RESPONSE OF MAX SPRING WHEAT TO MANAGEMENT INPUTS

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to investigate the individual and interactive effects of nitrogen fertility, plant growth regulators and a fungicide on the growth response of Max spring wheat under Nova Scotia conditions. A lack of interactive effects of these three management factors was found, both under dry and sustained moist conditions. Increased nitrogen tended to produce lush growth and greater leaf disease. It also increased grain protein levels to acceptable milling levels. The rate of chlormequat chloride recommended for winter wheat (0.92 kg a.i. ha−1), applied at Zadoks growth stage (ZGS) 31, produced excessive reduction in plant height, tended to induce higher levels of leaf disease and depressed kernel size. Ethephon, applied at the rate recommended for winter wheat (0.42 kg a.i. ha−1) at ZGS 45, effectively reduced plant height without detrimental side effects. Propiconazole effectively reduced the incidence of powdery mildew, septoria and leaf rust and increased yields over unsprayed check plots. Timing of application affected the spectrum of disease controlled. Two applications of the fungicide (ZGS 32 and 45) gave excellent disease control and highest yields.Key words: Max, wheat (spring), chlormequat chloride, ethephon, propiconazole, nitrogen