Regardless of geography, one of the biggest threats to yield that all wheat growers can face is wheat lodging. Wheat lodging can be caused by excessive early nitrogen, application overlaps and residual nitrogen build-up from manure. According to the University of Kentucky extension, the higher a grower’s individual yield goal, the more important nitrogen management becomes.

The timing of nitrogen is as important as the amount of nitrogen applied. Excessive early nitrogen can cause wheat to grow too quickly, increasing stem height and reducing stem thickness. When combined with heavy wind or rain, standability becomes difficult for weak stalks. In extreme situations, this can cause yield losses of up to 40% – a disaster for growers.

Applying a plant growth regulator like Palisade^® EC can mean the difference between strong yield results and devastating losses. A plant growth regulator can help ease lodging challenges caused by weather or higher nitrogen levels. By strengthening the stem and shortening plants, lodging is reduced and standability is improved, as demonstrated in the chart below.

Consider adding a plant growth regulator like Palisade EC to your wheat management plan to help improve stalk strength and protect your yields from toppling over.

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