THE EFFECTS OF THE GROWTH RETARDANT CHLORMEQUAT (CCC) ON PLANT HEIGHT AND YIELD IN GA INSENSITIVE WHEATS

Seven GA insensitive wheats differing in their final plant height were grown, over three years, in randomized field plots and analyzed for their response to CCC. Whereas the shorter lines were virtually unaffected by the chemical, the 'tall dwarfs' responded with reduced straw height and higher yields as a consequence of higher number of grains per ear. Therefore, depending on the genetical background, spraying with growth retardants to achieve optimal plant height may be beneficial to grain yield.