The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization and aerial part cuts on yield components, grain yield and quality of the grains for dual-purpose wheat cultivars. The experiment was carried out between May and November 2007 and the experimental design was randomized complete blocks with three replications. The main causes of variation were dual-purpose wheat cultivars (BRS Figueira, BRS Umbu, BRS Guatambu and BRS Tarumã), nitrogen doses (0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 kg ha-1) and cut systems. Each plot was subdivided by cut management (without cut, one cut and two cuts). Spike mass, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spikelet, grain yield and hectoliter weight were evaluated. Nitrogen fertilization did not affect the performance of wheat genotypes, but there was interaction between the management systems and the cultivars. The shorter-cycle cultivars (Figueira and Umbu) presented greater grain yield than the others when they were not cut. As quality and yield fell when Figueira and Umbu were cut, the later cultivars (Tarumã and Guatambu) are more adapted to cut (grazing). The lack of an effect from nitrogen dose and application strategy on the variables studied was influenced by the ecological conditions prevailing during the experimental period.
Grain yield of dual-purpose wheat cultivars as affected by nitrogen and cuttings