Nitrogen supply effect on emmer (Triticum dicoccum Schübler) ecophysiological and yield performance

The effects of nitrogen (N) addition on productive and physiological traits of Triticum dicoccum were assessed under two N levels (0, unfertilized, and 90 kg N ha−1) in field conditions, in two growing seasons. In the study case, the N supply (90 kg N ha−1) was applied in three split applications (20% at the pre-plant stage, 40% at tillering stage, 40% at stem elongation). In unfertilized conditions, the productive and physiological traits were consistently reduced in comparison with fertilized treatments. Indeed, control plots showed lower grain yield, biomass and protein content (about 42, 44 and 19%, respectively) and lower photosynthetic activity at light saturation level (25%) than fertilized plots. The stomatal conductance was 34.2% and 70.8% lower in unfertilized plots than in fertilized those, in the first and second year, respectively. No significant differences for the Ci/Ca ratio were evident between treatments. Emmer physiological and yield performances were affected by N supply, although the crop plasticity to N availability was emphasized.