Herbicide application is a crucial part of wheat crop management. It is used to control weeds, which are known to deprive the crop of essential nutrients, reduce crop yield, and damage wheat plants. However, yellowing of wheat after herbicide application has become a significant challenge for farmers.
Yellowing of wheat is a common symptom in wheat fields after herbicide application, and it is caused by various reasons. The most common cause of yellowing is herbicide-induced stress. Herbicides work by inhibiting specific enzymes that are vital for weed growth and development. However, some herbicides can also inhibit enzymes in wheat plants, causing yellowing.
Another reason for yellowing is herbicide drift. Herbicide drift occurs when herbicide spray gets carried away by the wind and drifts to non-targeted areas. In this case, wheat crops may come into contact with the herbicide, leading to yellowing of the leaves.
Furthermore, yellowing after herbicide application can also be caused by herbicide injury. This occurs when the herbicide concentration surpasses the crop’s tolerance level, causing plant injury, and in severe cases, death. When this happens, the plants tend to turn yellow, and the growth and yield of the crop decline.
To prevent yellowing after herbicide application, farmers need to be cautious when selecting herbicides. They should choose herbicides that are well-suited to the wheat variety, climate, and the type of weed they want to control. Additionally, they should only use recommended herbicides and adhere to the recommended dose rates.
When applying herbicides, farmers should also be mindful of the wind direction and speed to prevent drift. They should also avoid spraying herbicides when the wheat plant is at its most sensitive stage, such as during the tillering stage.
In summary, yellowing of wheat after herbicide application can pose a severe challenge to farmers. It’s important to understand the causes of this problem and take appropriate measures to prevent it from occurring. By selecting the right herbicides, following the recommended dose rates, and being careful during application, farmers can minimize the risk of yellowing, preserve crop yield, and achieve maximum profits.