Effect of potassium on carbohydrate contents in stem and sheathand starch accumulation in kernel of wheat

The effect of potassium on carbohydrate content in stem and sheath and starch accumulation rate in kernel of wheat grown in the field during kernel filling was investigated Results suggested that potassium accelerated the accumulation of fructan, sucrose, fructose and glucose in the stem during the early and middle stage of kernel filling, accelerated the decomposition of fructan and the export of sucrose, fructose and glucose in the stem during the late stage of kernel filling Among the potassium treatments, K2 was most effective Potassium also improved the accumulation of fructan, fructose, sucrose and glucose in the sheath during kernel filling, however, to an extent smaller than that in the stem Potassium improved the supply of total soluble sugar and sucrose in kernels and accelerated starch accumulation Among the four treatments, K2 produced the highest kernel yield (941115 kg/hm2) and potassium productivity