Plant growth regulators (PGR) are widely used throughout the highest wheat yielding regions in the world. This trial evaluated PGR’s potential to improve winter wheat production in Ontario. Recent research has shown significant improvements in winter wheat yields in Ontario 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. Highest wheat yields are achieved when wheat is planted early: but early planting also has the highest potential for lodging. PGR’s 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 (cell wall thickness).