Shoot and root dry weight and soil water in wheat, triticale and rye

Abstract

Dry matter distribution between the shoots and root was evaluated for three cereal cultivars, one each of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) and rye (Secale cereale L.). Evaluations were made both indoors and outdoors (the Elora Research Station, 43°39′N 80°25′W) at four growth stages. Volumetric soil water content beneath the three species was also measured in the field. There were significant differences (P < 0.01) among the three species in total plant dry weight indoors and outdoors. Although rye consistently had the greatest total plant dry mass, total root dry weight was not greater than for the other species in many comparisons, especially before anthesis. However, rye root growth surpassed all the others after anthesis, and root dry weight was greater at final harvest. Triticale and rye had greater shoot: root ratios than wheat at the later growth stages. Although there were no consistent differences among species in root dry weight distribution at different soil depths, rye had a relatively larger proportion of root dry weight in the upper soil layer than the other species. Species effects on soil water content were significant (P < 0.05) at depths of 15–45 cm and 45–90 cm during a drought period. Water content in the 45–90 cm layer was lower for the triticale cultivar than for the wheat and rye. Key words: Wheat, triticale, rye, shoot:root ratio, volumetric soil water content