How to Protect Wheat Crops from Rising Temperatures: Experts Share Key Tips to Prevent Heat Stress

Key Highlights

• Rising temperatures increase the risk of heat stress in wheat crops.

• IIWBR issued a special advisory for farmers until March 15.

• Proper irrigation management is crucial during the grain-filling stage.

• Nutrient sprays like muriate of potash can help reduce heat stress.

• Early control of aphids and rust diseases helps prevent yield losses.

Rising temperatures in many parts of India are creating new challenges for wheat farmers. As the crop enters a sensitive growth stage, sudden heat waves can affect grain development and reduce yield. To help farmers protect their crops, the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) in Karnal has issued a special advisory for wheat-growing regions.

The advisory, valid until March 15, focuses on proper irrigation, nutrient management, and pest and disease control. According to experts, careful crop management during this period can significantly reduce the impact of heat stress and help maintain good wheat production.

Wheat Crop Currently in a Sensitive Stage

Experts from the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research have explained that wheat crops are currently in an important stage of development. During this time, even a short period of unusually high temperatures can affect grain formation and crop health.

Because of this, farmers must pay special attention to irrigation timing, balanced nutrition, and the early control of pests and diseases. Taking preventive steps at the right time can help protect the crop and ensure better yields.

Proper Irrigation Management is Essential

The institute has emphasized that irrigation management is extremely important for wheat crops during this period.

Farmers are advised to check the weather forecast before irrigating their fields. If rainfall is expected, irrigation should be postponed to avoid waterlogging. Too much water in the field can weaken plant roots and increase the chances of crop lodging.

Wind speed should also be considered before irrigation. Experts recommend irrigating fields only when wind speed is low, preferably in the evening. Irrigating during strong winds can cause plants to bend, which may negatively affect grain filling.

The institute also recommends providing the final irrigation during the grain-filling stage. This step helps prevent grain shrinkage and protects the crop from the harmful effects of rising temperatures.

Steps Farmers Can Take to Reduce Heat Stress

If temperatures remain above normal for three consecutive days, farmers should apply nutrient sprays to help the crop cope with heat stress.

After the flowering stage, farmers can spray a 0.2 percent solution of muriate of potash. To prepare this solution, dissolve 400 grams of muriate of potash in 200 liters of water and spray it evenly over the crop.

Another option is to dissolve 4 kilograms of potassium nitrate in 200 liters of water and spray the solution on the field. These nutrient sprays help improve grain filling and reduce the negative effects of heat stress.

In areas where temperatures rise sharply, such as southern Haryana and northern Rajasthan, experts also suggest using sprinkler irrigation for about one hour between 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm. This method can help reduce field temperature and provide temporary relief to the crop.

Monitor Wheat Crop for Leaf Aphid Attack

Farmers should also closely monitor their wheat fields for leaf aphid infestation, which may increase during warm conditions.

Regular inspection of the crop is important. If the number of aphids crosses the economic damage level of 10–15 aphids per tiller, immediate control measures should be taken.

To manage the infestation, farmers can spray 400 ml of Quinolphos EC mixed with 200 to 250 liters of water over one acre of land. Timely spraying can help prevent serious crop damage and yield losses.

Measures to Control Rust Disease in Wheat

The institute has also warned farmers about the possible occurrence of rust diseases in wheat crops. These include yellow rust (striped rust), brown rust, and black rust.

If symptoms of these diseases appear in the field and are confirmed, farmers should immediately spray Propiconazole 25 EC. To prepare the solution, mix 1 ml of the fungicide in one liter of water.

For one acre of crop, about 200 ml of fungicide should be mixed with 200 liters of water and sprayed evenly across the field. The spraying should be done during clear weather conditions when there is no rain, fog, or dew to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Important Precautions During Wheat Harvesting

In some regions, particularly in peninsular areas and places with limited irrigation, wheat crops may already be reaching maturity.

In such areas, harvesting with a combine reaper is considered suitable. However, if harvesting is done manually, farmers should ensure that the harvested crop is properly dried to the correct moisture level before threshing. Proper drying helps maintain grain quality and prevents post-harvest losses.

Scientific Crop Management Can Protect Wheat Production

Rising temperatures are becoming a growing concern for wheat farmers across India. However, experts believe that proper crop management can greatly reduce the damage caused by heat stress.

By following scientific advice, maintaining proper irrigation schedules, using balanced nutrition, and controlling pests and diseases at the right time, farmers can protect both wheat yield and grain quality. Monitoring weather forecasts and taking timely action will play a key role in ensuring safe and stable wheat production despite changing weather conditions.

Also Read: Weekly Mandi Bhav Report: Price Fluctuations Seen in Cereals, Pulses and Oilseeds

CMV360 Says

Rising temperatures can pose a serious risk to wheat crops during sensitive growth stages. However, by following the advisory issued by the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, farmers can effectively reduce heat stress and protect their fields. Proper irrigation timing, nutrient sprays, pest monitoring, and disease control are essential steps. With timely action and scientific crop management, farmers can safeguard wheat yield and maintain good grain quality even during warmer conditions.