North Dakota research has shown that the best chance of protein enhancement of spring wheat and durum is accomplished by waiting until the end of flowering (post-anthesis) and broadcasting 10 gallons/acre of 28 percent mixed with 10 gallons/acre of water over the wheat in the cool of the day. Some leaf burning will result.

The addition of some herbicides, fungicides and insecticides may increase the intensity of leaf burn and limit the efficacy of the pesticide application. About a ½ percent protein increase has been achieved using this method. Use of low rates of slow-release N products before or after anthesis has not been shown to increase grain protein effectively. 

Source: Fertilizing Hard Red Spring Wheat and Durum SF-712, D. Franzen, 2009.

Photo of Flag Leaf Burn