Nitrogen-induced variations in leaf gas exchange of spring triticale under field conditions

Nitrogen (N) is the key factor limiting photosynthetic processes and crop yield. Little is known about the response of leaf gas exchange of spring triticale (Triticosecale Wittm.) to N supply. The effect of N fertilizers on different gas exchange variables, i.e., photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE) and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll index (SPAD, soil–plant analysis development), and the relationship of these variables with yield were studied in spring triticale grown under field conditions. Six treatments of N—0, 90, 180, 90 + 30, 90 + 30 + 30 kg ha−1 (applied as ammonium nitrate, AN) and one treatment of N 90 + 30 + 30 kg ha−1 (applied as urea ammonium nitrate solution, UAN) were compared. The analysis of variance showed that throughout the triticale growing season, N fertilization had significant effects on A, WUE, gs and SPAD. On average, N fertilizer application increased A values by 14–70%. E and Fv/Fm values were not influenced by N fertilization levels. The effect of growth stage and year on gas exchange variables and Fv/Fm and SPAD was found to be significant. At different growth stages, A values varied and maximum ones were reached at BBCH 31–33 (decimal code system of growth stages) and BBCH 59. With aging, values of A decreased independently of N fertilization level. The gas exchange variables were equally affected by both fertilizer forms. The interplay among grain yield, leaf gas exchange variables, Fv/Fm and SPAD of spring triticale was estimated. The statistical analysis showed that grain yield positively and significantly correlated with A and SPAD values throughout the growing season.