An understanding of the physiological limitations to yield in dry environments, together with molecular genetics, offers important opportunities to hasten yield progress. This approach is particularly important to more accurately target factors limiting yield, to speed up selection, and to broaden the genetic base. In this paper we list morphological and physiological traits we consider important to increasing the yield of temperate cereals grown in dry environments. We also provide an assessment of the heritability of the traits, the ease of selection, whether 9 x e is important, and whether molecular markers have been identified in wheat. We then provide a rating to indicate the importance of molecular markers to select for each trait. A brief description is Also given of our research and our breeding efforts to improve the performance of wheat under drought by increasing transpiration efficiency, crop establishment using alternative dwarfing genes, increased early vigor, and a higher harvest index. Molecular opportunities are emphasized in this description.

English

0101|AL-ABC Program|AL-Wheat Program|AGRIS 0101

Jose Juan Caballero

CIMMYT Publications Collection