Spring field management techniques for weak-gluten wheat, a must-read for farmers in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River

In spring, wheat growth is at the jointing stage, vegetative growth accelerates, and tillers undergo polarization. During this period, the physiological metabolism of wheat plants is vigorous, and they are at a peak of fertilizer and water demand, making it a critical period for efficient fertilizer and water management. The main management goals at this stage are: controlling ineffective tillers and excessive elongation of the basal internodes, and promoting unstable tillers to form ears and strong stems with large ears. The main measures are: applying the jointing fertilizer heavily at the right time, strengthening pest and disease control, and implementing contingency measures well.
　　
I. Apply the jointing fertilizer heavily at the right time
1. For wheat fields with normal growth, the nitrogen application at the jointing stage accounts for about 30% of the total nitrogen fertilizer applied over the whole life of the wheat, together with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers. Apply 15 kg of 45% high-concentration compound fertilizer (15% each of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) per mu, plus 5 kg of urea.
2. For fields with weaker growth and smaller populations, application may be appropriately advanced to the early jointing stage.
3. For fields with overly large and vigorous populations or where winter fertilizer or green-up relay fertilizer has been applied, application should be appropriately postponed to the middle and late jointing stage, and the amount of fertilizer should be appropriately reduced.
II. Timely control of pests and diseases
1. Sheath blight: use 30 g of 20% validamycin wettable powder or 150 mL of 12.5% Jinggangmycin aqueous solution per mu, add about 50 kg of water, and spray or splash evenly at the base of the wheat plants; for severely affected fields, apply a second treatment at an interval of 7-10 days.
2. Powdery mildew and rust: use 50 mL of 20% triadimefon emulsifiable concentrate per mu, dilute with 40 kg of water, and spray for control.
3. Fusarium head blight: use 50 g of 80% carbendazim ultrafine powder per mu, dilute with 40 kg of water, and spray for control.
4. Wheat aphids: use 40 mL of 40% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate per mu, dilute with 40 kg of water, and spray for control.
5. At the same time, pay attention to investigating the occurrence of other pests and diseases and carry out timely control.
6. The best time for pesticide application is before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m.
7. When using various pesticides for pest and disease control, follow the instructions on the pesticide packaging, strictly control the dosage, the optimal application period, and the number of applications, so as to ensure control effectiveness while preventing phytotoxicity, and also pay attention to the safety of people and livestock.
　　
III. Implement disaster-resistant contingency measures well
1. Promptly dredge and clear the ditch systems to ensure drainage and waterlogging reduction as well as irrigation for drought resistance.
2. If sudden changes between cold and warm occur and a “late spring cold snap” happens, after young wheat ears suffer low-temperature cold damage, actively take remedial measures by topdressing 3-5 kg of urea per mu, striving for high-position tillers to form ears and reduce yield loss.
3. Prepare well for later combined spraying of pesticides and fertilizers to control pests and diseases and to address high-temperature forced ripening and premature senescence, reduce damage, increase grain number and grain weight, and strive for a bumper harvest.