Lodging in wheat and its control by (2-chloroethyl) trimethylammonium chloride (CCC) in solid form

Abstract

Five rates of CCC, applied as a powder mixed with superphosphate fertilizer, were combined with two rates of broadcast nitrogen fertilizer on a wheat crop. Lodging occurred in patches such that samples could be taken from standing and lodged areas of all plots in addition to the measurement of overall yield. Lodging was severe and greatly reduced yield in those areas where it occurred. In the absence of CCC, nitrogen depressed yield by increasing the area lodged. CCC effectively controlled lodging and at the highest rate prevented the depression in yield due to nitrogen. Apart from this it did not increase the overall yield because of its depressing effect on yield in both standing and lodged areas, probably through increasing the susceptibility to weed competition.