How to increase wheat grain numbers by ear

Nitrogen increases grain numbers

Nitrogen will affect the number of grains that are set on individual ears/spikes. A high yielding crop of wheat will have approximately 45-50 grains / ear, however if nitrogen supply is limiting this will be reduced.

The timing of the applied nitrogen is important as grain numbers are determined early from double ridge to floret initiation.

Potassium influences grain numbers

Potassium will influence the numbers of grains per ear.

This study from the Potash Development Association shows a clear relationship between potassium supply and the number of grains per ear with potassium deficiency preventing some potential grain sites from developing and reducing grain set.

Micronutrients influence grain numbers

Other crop management practices influencing wheat grain numbers

The number of eventual grains per spike (ear) varies from season to season and is affected by a number of factors including:

• Varietal choice
• Disease control during flowering
• Weather conditions during flowering 
• Temperature and day length before terminal spikelet (Zadoks GS 30)

This variability enables high yields to be achieved through two ways:

• Low shoot numbers and high grain numbers/spike
• High shoot numbers and low grain numbers/spike