Maximizing spring wheat productivity in the eastern Canadian Prairies I. Yield, yield components, and lodging risk

Spring wheat yields across the Canadian prairies are rising, however, a yield gap remains between average and potential which can be explored further under Prairie conditions. The high rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer required for current high-yielding cultivars may increase lodging risk adding to this gap. objectives study were determine influence intensive management through N fertilization plant growth regulator (PGR) application, on grain yield, components, their relationships, in addition risk. Field trials conducted at two locations 2018 2019 Manitoba, CA evaluate three spring cultivars, strategies, application PGR. Kernels per spike had strongest overall linear relationship with (r2 = 0.47), while response spikes was highly related alterations PGR practices 0.98). Splitting applications showed reduce wheat, maintaining increasing protein. reduced increased by 91 kg ha−1 mainly increases kernels spike. To achieve consistent increases, should maximize early season availability target spike, thus balance This article is protected copyright. All rights reserved