Effects of different sowing time to phenology and yield of winter wheat

Abstract

This study aims to determine optimal sowing date for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and invoke DSSAT Nwheat model to analyze impact of modified sowing date to phenological development and grain yield. Wheat was grown for three seasons in two locations across Lithuania and sowing was carried out one time per week from 1 September to 29 September. Average three-year temperature of vegetation period gets lower every week by 0.16 °C, and available GDD by 94.5 °C when sowing time is delayed. Modeling results showed that tillering rate is affected by sowing time winter wheat grew 232 (tillers m-2) less with each week of delayed sowing. Grain filling stage was shortened by 1.25 days with each delayed sowing week. Depending on sowing time yield varied from 8.58 t ha-1 to 6 t ha-1 while simulated harvest was 8% lower. We conclude that best winter wheat sowing time for current climatic conditions in Lithuania is mid-September and DSSAT model proves as a useful tool in anticipating sowing time while facing problems caused by a climate change.

Reviewing the essential roles of remote phenotyping, GWAS and explainable AI in practical marker-assisted selection for drought-tolerant winter wheat breeding

“…Figure 3 ). In general, the longer the grain filling period during the stages of grain development and ripening (BBCH 70 and 80), the higher the average grain weight is ( Ozturk et al., 2006 ; Klepeckas et al., 2020 ). The duration of this phase, however, is highly affected by environmental conditions.…”

“…The duration of this phase, however, is highly affected by environmental conditions. High temperature and insufficient water supply lead to shorter grain filling periods and thus a low average grain weight and even shrivelled grains ( Spiertz, 1974 ; Klepeckas et al., 2020 ), as well as a shorter duration for the translocation of assimilates to the grain and thus lowers the harvest index of wheat ( Davidson and Campbell, 2011 ; Neugschwandtner et al., 2015 ; Koppensteiner et al., 2022 ).…”

The Influence of Sowing Date and Seed Rate on Winter Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Productivity

“…In a 3-year study, Klepeckas et al (2020) found that the optimum sowing date for winter wheat in Lithuania was 8-15 September, but a warming climate may adjust these dates. Up to 25% of the crop is sown later than 25 September.…”

“…If the wheat sown in late September or early October has managed to form three leaves and the germination of the side shoots, the plants would have finished tillering in spring. Klepeckas et al (2020) showed that a delayed sowing date can have a significant impact on the phenology of winter wheat: a one-week delay in sowing can delay flowering and maturity by almost 6 days, reduce the grain's milky ripeness by 1.25 days, and reduce yields by between 6.0 and 7.7%. Delayed sowing significantly reduces winter wheat plant height, number of unproductive stems, leaf area, and root biomass (Fang et al, 2010;Ma et al, 2018;Li et al, 2020).…”

Response of Winter Wheat to Delayed Sowing and Varied Nitrogen Fertilization

“…Klepeckas et al [28] and Xu et al [29] suggested that when conducting agricultural experiments, it is worthwhile to apply modern measurement techniques that allow for a precise assessment of plant conditions and anticipated yields of species such as wheat. Yin et al [30,31] highlighted the SPAD measurement as particularly useful, as it reliably assesses the nutritional status of plants during the growing season.…”