Plant Growth Regulator Effects On Winter Durum Wheat in the Mid-Atlantic US.

Management practices that produce high yield and good grain quality in mid-Atlantic-grown winter durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var durum) can also increase lodging.  This research examined response of two winter durum genotypes to ethephon-based plant growth regulator (PGR) application.  Overall, application of ethephon and Trinexipac-ethyl reduced plant height and lodging.  With higher rates, a trend toward continued decreased height and lodging was seen even when differences were not significant.  Grain yield was not affected by PGR application at any site year-genotype combinations.  Grain test weight was increased in one instance but impacts of PGR varied by genotype, which may warrant further study.  Growth regulator application to winter durum wheat in the Mid-Atlantic should occur only when moisture and temperature are favorable for plant growth and not when the crop is under stress.