Phase II: Field proofing the use of plant hormones to increase canola, wheat and pea yields

Phase II of CAAP Project AB1106; preliminary results from Phase I tested on canola, wheat and pea’s in field conditions. Phase I focussed on understanding the hormonal pathways and how plant hormone applications can be used to increase yield in pea.

The Challenge

With global warming, heat stress-induced flower and fruit loss will become a greater problem in areas predominantly growing wheat, canola and peas in Canada – therefore agronomic practices need to be identified to increase heat stress tolerance.

The Project

Test chemical/hormone application timings on wheat, canola and peas in the field to increase pod/fruit retention, leading to increased yield.

The Results

Two crop enhancement treatments, 4-Cl-IAA and 4-Me-IAA, can be used as a tool to increase seed yield and ameliorate heat stress in the three crops tested. More field testing is required to fine-tune the use of these compounds under various ecological regions.

Grower Benefits

These two crop enhancement treatments can aid in resilience and growth of crops when under adverse weather conditions – although more field testing is required prior to commercial use.