Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, cilt.38, sa.4, ss.488-494, 2014 (SCI-Expanded)
This study was conducted with 4 bread wheat genotypes to determine the macronutrient content in different plant organs during the grain filling period. Macronutrient contents such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were determined in lower stems, peduncles, lower leaves, flag leaves, rachises, florets, and grains. High genotype effects were found for all macronutrients and plant organs. N, P, K, and Mg decreased during grain filling in all plant parts except the grain. The rate of decrease varied depending on plant organs and nutrients. Grain nutrient concentration, except nitrogen content, increased up to physiological maturity. In contrast to the other nutrients, Ca content increased or remained stable depending on the plant organs. The macronutrient remobilization order from plant organs to grain was Mg < P < N < K ≤ Ca, and all nutrients were accepted as removable at grain development stages. Remobilization models of macronutrients in grains can be valuable for detecting high-capacity plants for nutrient accumulation in stressful environments. Relationships among macronutrients and their relationships with plant organs can be used, by way of indirect selection, in wheat breeding efforts. © TÜBİTAK.