By Randy Weisz
Figure a dapted from Wheat Documente, 1980, Ciba-Geigy, Switzerland.
Figure 1.1 Feekes Growth Stages for Small Grains
Wheat at Growth Stages 3 through 5 looks very much alike (Figures 1-2 and 1-3). Neither plant height nor calendar date are good guidelines for telling these stages apart. Because, several management practices are targeted specifically at these different stages, it is important to be able to identify them.
The best way to distinguish between these two stages is to remove several plants from the ground and find their growing points. Carefully pull or dig several plants from the ground, clean off the soil around the base of the stem where the roots begin to form, and using a sharp knife, split the stem down the center. The growing point will be a 1/8 inch or less in length and look like a small pinecone-shaped object (Figure 1-4) in the center of the stem near the stem base (Figure 1-3 insert).
At Feekes Growth Stage 3, the growing point will be below ground, right against the base of the stem where the roots emerge. At Feekes Growth Stage 5, the growing point will still be underground, but it has started to move up the stem and is about half an inch above the stem base. As growth continues, the growing point moves above ground, and the first “joint” forms, indicating the start of Feekes Growth Stage 6.
Figure 1-2. Wheat at Feekes Growth Stage 3. Not all wheat at this stage will be as well tillered as this figure shows.
Figure 1-3. Wheat at Feekes Growth Stage 5. The insert shows the tip of the growing point 1/2 inch above the base of the stem.
Figure 1-4. Highly magnified view of the growing point, which is really only about 1/8 inch in length.
This file is a chapter from Small Grains Production Guide, 2004-05. Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the NC Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your county Cooperative Extension Center.
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9/04—3M—JMG (Revised) AG-580 EO4-43980
Last Revised Sept. 2004