Effects of tianda 2116 plant growth regulator on growth and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

To achieve optimum yield of wheat, supplementation of soil and foliar applied fertilizers with plant growth regulators is vital to assure effective assimilation of nutrients by plants. A trial was conducted at Gwebi Agricultural College Farm in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe, during the 2012 winter wheat season (May to August), to evaluate the effects of differing times of application of Tianda 2116 plant growth regulator on the growth and yield of wheat (variety SC Sekuru). The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The treatments were: Tianda 2116 applied at the following weeks after planting (WAP): 2 WAP, 3 WAP, 4 WAP, 5 WAP, 6 WAP, 14 WAP and no Tianda 2116 applied (control). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were noted among treatments for mean number of tillers per plant and mean number of spikes per plant. Application of Tianda 2116 at 2 and 3 WAP delayed flowering and physiological maturity. Early application of Tianda 2116 increased the number of spikelets per spike, thousand grain weight and grain yield. Conclusively, Tianda 2116 applied 2 or 3 WAP is effective in reducing growth while enhancing yield parameters in wheat production.