Wheat Height Control Quiz Quiz

Explore the methods and factors that influence wheat crop height, focusing on field management, fertilizers, and growth regulation techniques. This quiz covers practical strategies for optimizing wheat height for agricultural success.

1. Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization

   Which approach to nitrogen application is most likely to result in wheat plants growing excessively tall and prone to lodging?

   1. Splitting the nitrogen application in several small doses
   2. Using only organic manure and no synthetic fertilizer
   3. Reducing nitrogen rate and applying late in the season
   4. Applying a high rate of nitrogen all at once early in the season

   Explanation: High nitrogen supplied in a single early dose can promote rapid vegetative growth, resulting in taller, weaker stems and higher lodging risk. Splitting the dose allows for more controlled growth. Late or reduced application limits height. Using only organic manure releases nutrients slower, keeping growth steadier.

2. Plant Growth Regulators

   To minimize lodging by controlling stem elongation in wheat, which type of substance is commonly applied at key growth stages?

   1. Micronutrients
   2. Herbicides
   3. Fungicides
   4. Plant growth regulators

   Explanation: Plant growth regulators are used to shorten stems and strengthen them, reducing lodging risk. Herbicides control weeds, fungicides prevent diseases, and micronutrients address trace mineral deficiencies but do not directly affect plant height.

3. Sowing Density Impact

   If wheat is sown at very high seed rates, what is the most likely effect on plant height?

   1. Plants become shorter and sturdier
   2. Plants grow taller due to competition for light
   3. Leads to increased tillering but shorter plants
   4. No impact on final plant height

   Explanation: Dense sowing causes competition for sunlight, making plants stretch upward and become taller. This can increase lodging risk. Shorter, sturdier plants are more common at optimal or low densities. Tillering increases at lower densities, not higher.

4. Varietal Choice

   How does selecting a semi-dwarf wheat variety typically affect crop height management?

   1. It has no effect on plant height
   2. It naturally limits excessive stem growth
   3. It increases the risk of lodging
   4. It requires higher nitrogen inputs

   Explanation: Semi-dwarf varieties have genetics that limit stem elongation, reducing lodging risk. They directly impact plant height. Saying it has no effect is incorrect, as is suggesting more lodging or that extra nitrogen is required specifically for height control.

5. Water Management and Height

   What happens if wheat fields are over-irrigated during the vegetative growth phase?

   1. No effect on plant height
   2. Plants become shorter due to water stress
   3. Only the yield is impacted, not height
   4. Plants grow taller and may lodge more easily

   Explanation: Excess water during vegetative growth can stimulate extra stem elongation, leading to excessive height and weaker stems that lodge easily. Water stress would reduce height. Saying there is no effect overlooks growth responses, and height, not just yield, is affected.