Wheat tiller number and survival and ear and grain production as affected by nitrogen supply were studied in cv.Embrapa 16 in three field experiments at Estação Experimental Agronômica (UFRGS), in Eldorado do Sul, RS, during 1995, 1997 and 1998.The first-year treatment consisted in applying 40kgha-1 of N in different plant stages (emergence to 5th leaf stage), followed or not by an extra N-supply at the 7th leaf stage. In 1997 and 1998, different N rates were applied at plant emergence, followed or not by an extra N-supply at the 7th leaf stage.Nitrogen applied early in the vegetative period stimulated tiller emission while N applied at the 7th leaf stage reduced tiller mortality and maintained synchrony between the main stem and tiller development.Consequently, ear number was increased, leading to a yield boost.
Triticum aestivum; tiller survival; topdressing