Plant growth regulators (PGR) are widely used throughout the highest yielding wheat regions in the world. This trial is designed to evaluate the impact PGR’s could have on winter wheat production in Ontario. Recent Ontario research has shown significant improvements in winter wheat yields in utilizing increased nitrogen along with fungicides (SMART Trials). This research has also shown the potential negative impacts increased nitrogen can have on yields if lodging occurs. PGR’s could reduce the risk of lodging by shortening the height of the plant and/or making the stems stronger.
Lodging resistance can be improved in one of 3 ways: shorter plant stature (height), increased stem diameter, or increased thickness of the stem walls (stem wall thickness).