Open Access

Lodging is defined as the permanent displacement of plant stems from their vertical position as a result of wind acting on the stem, and rain or irrigation weakening the soil leading to reduced stem and anchorage strength (Berry et al. 2004). This phenomenon reduces wheat productivity by adversely affecting grain quality (Berry et al. 2004) and reducing grain yield by up to 80% (Easson et al. 1993; Berry and Spink 2012). Reduced height with the introduction of dwarfing genes to wheat during the Green Revolution has increased lodging resistance, however, further reduction of plant height may be limited because these genes could have a direct negative effect on the final grain weight (Miralles and Slafer 1995), reduce water soluble carbohydrate storage capacity (Cossani and Reynolds 2012) and reduce leaf extension rate (Keyes et al. 1989). A minimum plant height compatible with high yields was estimated at between 0.7 to 1.0 m (Flintham et al. 1997) and has been reached in many environments. Wheat height has remained static for several years in some countries such as the UK (Berry et al., 2014). Recently, Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL), which increase height and yield have been identified (Berry and Berry 2015). This discovery may help to explain why plant breeders have found it difficult to improve yield and reduce height simultaneously.

Global Wheat Program

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INT1511