Influence of growth regulators and foliar fertilizers on growth, yield and weed management of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat is a cornerstone of global agriculture, particularly in temperate regions like Russia, where spring wheat predominates (Chengzhi et al., 2024). This study was conducted in 2023 at the Research Institute of Agrochemistry in Barybino, Russia, to investigate the impact of growth regulators and foliar fertilizers on plant growth and yield. The research focused on reducing lodging and stress while evaluating the efficiency of input utilization. Environmentally friendly smart farming technologies were implemented, and a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to assess the interactions of four different dosages of growth regulators and fertilizers. The impact of four distinct rates of plant growth regulators (PGRs), namely Centrino 1 (GR1 = 1.0 L/ ha)), Centrino 2 (GR2 = 1.25 L/ha)), Centrino 3 (GR3 = 1.5 L/ha) and Control 0 (C0 = No application of growth regulator) in conjunction with varying rates of foliar fertilizer, Fertilizer 1 (F1 = 0.5 L/ha), Fertilizer 2 (F2 = 1.0 L/ha), Fertilizer 3 (F3 = 2.0 L/ha) and Control 0 (C0 = No application of fertilizer), on the quantitative traits of wheat was examined. The data indicated that the maximum plant height (73 cm) was recorded in the control plots. The GR1 and interaction between GR1 x F2 variables exhibited a substantial reduction in weed count (WC) and weed biomass (WB) across all treatments. Interaction between GR1 x F1 followed by GR1 x F2 treatments produced significantly higher number of spikelets/spike of 14.37 and 14.4, respectively compared to control. Among all treatments, GR2 x F1 treatment gave significantly higher spike length, 1000-kernel weight, biological yield and grain yield, with mean values of 6.96 cm, 37.4 g, 11118 kg/ha and 5042 kg/ha, respectively. Ultimately, the effective utilization of plant growth regulators and fertilizers as a crop management strategy enhanced yield, reduced environmental pollution and optimized resource usage. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.