Yield enhancement of droughted wheat by film antitranspirant application: rationale and evidence

Abstract

Extensive research in the 20 th century explored the potential for mitigation of drought by applying polymers (film antitranspirants) to leaves to reduce water loss. It was concluded that film antitranspirants are of limited usefulness, since the polymers reduced photosynthesis (in addition to transpiration) and this was assumed to be detrimental to growth and yield. We propose, however, that irrespective of reduced assimilate availability from photosynthesis, the most drought sensitive stage of yield formation in wheat may respond positively to antitranspirant application. Six field experiments involved applying the film antitranspirant di-1-p-menthene at five development stages and 10 soil moisture deficits (SMD) in total over three years. Yield was reduced when the film antitranspirant was applied at development stages less-sensitive to drought, from inflorescence emergence to anthesis, consistent with the conclusions from previous research. In contrast, yield was increased when the film antitranspirant was applied at flag leaf stage, just before the stage most sensitive to drought (boot stage). These results show that film antitranspirant has the potential to mitigate drought effects on yield of wheat.

Film antitranspirants increase yield in drought stressed wheat plants by maintaining high grain number

“…Similarly, reduced yield from the application of AT under WW conditions was expected, since the AT film decreases leaf permeability to carbon dioxide exchange thus decreasing the supply of assimilates available for developing floret growth (Das and Raghavendra, 1979;Davenport et al, 1974;Gale and Hagan, 1966). The significantly higher grain yield observed in this study after AT application to WD plants just before booting (Z39) supports our study hypothesis and the field studies reported by Kettlewell et al (2010) on the effects of AT on yield in wheat.…”

“…A broader approach has been suggested, since photosynthesis and yield not only depend on crop physiology but also on the interaction with crop developmental stages (Kettlewell, 2014;Kettlewell et al, 2010) and ambient CO 2 levels (del Amor et al, 2010). Wheat is most sensitive to drought during booting, which coincides with meiosis of pollen mother cells (Saini and Westgate, 1999;Sheoran and Saini, 1996).…”

“…Water stress at this stage substantially impacts yield. Hence, the application of AT immediately prior to this stage may conserve water and improve grain set which could outweigh the photosynthetic limitations (Kettlewell et al, 2010).…”

Antitranspirants Application for Improving the Biochemical Changes of Barley Under Water Stress

“…Data in Table ( for SPAD chlorophyll at stem elongation, booting and ear emergence, respectively. The application of antitranspirant immediately prior to booting stage may conserve water and improve grain set which could outweigh the photosynthetic limitations (14). Regarding to the reduction percentage of SPAD chlorophyll under water stress, the maximum reduction was found at Tombari and Ksar-Megrine under control treatments at stem elongation, booting and ear emergence growth stages, respectively.…”

Influences of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on gas exchange and water-use efficiency in Vicia faba L.

“…2A). A previous study showed that the application of an antitranspirant restricted P n and decreased plant yield (Kettlewell et al, 2010). In contrast, kaolin, a film antitranspirant, reduced P n , but provided a notable yield increase (Cantore et al, 2009).…”