Effects of Post-Anthesis Irrigation on Grain Quality Indices and Yield in Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Effects of post-anthesis irrigations on grain end-use quality and yield of winter wheat were tested under rain-sheltered pot-culture conditions with two cultivars, Yumai 34 (a strong gluten wheat) and Luoyang 8716 (a medium-strong gluten wheat). The results indicated that under a controlled irrigation (135 mm) prior to anthesis, post-anthesis irrigation (45-90 mm) significantly increased grain and protein yield. Although the maximum of quality indices was obtained in non-irrigated treatments, no significant difference was observed between non-irrigated treatments (CK) and treatments just irrigated once. Grain quality significantly decreased with the increase of irrigation times from 2 to 4. Cultivars differed in quality response to irrigation. Yumai 34 was more sensitive to irrigation, compared with Luoyang 8716. Flour forming time, stable period, evaluation value, and softness of Yumai 34 were significantly correlated with irrigation amount (α=0.05). However, grain quality indices of Luoyang 8716 were relatively stable, with an exception that protein content, evaluation value, and anti-tension resistance showed significant variations (α=0.05). Some suggestions were also put forward for realizing high yield and quality of winter wheat and increasing water use efficiency (WUE) in wheat cultivation.