What causes premature aging in wheat? With the latest control methods
Wheat is an important cash crop in our country, with a very wide planting area, but during cultivation, leaf yellowing can occur, and the plants die before they are even harvested, seriously affecting wheat yield and quality. In fact, this is the phenomenon of premature aging in wheat, which prevents the plants from growing normally, causing them to age and die prematurely, shortening the wheat grain-filling period and reducing grain weight. So what causes premature aging in wheat? Let's take a look at its control methods.
1. Drought and water shortage
During the grain-filling period, wheat needs sufficient water. If the climate is dry or the soil is dry at this time, it becomes difficult for the wheat roots to absorb water or they lose water, causing the disruption of metabolism. Especially in the late growth stage, when temperatures are high and plant transpiration is great, water shortage can cause the plants to wilt, preventing normal grain filling, shortening the grain-filling time, and increasing aging and death.
Control method: During wheat growth, fertilizer and water management should be done well. When drought occurs, water should be applied in time to supplement what the plants need for growth, especially during the grain-filling period, when water is extremely important.
2. Insufficient nutrition
Insufficient nutrition is also one of the main causes of premature aging in wheat. Poor soil and lack of nutrients affect wheat photosynthesis, reducing nutrient synthesis. In the late growth stage, the demand for nutrients is even greater. If there is not enough nutrient supply during the grain-filling period, the plants will suffer from insufficient nutrients and age prematurely, affecting yield.
Control method: When planting in relatively poor soil, increase the application of organic fertilizer and combine it with deep ploughing and careful cultivation to improve soil fertility. When topdressing, pay attention to a reasonable combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. This is the foundation for ensuring steady wheat growth and preventing premature aging.
3. Waterlogging in the soil
Too much accumulated water leads to poor soil permeability and insufficient oxygen, making it difficult for the root system to breathe, affecting photosynthesis and reducing nutrient synthesis and accumulation. Moreover, as the plants continue to grow, the waterlogging tolerance of wheat gradually declines. During grain filling, a “overwatering to death” phenomenon may occur, causing the leaves to lose green and the plants to die from premature aging.
Control method: Contrary to drought and water shortage, water management should also be done well. During planting, keep the soil moist but slightly dry; do not water too much. In rainy seasons, drain water in time to prevent waterlogging. When weeding or fertilizing, loosen the soil to increase its permeability, so that root respiration and photosynthesis proceed normally and premature aging is prevented.
⟦NL>4. Damage from pests and diseases
It is unavoidable for wheat to suffer from pests and diseases during cultivation. If pests and diseases are not controlled in time when they occur, they can break out and spread, ultimately causing premature aging of the plants, reducing grain weight, and affecting yield and quality.
Control method: Build sound and complete pest and disease control measures. Prevention should be the main approach, with treatment as a supplement. Strengthen routine inspections, striving to inspect once every two days. When pest and disease damage is found, handle it promptly to avoid further damage and nip it in the bud.
The above are the causes of premature aging in wheat and its control methods. We hope this helps you. If you want to learn more about wheat cultivation, please follow us.