Question

The most critical stage of irrigation in wheat is ________________

• A. Panicle initiation
• B. Crown Root Initiation (CRI)
• C. Dough stage
• D. Flowering stage

Hint:

In wheat, if only one irrigation is available, it must be applied at the CRI stage (approx. 21 days after sowing). If two are available, irrigate at CRI and Flowering.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Crops have specific physiological growth stages that are highly sensitive to water deficit.
If water stress occurs during these "critical stages," it can severely reduce crop yield.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Wheat (*Triticum aestivum*) has six key growth stages where irrigation is planned:
1. Crown Root Initiation (CRI)
2. Tillering
3. Jointing
4. Flowering
5. Milk stage
6. Dough stage
- Crown Root Initiation (CRI) (B): This occurs approximately $21$ days after sowing (DAS).
During this stage, the plant transitions from temporary seminal roots to permanent crown roots.
Water stress at CRI severely restricts crown root development, reducing tiller numbers, spikelet formation, and nutrient absorption.
As a result, water stress during this stage causes the most severe yield losses compared to any other stage.
- Panicle initiation (A) is a critical stage in rice and other cereals, but not the primary term for wheat.
- Flowering (D) and Dough stages (C) are also sensitive, but less critical than the foundational CRI stage.
Therefore, CRI is the most critical stage for wheat irrigation.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The most critical stage of irrigation in wheat is the Crown Root Initiation (CRI) stage.