Foliar-Applied Sorghum Water Extract Improves the Productivity of Wheat Planted at Varying Dates

Abstract

Among the cereals, wheat is a key crop fulfilling the food demand of millions of masses around the globe. Late sowing in wheat is the most yield-limiting factor causing 35% yield losses. One approach to compensate for yield losses is boosting crop growth by the application of growth regulators. We checked the role of sorghum water extract that can act as plant-based growth regulators in wheat planted at various dates to cover a wide sowing window. A trial under controlled condition was conducted at the glass house facility of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan during 2021-2022. Wheat cultivar Akbar 2019 was sown with an interval of 7 days starting from October 29 to December 03. A pre-determined level of sorghum water extract at 3% concentration was foliar-applied at 30 days after sowing. For comparison, un-treated pots were applied with water spray. Collected data revealed that significantly higher grain yield was obtained from the pot that were sown on November 19 and treated with sorghum water extract followed by same sowing date but was untreated. Data further explained that grain yield and other yield related traits significantly reduced in late planted wheat when compared with timely plantation of wheat. Results concluded that sorghum water extract is a potential plant regulator and its foliar application can enhance the yield of timely as well late planted wheat but for getting maximum yield foliar application should done at timely plantation of wheat at November 19.