Carbohydrate, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Concentrations of Spring Wheat Leaves and Stems
1989
Tillers which produce a spike on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) contribute greatly to grain yield. Management practices and environmental factors influence tiller survival, but mechanisms that contribute to survival are not well understood. Leaves and stems from the main plant and all tillers grown in the field under two N and two water levels were separated and analyzed for water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), N, and P concentration. Concentrations of WSC were greater in stems than in leaves for all treatments, with concentrations in stems increasing rapidly as plants developed, while concentration of WSC in leaf tissue changed only slightly during development. Main plant stems had higher WSC than tiller stems and WSC of tiller stems decreased as tiller position increased from the main stem to T3. Leaf and stem N and P concentrations decreased for all treatments as plants developed morphologically. On most sample dates, leaf tissue had higher N concentrations than stems, but stems had higher P concentrations than leaves. Results were not conclusive as to the role of N, P, or WSC in determining tiller number and survival in spring wheat, but the tissue analyses suggest that WSC concentrations in stems are an important factor in determining total tiller number and survival. The plants that are most vigorous during vegetative development have a greater potential to produce tillers that survive and contribute to grain yield. USDA-ARS, Northern Great Plains Res. Lab., P.O. Box 459, Mandan, ND 58554.
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