From Sowing to Dormancy

1. Sowing Period
   Sowing usually happens in early to mid-October. Prepare the field carefully before planting and apply soil treatments, as underground pests are most active at this stage. In high-risk areas, mix 0.3 kg of 40% phoxim EC or methyl isofenphos EC with 25 kg of fine soil. Spread it evenly on the field, then plow it under. This will help keep underground pests under control.
2. Seedling Stage
   The first leaf appears about 2 cm above the soil in early to mid-October. Check seedlings immediately and replant if necessary. If the soil is dry, use light watering or drip irrigation. Avoid flooding the field, as it can harm the young plants.
3. Tillering Stage
   Tillering begins when the first tiller grows 1.5-2 cm from the leaf sheath, typically in late October. This is the time to monitor for common diseases and pests—rust, powdery mildew, sheath blight, and aphids, among others. If earlier treatments didn’t work, spray the field with 100g of 15% triadimefon WP, 50g of 12.5% diniconazole WP, or 20mL of 25% propiconazole EC per acre, diluted in 30 kg of water.
4. Dormancy Period
   In late November or early December, when the temperature drops to 2°C, wheat growth slows and enters dormancy. Usually, pests are not an issue in this period. However, in warmer winters or southern regions, keep an eye out for red spider mites. If needed, spray with a 4000x dilution of 1.8% abamectin EC.

From Green-Up to Jointing

1. Green-Up Stage
   In late February to early March, new green leaves begin to appear. Control excess tillering, provide enough water, and apply nitrogen fertilizer at this stage. Fields with fewer than 450,000 tillers per acre should avoid early irrigation unless the soil is dry. Once green-up starts, if soil moisture is below 60%, irrigate the field and apply 6-8 kg of urea per acre.
2. Stem Elongation
   Mid-March marks the beginning of stem elongation. Wheat starts to grow upright, with the first leaf and leaf sheath extending.
3. Jointing Stage
   By early to mid-April, the first internode appears. This phase combines vegetative and reproductive growth, so ensure the plants get enough water. Manage the field carefully to prevent lodging, waterlogging, and drought.

From Booting to Maturity

1. Booting Stage
   In late April, the last leaf emerges fully, signaling the booting stage. This phase is critical for grain formation. Ensure adequate water and nutrients to maximize flowering and grain filling. Irrigate, apply foliar fertilizers, control weeds, and prevent early leaf aging.
2. Heading Stage
   In late April to early May, the spike begins to emerge.
3. Flowering Stage
   The flowering stage begins in early to mid-May. This is a brief but essential phase as the plants shift fully to reproductive growth.
4. Grain Filling Stage
   Grain filling starts in mid-May. Keep the soil moisture steady by irrigating lightly 10 and 20 days after flowering. Avoid overwatering in the final stages, as excess water can lead to nutrient buildup in the stems, reducing grain quality.
5. Maturity Stage
   When wheat grains reach full size and the color looks right, they are ready for harvest. Cut the crop promptly to ensure quality and maximum yield.

Using these practical steps, you can better manage each stage, control pests, and boost wheat growth for a successful harvest.