Draft

The probable cause(s) of spikelet sterility of wheat and solution(s) thereof was investigated in a sub tropical environment. Experiment was conducted in a controlled environment, both in field and in greenhouse, simulating weather and soil conditions (high humidity and low light intensity due to dense fog and low soil boron) of the wheat sterility-prone areas of the country. High humidity and low light intensity during Zadoks’ 45 to 69 was mainly responsible for high spikelet sterility in wheat. Boron deficiency in soil and different soil type appeared to be less contributing factors in this regard. Boron concentration in the flag leaves and young spikes at booting increased with the soil applied boron but did not contribute to reduce the problem as and when there was high humidity and low light intensity prevails during certain plant developmental stages. Plants were found more sensitive to the environmental stress in Zadoks’ 39 to 69 and Zadoks’ 45 to 69 stages in 1993-94. It was confirmed in a precise trial the following year that a combination of high humidity and low light causes sterility more than the low light alone. This kind of environment was the most harmful during the eight-day period from Zadoks’ 39 followed by that from Zadoks 45.

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0503|AL-Wheat Program