RESPONSE OF WHEAT (Triticum aestivum) GROWTH AND YIELD TO DIFFERENT WATER SHORTAGE PERIODS Akhmad Zubaidi, Wayan Wangiyana, Herman Suheri, I Komang Damar Jaya, Dwi Ratna Anugrahwati, Nihla Farida, Sriwangi
Pascasarjana, the University of Mataram
Abstract
Wheat plants can grow and produce well on the island of Lombok ranging from highlands to lowlands around 400 meters above sea level and have opportunities for further improvement. This adaptation effort needs to be followed up with development of cultivation technology, including proper irrigation. Irrigation is a fundamental factor in achieving maximum yields in a crop. Wheat is a crop that does not require a large amount of irrigation as much as rice plants, but it is not yet known which growth periods are critical to water shortage for wheat plants.
This study aims to determine the effect of water stress on different growth phases of wheat on the growth and yield of wheat plants. This research was conducted using the Experimental Method in a greenhouse, with 8 water stress treatments at different phases
From the results of this study it can be seen that the critical periods of water requirements for wheat plants occur when the plants reach the generative phase; yield is decreased significantly, especially when water stress occurs in the phases of heading and flowering (anthesis). Stress in booting and ripening phases also shows reduction on seed production, even at the lower level. The treatment of water stress in all development phases does not have a different effect on plant growth.
