Growth stage impacts tolerance of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to broadcast flaming

Organic wheat producers are interested in testing propane flaming as part of an integrated weed management program for organic wheat production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to collect baseline information on winter wheat tolerance to broadcast flaming as influenced by its growth stage at the time of flaming and dose of propane. Field experiments were conducted at the Haskell Agricultural Laboratory of the University of Nebraska, Concord, Nebraska in 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 utilizing six doses of propane applied at four growth stages including: four leaves-4L, three tillers-3 T, shoot elongation-SE and boot stage-BS. The propane doses were 0, 12, 31, 50, 68 and 87 kg ha−1 and were applied using a custom built flamer driven at a constant speed of around 6 km h−1. Crop response to propane doses was described by log-logistic models based on visual estimates of crop injury, various yield components (spikes m−2, kernels spike−1 and 1000-kernel weight) and grain yield. Overall response to flaming was influenced by the growth stage of wheat and propane dose. In general, wheat at 3 T was the most tolerant and at BS was the most susceptible stage to broadcast flaming. Flaming negatively affected all yield components of wheat. Reduction of grain yield increased with increase in propane dose at each growth stage. The maximum yield losses of about 21%, 32%, 63% and 74% were obtained with the highest propane dose of 87 kg ha−1 applied at 3 T, SE, 4L and BS growth stages, respectively. Due to unacceptable yield loss, the use of broadcast flaming in winter wheat at the tested growth stages is not recommended.