Sure, here’s an article on foliar spray for increasing wheat yield:
Foliar Spray for Increasing Grain Yield of Wheat
Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in the world, providing a staple food for millions of people. However, wheat productivity is constantly threatened by various abiotic and biotic stresses. To sustain wheat production and meet the increasing demand, there is a need for sustainable and cost-effective strategies to increase grain yield. One such strategy is the application of foliar spray, which has shown effective results in improving wheat productivity.
Foliar spray refers to the application of a liquid fertilizer or plant growth regulator on the leaves of a plant. It is an efficient way to supply nutrients and other growth-promoting substances directly to the plant, bypassing the soil. Foliar spray has several advantages over soil application, such as faster absorption, lower dosage, and reduced leaching and soil fixation. Moreover, foliar spray can be applied at any stage of crop growth, depending on the specific nutrient requirement.
Foliar spray has been extensively studied for its effects on wheat yield. The most commonly used nutrients in foliar spray for wheat are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients like zinc, iron, and manganese. Nitrogen is crucial for wheat growth and yield, as it is a constituent of proteins and chlorophyll. Phosphorus and potassium are essential for root growth, water uptake, and stress tolerance. Micronutrients play an important role in plant metabolism, enzyme activity, and nutrient transport.
Studies have shown that foliar spray of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium increases wheat yield by up to 10-15%. This effect is mainly attributed to the increased photosynthesis, grain filling, and nutrient uptake. Foliar spray of micronutrients like zinc, iron, and manganese has also shown positive effects on wheat yield, especially in soils with micronutrient deficiencies. These micronutrients are involved in various metabolic processes, such as photosynthesis, respiration, and enzyme activity.
Apart from nutrients, foliar spray of plant growth regulators like gibberellins, cytokinins, and auxins has also shown promising results in increasing wheat yield. These substances regulate various physiological processes in the plant, such as cell division, elongation, and differentiation. Foliar spray of gibberellins has been reported to increase wheat yield by up to 20%, mainly by promoting stem elongation and grain formation.
In conclusion, foliar spray is a viable and effective strategy to increase wheat yield. It is a cost-effective and eco-friendly method of supplying nutrients and plant growth regulators directly to the leaves of the plant. The choice of nutrient or growth regulator depends on the specific requirement and the stage of crop growth. However, caution should be taken while applying foliar spray, as excessive use may cause leaf burning or other adverse effects. Hence, foliar spray should be used judiciously, considering the specific crop requirement and soil conditions.