What causes empty wheat heads? Causes and solutions

Wheat is one of China's important cash crops, and China's planting area is extremely large. During cultivation, a phenomenon of empty heads often occurs, resulting in essentially no wheat yield and causing huge economic losses to farmers. So what causes empty wheat heads? And how should they be dealt with? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction from Qinnongwang.

1. Climatic causes

The climate in some regions is relatively harsh, and dry hot winds often occur in late spring and early summer. If wheat happens to be at the heading stage or grain-filling stage at this time, the dry hot wind will cause wheat abortion and obstruct grain filling, resulting in empty heads and shriveled heads in wheat. In addition, some varieties, when encountering a cold wave, will also develop empty heads. At the same time, if there is prolonged rainy weather during pollination, it will lead to poor or failed pollination in wheat and cause empty heads.

Solution: When planting, select seeds and plant according to the local climatic conditions and soil conditions, adapting measures to local conditions. Only by selecting varieties with strong stress resistance suitable for the local environment can yield be increased and economic returns be raised.

2. Seed causes

If there is a problem with the quality of the seeds when sowing wheat, such as seeds that are old from previous years or have other problems, it will also cause empty heads to appear during wheat growth.

Solution: When selecting seeds, be sure to choose high-quality ones. Seed quality is related to stable and high yields, so be sure to buy from regular companies with guaranteed seed quality.

3. Improper use of fertilizers and pesticides

Improper use of fertilizers and pesticides during planting is also one of the main causes of empty wheat heads. For example, if a large amount of nitrogen fertilizer is applied at the wheat heading stage, it will cause delayed flowering or abortion in wheat. In addition, during the process of preventing and controlling pests and diseases, improper use of pesticides or excessively high concentrations can cause pesticide damage to wheat and result in empty heads.

Solution: When applying fertilizers and using pesticides, be sure to do so reasonably and according to standards. Be sure to master which fertilizer to apply at different growth stages. In addition, the dosage and concentration of pesticides must also be well controlled.

4. Pests and diseases

Pests and diseases are also one of the causes of empty wheat heads. The diseases that cause empty heads mainly include wheat glume blotch and wheat powdery mildew. They mainly damage wheat leaves, stems, and heads, causing hindered wheat growth, and if not controlled in time, they lead to wheat death. The pests mainly include wheat whiteflies, wheat midges, and others, which mainly suck the sap from wheat grains. During outbreaks, they cause shriveled wheat grains and empty heads.

Solution: During planting, the prevention and control of pests and diseases must be taken seriously and must not be underestimated. After discovering pests and diseases, deal with them promptly, apply the right treatment, eliminate the pests and diseases, and ensure smooth wheat growth.

5. Lack of nutrients

The nutrients required at each stage of wheat growth and development are different. For example, during wheat pollen growth, boron and calcium are needed. A lack of these two substances at this time will cause flower abortion and result in empty heads. During the wheat grain-filling stage, phosphorus and potassium are needed. A lack of these two substances during this period will affect wheat photosynthesis, thereby affecting nutrient synthesis and transport, and cause empty heads.

Solution: During planting, ensure what wheat needs for growth. When fertilizing, appropriately apply some organic fertilizer or farmyard manure. Especially in the later growth stage, be sure to ensure the supply of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.

The above are the causes and solutions for empty wheat heads brought to you by Qinnongwang. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more about wheat, please stay tuned to Qinnongwang.