15 N allocation into wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.) influenced by sowing rate and water supply at flowering under a Mediterranean climate

• Published in: Isotopes in environmental and health studies 2017-06, Vol.53 (3), p.274-285
• Main Authors: Götz, Klaus-Peter, Erekul, Osman, Wutzke, Klaus Dieter, Koca, Yakup Onur, Aksu, Tuğçe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agriculture - methods; Droughts; Edible Grain - chemistry; Edible Grain - growth & development; Edible Grain - metabolism; Environmental Monitoring; Nitrogen Isotopes - analysis; Plant Proteins - metabolism; Triticum - chemistry; Triticum - growth & development; Triticum - metabolism; Turkey
• ISSN: 1025-6016; 1477-2639
• DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2016.1260011

This study examined the effects of a reduced wheat sowing rate (250 vs. 500 grains m ) on grain yield, uptake of N into grains, and the incorporation into gluten and non-gluten proteins of wheat under field conditions in the Aegean region. A single N application was applied at stem elongation, at flowering, or at both developmental stages. Each N treatment included either additional water supply, or no additional water supply at flowering. Sowing rate (either 250 or 500 grains m ) had no impact on grain yield. Grain yield increased with additional water supply, but at the expense of protein quality, because of a decrease in the protein content of gluten. The N content of the gluten and non-gluten proteins at grain maturity was not different among cultivars. N applied at both stem elongation and flowering was found in comparable amounts in grains and protein fractions, irrespective of sowing rate.