Emergence The number of leaves present on the first shoot can be designated with a decimal. For example, 1.3 is a single shoot with three leaves unfolded. The most significant event in achieving high yields is stand establishment. Late-planted wheat has less time to tiller and should be planted at a higher rate to compensate for fewer tillers. A tiller is a shoot that originates at the coleoptilar node.
Tillers share the same root mass with the main stem.
During tillering, the major management consideration is whether stands are adequate to achieve yield goals. Management inputs will not compensate for skimpy or erratic stands cased by insects, seedling diseases, poor seed quality, herbicide injury, etc. Fall N application of 25 to 40 pounds per acre usually increases winter survival, tillering, and yield. If tiller development is a historic problem in a given field, close attention must be given to P soil test recomm-endations prior to planting. Winter wheat can continue to tiller for several weeks.