Open resorce

It is generally assumed that there is restricted genetic diversity for traits contributing to yield potential in modern wheat, though few studies have systematically checked this assumption. In order to assess genetic variation for yield potential related traits, a representative set of elite material that breeders would realistically use in their strategic crosses to raise yield potential was evaluated. Over a three-year period, a subset of 27 genotypes (22 recent elite bread wheat lines, four landmark historical bread wheat cultivars, and one durum line) selected from the CIMMYT Mexico Core Germplasm (CIMCOG) panel were evaluated in northwest Mexico. The results from the 27 genotypes, and additional analysis considering only the 22 elite lines (disregarding the four historic cultivars and the one durum wheat line) show a substantial level of genotypic variation in most variables analyzed, indicating that a good combination of traits into strategic crosses can drive yield potential. Future increases in yield potential must include improvements in source- and sink-related traits in an integrated strategy. Our results indicate than an increase in water soluble carbohydrate after anthesis and chlorophyll content in flag leaf can potentially increase sink demand. However, high chlorophyll content in the flag leaf was negatively correlated with radiation use efficiency, likely associated with better light distribution in the crop canopy and less photochemical damage to leaves with less chlorophyll content. On the other hand, higher biomass at initiation of booting or anthesis could result in more spike dry weight at anthesis, increasing grain set and yield.

Wheat CRP FP3 - Global partnership to accelerate genetic gain in farmers field

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