Effect of Foliar Spraying with Stearic Acid on Growth Characteristics for Two Varieties of Bread Wheat

Background: As a result of the excessive use of mineral fertilizers, it has led to an increase in the accumulation of pollutants in the soil and an imbalance in the elements present in it, leading to a decrease in crop growth, productivity and quality, in addition to serious health problems for humans and animals, Therefore, attention in recent research has focused on the use of safe and environmentally friendly materials, including stearic acid. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad, during the winter season of 2022-2023. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) within split-plot arrangement with three replications was used. The experiment included two factors, the first within the main plots represented two varieties of wheat (Buhooth 22 and Adana), while the second factor in the sub-plot represented spraying with stearic acid at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg L-1, in addition to the control treatment. Result: The results revealed that Buhooth 22 resulted in significant increase plant height, chlorophyll content, number of total tillers, plant dry weight and crop growth rate with an increases in percentage of about 4.04%,7.87%, 9.42%, 2.26% and 2.19%, respectively. The results also exhibited significant with concentration 200 mg L-1 in plant height, dry weight, crop growth rate. The concentration of 300 mg L-1 resulted in significant increase of flag leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content and total of tillers.