At the start of stem elongation of winter wheat, spikelets are laid down in the ear, the formation of flower elements begins, and the potential grain number and productivity of the ear are formed. With the appearance of the second node the third leaf forms, which affects grain filling.
According to our observations, this year a considerable part of the acreage suffered to some extent from a sharp drop in night temperatures during April. Acute moisture shortage across practically the whole territory of our country also adversely affects plant development. Present weather conditions hinder the supply of mineral nutrients to plants, in particular phosphorus. Its content in the soil may be sufficient, but low temperatures and a dried-out topsoil inhibit uptake of this important element through the root system. Insufficient phosphorus nutrition significantly reduces photosynthetic productivity and is often visible to the naked eye as a violet colour of leaves. How can the situation be corrected? The simplest way is foliar feeding, which can be done together with the first fungicide treatment, usually combined with herbicides, insecticides and/or growth regulators. The target diseases are powdery mildew, leaf septoria, tan spot (yellow leaf spot) and yellow rust.
For such foliar feeding we suggest choosing fertilizers containing phosphorus in the form of phosphite. The main advantage of phosphite is quick penetration into the plant, a high level of uptake and optimization of the tank mix pH. Phosphorus in the form of phosphite stimulates the plant's synthesis of phytoalexins, substances that neutralize pathogens and thereby show fungicidal action. In such a situation ECOLINE Phosphite (K) or GROS Phosphito-NP may be used at 1.0–1.5 l/ha. If signs of stress caused by high temperatures and moisture shortage appear, a better effect will be provided by ECOLINE Phosphite (K-Amino) at 1.5 l/ha (do not apply together with growth regulators!).
On eroded, light soils, because magnesium is leached deep into the soil profile and because of unbalanced nutrition with nitrogen predominating at this time, signs of magnesium starvation of plants may appear as paling of leaves, which reduces photosynthetic productivity. To overcome magnesium deficiency, foliar feeding with the composition ECOLINE Magnesium (Chelates) at 1.0–2.0 l/ha is effective. Compared with traditional magnesium sulfate, this fertilizer is more effective, since the uptake rate of magnesium in chelate form is several times higher. In addition, the microfertilizer contains other chelated microelements, in particular iron, manganese and zinc, which activate the plants' photosynthetic potential.
On soils of organic origin, light sandy loam soils and areas with low copper content, ECOLINE Copper (Chelate) 0.5–1.0 l/ha should be added to the tank mix.
We want to note that even if plants show no signs of deficiency of certain mineral nutrients, this does not mean they do not need feeding. Studying and observing the work of ECOORGANIC fertilizers in production conditions, we noted a positive effect of foliar feeding on different soil types, with different moisture reserves or different backgrounds of basic fertilization. Assessments carried out 10–12 days after fertilizer application established a positive effect of feeding on the growth of plant vegetative mass, plant height and the photosynthetic area of leaves. In addition, a positive effect of foliar feeding of cereals at the stem elongation stage on ear formation and the development of additional stems was recorded.
Winter wheat: K – control, 1 – ECOLINE Phosphite (K) 1.5 l/ha, 2 – ECOLINE Phosphite (K) 1.5 l/ha + ECOLINE Magnesium (Chelates) 1.5 l/ha (treatment at the stem elongation stage). Ahrotrade LLC, Chernihiv region, 2019