price hike, respectively, for the trade year 2022. Using a scenario analysis, we show that international cooperation manifested in the Black Sea Grain and Solidarity Lanes initiatives and the removal of export restrictions may have mitigated the 2022 price hike by 13 percentage points. In a worst case scenario – characterized by multi-breadbasket harvest failures, escalating export restrictions, and blocked Ukrainian exports – wheat price increases by 90% compared to the 2000–2020 average. Coping strategies – such as food-secure countries dispersing stocks, reducing wheat as feed, or boosting wheat production – are effective at mitigating the price spike in simplified scenarios. Our findings underscore the imperative of coordinated policy responses to avoid global food supply disruptions.

Causal relationship between modifiable risk factors and knee osteoarthritis: a Mendelian randomization study.

While several risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) have been recognized, the pathogenesis of KOA and the causal relationship between modifiable risk factors and KOA in genetic epidemiology remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the causal relationship between KOA and its risk factors. Data were obtained from published Genome-Wide Association study (GWAS) databases. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed with genetic variants associated with risk factors as instrumental variables and KOA as outcome. First, inverse variance weighting was used as the main MR analysis method, and then a series of sensitivity analyses were conducted to comprehensively evaluate the causal relationship between them. Univariate forward MR analysis revealed that genetically predicted hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis, educational level, income level, metabolic syndrome (MS), essential hypertension, height, hot drink temperature, diet (abstaining from sugar-sweetened or wheat products), and psychological and psychiatric disorders (stress, depression, and anxiety) were causally associated with KOA. Reverse MR exhibits a causal association between KOA and educational attainment. Multivariate MR analysis adjusted for the inclusion of potential mediators, such as body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, and sex, exhibited some variation in causal effects. However, hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis had a significant causal effect on KOA, and there was good evidence that height, hypothyroidism, educational level, psychological and psychiatric disorders (stress, depression, and anxiety), and abstaining from wheat products had an independent causal relationship. The mediating effect of BMI as a mediator was also identified. This study used MR to validate the causal relationship between KOA and its risk factors, providing new insights for preventing and treating KOA in clinical practice and for developing public health policies.

Abscisic acid improves drought resilience, growth, physio-biochemical and quality attributes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at critical growth stages

Wheat is an important staple crop not only in Pakistan but all over the globe. Although the area dedicated to wheat cultivation expands annually, the quantity of wheat harvested is declining due to various biotic and abiotic factors. Global wheat production and output have suffered as a result of the drought, which is largely driven by a lack of water and environmental factors. Organic fertilizers have been shown to reduce the severity of drought. The current research was conducted in semi-arid climates to mitigate the negative effects of drought on wheat during its critical tillering (DTS), flowering (DFS), and grain filling (DGFS) stages through the application of three different abscisic acid treatments: ABA0 (0 mgL−1) control, ABA1 (100 mgL−1) and ABA2 (200 mgL−1). Wheat growth and yield characteristics were severely harmed by drought stress across all critical development stages, with the DGFS stage being particularly vulnerable and leading to a considerable loss in yield. Plant height was increased by 24.25%, the number of fertile tillers by 25.66%, spike length by 17.24%, the number of spikelets per spike by 16.68%, grain count per spike by 11.98%, thousand-grain weight by 14.34%, grain yield by 26.93% and biological yield by 14.55% when abscisic acid (ABA) was applied instead of the control treatment. Moreover, ABA2 increased the more physiological indices (water use efficiency (36.12%), stomatal conductance (44.23%), chlorophyll a (24.5%), chlorophyll b (29.8%), transpiration rate (23.03%), photosynthetic rate (24.84%), electrolyte leakage (− 38.76%) hydrogen peroxide (− 18.09%) superoxide dismutase (15.3%), catalase (20.8%), peroxidase (− 18.09%), and malondialdehyde (− 13.7%)) of drought-stressed wheat as compared to other treatments. In the case of N, P, and K contents in grain were maximally improved with the application of ABA2. Through the use of principal component analysis, we were able to correlate our results across scales and provide an explanation for the observed effects of ABA on wheat growth and production under arid conditions. Overall, ABA application at a rate of 200 mgL−1 is an effective technique to boost wheat grain output by mitigating the negative effects of drought stress.

Assessing Heat Stress Tolerance of Wheat Genotypes through Integrated Molecular and Physio-Biochemical Analyses

Heat as an abiotic stress significantly impairs the sustainable productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). To determine the tolerance of genotypes to heat stress, a comprehensive approach should be used that integrates simultaneous phenotyping and genotyping analyses. The aim of this study is to identify local heat-tolerant genotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and evaluate the selected genotypes under field conditions for their tolerance to heat stress. Of the 12 SSR markers that showed polymorphism, eight were associated with six important traits. The use of hierarchical cluster analysis (HC) based on SSR markers led to the identification of 13 genotypes that showed varying results and were grouped into three distinct heat tolerance classes: tolerant (T), moderately tolerant (MT), and sensitive (S). The results showed that heat stress had a significant effect on 19 traits under this study, with significant variation in tolerance to heat stress between genotypes. The tolerant genotypes exhibited a range of average thousand-kernel weight (TKW) values between 40.56 and 44.85, while the sensitive genotype (Yecora Rojo) had an average TKW of 35.45. Furthermore, the tolerant genotypes showed two to three times higher levels of antioxidants compared to the sensitive genotypes when exposed to heat stress. Among the traits analyzed, six showed a favorable combination of high heritability (>60%) and genetic gain (>20%). Through the integration of principal component analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression, it was determined that six traits (grain yield, 1000-kernel weight, plant height, intercellular carbon dioxide, flag leaf area, and grain filling duration) revealed differences between the 13 genotypes. HC analysis of the six traits resulted in the same division of genotypes into three main categories as observed in an HC analysis based on SSR markers. It is worth noting that Saudi wheat, including KSU106, KSU105, and KSU115 as local genotypes, in addition to the 16HTWYT-22 genotype, showed higher heat tolerance compared to the other genotypes tested, indicating its potential suitability for agriculture in Saudi Arabia. These results contribute to breeding programs focused on developing heat-tolerant wheat varieties and accelerate progress in wheat productivity improvement programs.

Drought Priming Promotes Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Drought Stress During Grain Filling

ABSTRACTDrought stress significantly challenges wheat production globally, and drought priming has emerged as an effective strategy to mitigate yield loss under drought stress events. However, the effect of drought priming on plant nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the effects of drought priming at the six‐leaf stage on NUE under drought stress during grain filling in four wheat varieties with distinct responses to drought priming. Our results indicate that there is no correlation between inherent drought tolerance and the effects of drought priming among the wheat varieties studied. In priming‐sensitive varieties, drought‐primed plants exhibited significant improvements in grain yield and NUE under drought stress compared to non‐primed plants. Conversely, priming‐insensitive varieties showed no significant differences in yield or NUE between primed and non‐primed plants under similar conditions. Notably, under drought stress, primed plants exhibited higher yield and NUE than non‐primed plants in drought priming positive variety, while the opposite trend was observed in drought priming negative response variety. The enhancement of NUE through drought priming was associated with improved nitrogen uptake efficiency and its allocation to spikes, with abscisic acid accumulation playing a pivotal role. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms by which drought priming enhances NUE under drought stress, contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices amid climate change.

Interaction Effects of Water and Nitrogen Practices on Wheat Yield, Water and Nitrogen Productivity under Drip Fertigation in Northern China

Water resource shortage and unreasonable application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer have been problems in wheat production of northern China. However, the interaction effects of water regimes and N practices on wheat root growth, grain yield, soil water, and inorganic N changes as well as water-N use efficiency are still unclear under drip irrigation. A field experiment was conducted during the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) growing seasons. In this study, three irrigation schedules (i.e., irrigation was applied up to 80% [D1], 75% [D2], and 70% [D3] as soon as the soil water content decreased to 65%, 60% or 55% of field capacity) and two N practices (i.e., N applied at the base, jointing, booting stages were 90, 72, 48 kg ha−1 [N1], and the base, jointing, booting, filling stages were 90, 40, 40, 40 kg ha−1 [N2], respectively) were considered. The decease in irrigation water amount was offset by the increase in soil water consumption. In addition, N practices significantly interacted with irrigation on soil NO3−–N accumulation (2021–2022), NH4+–N accumulation, SPAD value (2020–2021), N content in stems and grains at maturity, and average root length and weight density at the flowering stage. Irrigation, rather than N practices, significantly affected grain yield, total N uptake, crop N transformations (NT), the contribution of NT to grain (NTPC), water and N productivity, in which, for the value of these two seasons, D2 increased total N uptake by 18.1% (p < 0.05), and NT by 39.4% (p < 0.05) under N1 as compared to D3. Additionally, the highest WUE and ANUE were found in D2 during 2021–2022. Heavy irrigation water amount caused high a LAI; further analysis proved that the LAI was the key factor affecting grain yield, and positively and significantly correlated to yield. However, no significant difference in the LAI between D1 and D2 was found. N1 was beneficial to prevent N leaching and increase water and N use efficiency, biomass, and N transformation amount. This study recommends that D2 + N1 might be a promising system for manipulating irrigation and fertilization practices under sub-surface drip irrigation systems to improve water and N use efficiency and grain yields in semi-arid regions.

Forecasting models for area, production and productivity of wheat in North Gujarat

Forecasting models for area, production and productivity of wheat in North Gujarat

Western disturbances: Occurrence and impact on wheat productivity in Punjab

Western disturbances (WD) bring moderate to heavy rain in the northern parts of the country as well as heavy snow to the mountain areas of the Indian subcontinent. It is the source of most of the winter and post-monsoon rainfall in northwest India. Spatio-temporal analysis of western disturbances was carried out by using weather data recorded at Ballowal Saunkhri (sub-mountainous region), Ludhiana (central plain region) and Bathinda (south west region). The WD events per month were lowest in November and highest in March month averaged over all the agroclimatic regions. The highest numbers of WD events were found during February month in the Sub-mountainous region and during March in central plain region and south-western region. Winter rainfall quantity and number of rainfall events were higher in the sub-mountainous region followed by the central plain region and lowest in the south-western region. Higher number of WD during wheat growing season along with less and well distributed rainfall resulting in lower maximum temperature conditions were conducive for higher productivity in Punjab. The significantly positive correlation was observed between the number of western disturbances and wheat productivity during April month at central plain region and southwest region, whereas, the seasonal total number of WDs showed significant positive relationship at submontane region and southwest region.

Herbicidal and Nitrogen Efficacy on Weed Management in Wheat Fields of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Weeds can significantly affect crop yield and nutrient uptake, making effective management crucial in wheat fields. This study, conducted during the winter (Rabi) season of 2018-19 at the Agricultural Research Farm of Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, aimed to assess the combined impact of different nitrogen levels and herbicide treatments on weed control and wheat production. The objective was to determine the best practices for reducing weed competition and improving crop performance. The experiment was set up using a split plot design with three replications. The treatments comprised of 3 nitrogen levels and 5 weed control methods. The study identified nine prevalent weed species in wheat fields, including Phalaris minor, Anagallis arvensis, Cynodon dactylon, Chenopodium album, Melilotus indicus, Vicia sativa, Medicago denticulata, Solanum nigrum, and Cyperus rotundus, with Anagallis arvensis, Chenopodium album and Vicia sativa being the most dominant. The application of Sulfosulfuron (25 g ha-1) combined with 2, 4-D (750 ml ha-1) resulted in the lowest weed density and biomass and the highest weed control efficiency. Additionally, performing hand weeding twice (30 and 60 days after sowing) in conjunction with 180 kg N ha-1, followed by the application of Sulfosulfuron (25 g ha-1) + 2, 4-D (750 ml ha-1), significantly reduced Anagallis arvensis, Chenopodium album and Vicia sativa population and biomass and improved weed control effectiveness. Higher weed dry weight and population results in lower plant nutrient uptake and lower dry matter of crop plant and yield.