The Wheat Plant
The average wheat plant grows to around 1 meter in height. Each plant has a single main stem plus 2-3 tillers (or secondary stems). At the top of each tiller is a ‘spike’. A spike usually has 35-50 grains (or kernels). • A good root system: Wheat has primary and secondary root system. Which not only support the plant but work to take up water and nutrients from the soil. For the wheat grains to fill and be high quality, the plant must be in top working order! Change to dot points: It needs the following conditions: • Be free from diseases; which can affect the roots, stems and leaves • The right amount of nutrients; such as nitrogen and potassium • Plenty of water • The right climatic conditions; with nofrosts, hot winds or drought In most seasons in Australia, farmers are able to produce high quality grain. The wheat plant has a range of factors which are important to ensure the production of healthy grains. This includes: • Strong stems: The stem provides support and strength to the wheat plant helping to keep it upright. As the stem grows its function changes from support to storing carbohydrates and nutrients for grain fill. • Healthy leaves: the green leaves job is to photosynthesise and produce their own food! In the process, plants absorb sunlight and carbon dioxide from the air and convert this into glucose and oxygen. The glucose is transported around the plant and used as energy – and the oxygen is released into the air.