Effect of nitrogen rate on nitrate concentration in vegetative parts of wheat

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to choose wheat genotypes which are capable to absorb nitrogen and use it from the soil more efficiently, and atthe same time to accumulate nitrates in the least possible amount. Genotypes originated from SCG, Slovakia and Switzerland. Theexperiment was conducted using the randomized block design with two replications and three rates of N fertilizer (0-control, 75,100), atthe experiment field of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad. The nitrate concentration, at the heading stage wasdetermined spectrophotometricaly (gNO3-/g dry matter). ANOVA for nitrate concentration showed highly significant differencesbetween all sources of variability. This trait was mostly influenced by the rate of the fertilizer (78.5%), genotype (17.4%), and in the smallestamount by the genotype/rate interaction (4.1%). Petrana, originated from Slovakia, is significantly the most efficient genotype in absorptionof nitrate (634), while Pobeda (1448) was the most efficient of our genotypes. These genotypes could be used as parents in crossings,with regard to nitrate concentration. Nevesinjka was the genotype with the highest nitrate concentration (2006). The nitrate concentrationwas the lowest at the control rate, while it was the highest at the rate of 100. These results should be used in breeding of high yieldingwheat cultivars.