Higher tiller counts in the late fall and early winter have a big impact on yield potential. Early tillering produces larger and more grains per head, which accounts for a high percentage of yield. Wheat needs to go into the winter with enough tillers to indicate good root establishment; a good rule of thumb is a minimum of 3 tillers/plant or 600 tillers/square yard.
Managing nitrogen applications is a key factor affecting tiller development and root establishment, and it’s also important to maintain the correct nitrogen to sulfur ratio. An application of Impact F, which is a natural crop health bio-stimulant, will improve the efficiency of nitrogen and sulfur assimilation within the wheat plant.
Impact F contains key proteins and enzymes utilized in metabolic processes, which promote healthy root growth and tillering and will sustain plants going into the vernalization period, resulting in plants that will better handle the stresses of overwintering during the cold dark winter months.
Impact F should first be applied when the wheat plant has started developing tillers and prior to the vernalization period. In this first application, it is preferable to apply Impact F as a stand-alone foliar spray with enough water for good coverage. However, Impact F is compatible with herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers. A second Impact F application should occur in the spring with the first nitrogen application. And the third and most critical application should be done at flag leaf stage (head emergence). Apply 1 quart per acre for each application.