Effects of simulated hail damage and foliar-applied recovery treatments on growth and grain yield of wheat, field pea, and dry bean crops

Hailstorms can be responsible for significant economic loss to the agricultural sector in Alberta, Canada. Foliar applications of certain fungicides and nutrient blends have been advocated promote recovery yield hail-damaged crops. Proper understanding different crop hail-related factors is required an accurate assessment hail damage crops evaluations hail-recovery product claims. This study was undertaken at three locations Alberta during growing seasons (2016–2018) determine effects two levels simulated severity developmental stages, including early growth (BBCH 30 wheat; BBCH 14–16 pulses), mid-growth 39 60 late 71 pulses) stages. Plant parameters wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), field pea (Pisum sativum dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were measured. Simulated led reductions height, biomass, NDVI, grain yield, kernel weight all Average decreased by 24% 35% wheat, 17% beans, 37% 45% peas light heavy severity, respectively. Hail timing a critical factor influencing extent damage, with stage leading lesser reduction compared Fungicides did not significantly improve recovery, or any this study.