What causes empty wheat ears? How should they be dealt with?

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

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 abortion and hinder grain filling in wheat, resulting in empty ears and shriveled ears. In addition, some varieties can also develop empty ears when they encounter a cold wave. At the same time, if there is long-term rainy weather during pollination, wheat pollination will be poor or fail, causing empty ears.

Solution measures: When planting, select seeds and plant according to the local climatic conditions and soil conditions, adapting measures to local conditions and choosing varieties with strong stress resistance suitable for the local environment, so as to increase yield and economic returns.

2. Seed causes

If there are problems with the quality of the wheat seeds at sowing, such as seeds left over from previous years or seeds with other problems, this can also cause empty ears during wheat growth.

Solution measures: 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 ears. For example, during the heading stage of wheat, if a large amount of nitrogen fertilizer is applied at this time, it will cause delayed flowering or abortion in wheat. In addition, during the prevention and control of diseases, insect pests and weeds, if the pesticides used are inappropriate or the concentration is too high, wheat will suffer pesticide damage and develop empty ears.

Solution measures: When applying fertilizers and using pesticides, they must be reasonable and standardized. You must have a good grasp of which fertilizer to apply at different growth stages. In addition, the dosage and concentration of pesticides must also be well controlled.

4. Diseases, insect pests and weeds

Diseases, insect pests and weeds are also one of the causes of empty wheat ears. The main diseases causing empty ears are wheat glume blotch and wheat powdery mildew. They mainly damage wheat leaves, stems and ears, causing hindered wheat growth, and if not controlled in time, leading to wheat death. The main insect pests include wheat whiteflies and wheat blossom midges, etc., which mainly suck the sap from wheat grains, causing shriveled wheat grains and empty ears during outbreaks.

Solution measures: During planting, attention must be paid to the prevention and control of diseases, insect pests and weeds, and they must not be underestimated. After discovering diseases, insect pests and weeds, deal with them in time, apply the right remedy, eliminate them, and ensure the smooth growth of wheat.

5. Lack of nutrients

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

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

The above are the causes of empty wheat ears and the measures to deal with them brought to you by Qinongwang. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more about wheat knowledge, please stay tuned to Qinongwang.