Effects of time and rate of nitrogen application on tillering, ‘sharp eyespot’ (Rhizoctonia solani) and yield in winter wheat

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Various rates of nitrogen fertilizer were applied in early and late spring to two densities of winter wheat to examine their effects on grain yield and its components. A severe attack of ‘sharp eyespot’ (Rhizoctonia solani) allowed an assessment of the effects of the treatments on the incidence of this disease.The disease level was much higher where nitrogen was applied early and increased with increase in nitrogen up to 120 units applied; it was slightly higher at the higher density. Grain yield was slightly greater where nitrogen was applied late; early application gave more, but smaller, ears. Main shoots produced at least 70% of the grain in the high-density plots but less than 50% at the low density. Tillers appearing after early March contributed little to grain yield at the higher density but substantially at the lower one. Tillers produced after early April died without heading. In general, the chances of survival of a tiller diminished with delay in the time of its appearance, but some early tillers died while later ones survived and produced ears. The chances of survival of later tillers were greater at low density and high rates of nitrogen.