Regeneration after Wilting, Growth and Yield of Wheat Plants, as Affected by Two Growth–Retarding Compounds

Abstract

Abstract The effect of spraying with 2–chloroethyltrimethylammonium chloride (CCC) and N‐dimethylaminosuccinamic acid (B‐995) on wheat plants exposed to various durations of wilting, was studied. The chemicals had little or no effect on dry matter production, grain yield, or water requirement of plants watered regularly or exposed to a short drought period causing one day of wilting. In plants exposed to two drought cycles of 5–6 wilting days each, a very pronounced increase in dry weight and grain production was found in plants treated with the two growth retardants. This effect was due to the increased ability of the treated plants to regenerate new shoots on rewatering after wilting. Longer drought periods of 10–12 wilting days, caused complete desiccation of both treated and untreated plants. The mode of action of the chemicals in increasing the drought tolerance of plants is discussed in relation to their effect on delaying the senescence of detached leaves.