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

The effects of nitrogen (N) addition on productive and physiological traits of Triticumdicoccum were assessed under two N levels (0, unfertilized, and 90 kg N ha−1) in fieldconditions, in two growing seasons. In the study case, the N supply (90 kg N ha−1) was appliedin three-split applications (20% at pre-plant stage, 40% at tillering stage, 40% at stemelongation). In unfertilized conditions, the productive and physiological traits were consistentlyreduced in comparison with fertilized treatments. Indeed, control plots showed lowergrain yield, biomass and protein content (about 42, 44 and 19%, respectively) and lowerphotosynthetic activity at light saturation level (25%) than fertilized plots. The stomatalconductance was 34.2% and 70.8% lower in unfertilized plots than in fertilized those, in the firstand second year, respectively. No significant differences for the Ci/Ca ratio were evidentbetween treatments. Emmer physiological and yield performances were affected by N supply,although the crop plasticity to N availability was emphasized.