EFFECT OF CHLORIDE FERTILIZERS AND LIME ON WHEAT GRAIN YIELD AND TAKE-ALL DISEASE

Abstract

One experiment was initiated in the fall of 1991 to evaluate the effect of chloride (Cl) fertilizers on the suppression of take-all disease (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici Walker) in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Preplant and topdress rates of potassium chloride (KCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) (0, 34, 67 and 101 kg Cl ha⁻¹) were applied each year. In 1995, plots were split in half whereby one half received 2.24 Mg of 76% ECCE lime ha⁻¹ to elevate the pH and potentially increase disease incidence. Wheat grain yield was not affected by lime applications in any year (1995–1999). Plots exhibited visual symptoms of take-all in almost all years, however, grain yields increased in only two of eight years by the application of CaCl₂ and KCl. Applied fertilizer Cl for take-all disease suppression was inconsistent, even following the application of lime where increased soil pH can increase disease severity.

Contribution from the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The autxhors acknowledge the continued support of Mr. David Nelson who patiently provided the land needed for this eight-year on-farm experiment near Carrier, OK.

Notes

Contribution from the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station.