Tillering is the production of side shoots. It allows the production of multiple stems, starting from one initial seedling. This ensures tight tufts and multiple seed heads.
Tillering is a property shared by many cereal crops.
Concept
All cereals have a high number of cultivators (side branches). Tillering is an important agronomic trait that models future shoots. When grown in isolation, this process is quite dynamic and productive. When growing under conditions of high density, the tillering of cereals slows down. At the same time, one plant can produce only one cultivator.
Meaning
Tillering is an opportunity to get the maximum yield. An insufficient number of cultivators will limit the full development of cereals. Excess shoots will consume plant resources and soil moisture. This will also lead to lower yields. The number of small grains will increase.
Thus, tillering helps wild grasses adapt to different environmental conditions. It also allows you to modelplant architecture in various breeding programs.
Types of tillering
There are three main ways to form buds and new shoots:
- Rhizomatous. This is the development of several shoots from one node. They grow perpendicular to the main stem. They are located underground. Depth - up to 5 cm. In addition to shoots, each node of the rhizome forms a new root. Prefer light, loose, sandy soils.
- Loose bush. Shoots are located underground. Grow at an acute angle to the main stem. One shoot emerges from one internode. Such tillering contributes to the formation of a loose bush. Suitable for all kinds of soils.
- Dense bush. The nodes are located above the soil surface. This ensures good aeration and a high level of humidity in the area of the bush node. Each node forms shoots, which have their own node. The sprouts are directed upwards. The bush is formed thick and strong. Plants grow in waterlogged, fine-grained soils.
Cultivation process
Of all known types of tillering cereals, this one is the most optimal.
- Take 5-10 typical plants from around the field. Ideally, dig them up instead of pulling them up to avoid damaging the roots and leaves.
- For a quick but rough estimate of correct tillering, bend the leaves in the opposite direction from their normal growth.
- Now you need to measure the distance between the nodes from which the leaves grow. From first to secondnode distance should be 1 cm. From the second to the third - no more than 2 cm. The node may be below the soil level. But if the depth does not exceed 1 cm, tillering is considered normal.
After such an assessment of all seedlings, measures should be taken to normalize the modeling of future cereals
What to do
When cereal plants shade each other, the rate of leaf photosynthesis decreases. This affects all stages of plant development, among which is tillering. Therefore, it is very important to observe the correct distance between the grains when planting. There are rules for different soil types. If the distance between plant nodes is less than 1 cm, then it is necessary to thin out the plantings. If the distance exceeds 2 cm, then sow more densely.
There are ways to influence the tillering of already sown fields.
Nitrogen
Additional application of this fertilizer is useful when the number of plants and shoots is low. In addition, nitrogen can inhibit overgrowth of branches and influence the production of cytokinins. Current research data show that the standard application rate of nitrogen is between 120 and 150 kg per hectare of land.
Phosphorus
Limiting soil phosphorus leads to reduced branching. Acting through hormone transfer, it stimulates the production and transport of strigolactone in plants.
Sulfur and manganese
These substances are very useful in the early stages of plant development. Manganese transports energy for proper photosynthesis. Sulfurcatalyzes all enzymatic systems of cereal crops.
Hormonal control
A complex system of hormonal interactions controls the formation of branches in general. To a large extent, tillering is regulated by signaling by plant hormones: auxin, strigolactone, and cytokinin. For hormonal control, it is necessary to implement such processes as the biosynthesis, transport and breakdown of hormones.
