After May, most regions also enter the grain-filling stage. The grain-filling stage of wheat is the last critical period of the entire growth stage and is also the key period determining the thousand-grain weight of wheat. Let's talk about the management essentials for wheat in May.
Management Essentials for Wheat in May
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Ensure Adequate Watering during Jointing Stage: Adequate watering during the jointing stage can prolong the functional period of upper leaves, increase the number of spikelets, and promote grain development and filling. To meet the water needs of wheat from jointing to booting, try to water thoroughly before early May. Years of experience have shown that proper watering during jointing can increase yield by about 20%.
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Apply Fertilizer at Jointing Stage: Generally, when the main stem reaches the stage of three leaves downward from the top, and the second internode at the base of the plant significantly elongates, it is the best time to apply fertilizer. Apply jointing fertilizer according to the wheat seedling situation.
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Prevent "Late Spring Chill" Cold Damage: Before the arrival of cold waves, combined with disease and pest control, choose biochemical agents (such as amino acid-based foliar fertilizers, humic acid) to prevent frost damage. Spraying growth regulators and foliar fertilizers, along with adding small-molecule organic potassium fertilizer, can enhance root vitality, increase photosynthesis, strengthen stems, and provide resistance against drought, lodging, freezing, diseases, and dry hot winds, among other functions.
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Weed Control: Use chemical weed control before jointing. Generally, spray in the evening. Weedicide should be evenly sprayed and strictly dosed. Spraying should be done evenly according to the wind direction and terrain. Chemical weed control should end 5-7 days before jointing.
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Chemical Regulation: Chemical regulation should be carried out 7-10 days before jointing. Spraying 40-50 grams of 15% tebuconazole wettable powder diluted in 50 kg of water per mu. Calcium chlorate can also be used to control excessive growth, suppress height, and promote differentiation. Avoid excessive use during chemical regulation. Generally, it can reduce plant height by 5-7 centimeters.
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Pest and Disease Prevention: Preventing and controlling diseases and pests, increasing grain weight, and preventing premature aging. Before wheat flowering, combine the "one spray, three prevention" technique, and use fungicides, insecticides, and micro-fertilizer mixtures to achieve multiple effects with one spray.
Above are the management essentials for wheat in May. May is a critical period for wheat management, directly impacting this year's wheat yield. Therefore, to ensure stable and high wheat yields, proper management during the grain-filling stage is essential.
