As farmers and agriculturists, we need to be aware of the various factors that can affect the growth and quality of our crops. One such factor is the use of herbicides on wheat crops. It is a widely accepted practice to use herbicides to control weed growth in crops, but did you know that there is a limitation to its use for wheat crops?
After sowing wheat, there is a prescribed period in which herbicides can be applied. This period is generally 2 months, after which it is not recommended to use any herbicides on the crop. The reason for this is that the wheat crop undergoes a critical growth stage after the 2-month period that can easily be damaged by the herbicides.
At this stage, the wheat plant develops a vital part known as the flag leaf, which is responsible for most of the photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. Spraying herbicides can lead to the flag leaf getting damaged and thereby, reducing the photosynthetic capacity of the plant. This, in turn, affects the overall yield and quality of the wheat.
Moreover, some herbicides can also cause a yellowing or browning of the wheat leaves, which can be confused with different diseases, leading to unnecessary treatments that can further damage the crop health.
As farmers, it is vital to use sustainable farming practices and make informed decisions regarding the use of herbicides in wheat crops. We need to be mindful of the critical growth stages of the plants and avoid spraying any herbicides after the prescribed period to ensure the best possible yields and quality of our crops.
In conclusion, wheat crops require careful attention and consideration to various factors to ensure their proper growth and development. Using herbicides at an appropriate stage can significantly help control weeds, but after two months, the plants become incredibly delicate, and using herbicides can ultimately lead to reduced yields and quality of the crop. So, it is advisable to avoid herbicides post-2 months of sowing wheat crops.