Which stage marks the transition from seedling growth to tillering in wheat development according to Zadok's stages?

The transition from seedling growth to tillering in wheat development is specifically marked by the tillering stage according to Zadok's stages. During this stage, the plant begins to develop side shoots, or tillers, which are critical for increasing the potential yield of the crop. This development indicates that the plant is no longer just focused on establishing its primary structure and root system but is beginning to expand outward, enhancing its ability to capture sunlight and nutrients.

In the growth cycle of wheat, seedling growth prioritizes the establishment of the initial root and shoot system. Once the plant is sufficiently established, it enters the tillering phase, where the emergence of additional stems starts. Understanding this transition is crucial for effective crop management, as the tillering stage heavily influences the final crop yield by determining the number of heads per plant.

As for the other stages mentioned, booting occurs after tillering, when the developing head starts to push up through the stem. Flowering, also known as anthesis, happens even later in the growth cycle when the plant is ready to reproduce. Thus, the correct point of transition from seedling growth to tillering is aptly depicted by the specific focus on the tillering stage.