Wheat elicitation performed in open field with the use of different elicitors

Abstract

Being a staple food for human and animal nutrition, the cultivation of wheat needs the integration of new technologies, agronomic practices, and products to maximize profitability and achieve higher-quality kernel production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two plant elicitors, Acibenzolar-S-Methyl and Carrageenan, in conditioning wheat plants to enhance the activity of both primary and specialized metabolisms. The objective was to attain qualitative and quantitative improvements in crop yield. The research was conducted during the 2021 harvest season in Chapecó-SC, employing a randomized complete block design with eight treatments and four replications. The TBio Noble cultivar was used for the experiment. The variables analyzed included physiological, morphological, biochemical, and phytosanitary aspects, along with yield components, qualitative parameters (including the presence of pathogens and mycotoxins in the kernels), and seed quality assessments. The application of the elicitors resulted in larger plant size, reduced the severity of powdery mildew, and seeds exhibited increased vigor. However, it is important to note that the experimental design, the meteorological conditions, and the number of treatments employed might have significantly influenced the obtained results. Based on the findings, the tested elicitors can be recommended as additives to fungicides to enhance disease control and contribute to greater crop gains.