EFFECT OF N FERTILISATION ON THE GROWTH DYNAMICS OF WINTER WHEAT VARIETIES

The dynamics of growth and yield in winter wheat is in part a genetically determined trait, but also depends on environmental conditions. Among the environmental factors, the growth and yield responses of three diverse genotypes to the nutrient supply level were investigated. In 2007 the dry matter production of winter wheat was found to depend primarily on the N supplies, with similar responses being given by all the varieties. Differences were observed, however, between the reproductive (spike) mass and the leaf area index (LAI) as a function of both N supplies and variety. Under the given experimental conditions the early maturing variety Mv Palotás had the most favourable fertiliser response. With rising N rates there was an increase in LAI and dry mass, while the reproductive yield (dry spike mass, grain mass per square metre) was highest at the 160 kg ha–1N level.