Peer review

Peer-review: Yes - Open Access: Yes|http://science.thomsonreuters.com/cgi-bin/jrnlst/jlresults.cgi?PC=MASTER&ISSN=0931-2250

The purpose of this study was to examine how differences in leaf angle, leaf rolling (LR) and glaucousness (GL) can modify yield components and leaf physiological traits in wheat. A set of 167 lines derived from a cross between two high-yielding bread wheat cultivars differing for these traits was grown under flood irrigation and high evaporative demand in the north-west of Mexico. Area, mass per unit area and chlorophyll content of the flag leaf were assessed. Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) and ash content (ma) were also measured. A significant correlation was found between grain yield (GY) and both Δ and ma suggesting that, despite well-watered conditions, leaf stomatal conductance was the main yield-limiting factor. Leaf posture and LR did not significantly affect yield, Δ and ma. Higher grain weight was noted, however, in lines with droopy flag leaves. Erect leaves had higher mass per unit area. GL was associated with a significant increase in GY and grain weight. Glaucous lines also had higher Δ and ma, suggesting higher transpiration rate and lower transpiration efficiency. The study confirms that Δ and ma represent promising criteria for GY in wheat and provides evidence that GL can contribute to higher yield, even under irrigated conditions.

Global Wheat Program

Text in English

0411|AL-Wheat Program

INT0368|INT1511