Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 92-100 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 92 Research Insight Open Access Optimizing Sowing Density and Nitrogen Management for Yield Maximization in Bread Wheat Zhongying Liu, Wei Wang Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: wei.wang@jicat.org Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/tgg.2025.16.0010 Received: 02 Mar., 2025 Accepted: 12 Apr., 2025 Published: 28 Apr., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Liu and Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu Z.Y., and Wang W., 2025, Optimizing sowing density and nitrogen management for yield maximization in bread wheat, Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 16(2): 92-100 (doi: 10.5376/tgg.2025.16.0010) Abstract Sowing density and nitrogen fertilizer management are key agronomic measures that determine wheat yield and nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency. To determine the optimal combination of the two, this study comprehensively analyzed the effects of different sowing densities and nitrogen application levels on the population structure, root development, photosynthetic characteristics and yield components of bread wheat. Taking the North China Plain, the Indo-Ganges Plain and the semi-arid region of the Middle East as representative areas, a comprehensive exploration was further conducted on the yield formation process and resource utilization mechanism. The research results show that a medium to high seeding density (300-400 grains /m2) combined with an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer (150-200 kg/ha) and fractional nitrogen application management can significantly increase the number of effective ears, dry matter accumulation and nitrogen utilization efficiency, thereby maximizing yield, while reducing nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions. Compared with traditional high-nitrogen management, this optimized model can enhance economic benefits, improve grain quality, and promote the green transformation of agriculture. This study not only reveals the mechanism by which sowing density and nitrogen fertilizer management interact with each other in terms of yield formation and resource utilization, but also proposes an integrated management model for high-yield and sustainable wheat production adapted to different ecological regions, with the expectation of promoting wheat production practice, narrowing the yield gap, and achieving food security and ecological protection. Keywords Bread wheat; Sowing density; Nitrogen fertilizer management; Yield improvement; Nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency 1 Introduction Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a very important food crop worldwide and plays a key role in ensuring that people have enough to eat. Nowadays, people's demands for agriculture are not only high yields but also more sustainable. Therefore, increasing wheat production has become one of the key focuses of modern agricultural work. With the continuous increase in population, we not only need to grow more wheat and harvest it steadily, but also minimize the harm to the environment and the waste of resources as much as possible. Among all planting management methods, sowing density and nitrogen fertilizer application are two key factors influencing the growth, yield and grain quality of wheat. Adjusting the sowing density will affect the number of tillers, the number of spikes, and also influence whether the plants in the field grow neatly. The application of nitrogen will directly affect the growth volume, protein content of grains and yield composition of plants. There is also an interaction between these two factors. They not only affect yield, but also relate to the efficiency of resource utilization and the adaptability of crops in the face of environmental pressure (Marinho et al., 2022; Mu et al., 2024; Tian et al., 2024; Gao et al., 2025; Shi et al., 2025). Recent research indicates that for wheat to be both high-yielding and environmentally friendly, both sowing density and nitrogen fertilizer input need to be taken into account simultaneously; one factor alone cannot be considered. When the two are well combined, they can not only increase the yield of wheat, but also make the use of nitrogen fertilizer more effective and maintain the quality of the grain without being affected. This study will explore the effects of different sowing densities and nitrogen application rates on wheat yield and quality, analyze the physiological and agronomic mechanisms behind these effects, and provide practical suggestions for maximizing yield and sustainability in different agricultural ecological environments. By integrating physiological,
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