Ear development and formation of grain yield in winter wheat.

Abstract

The pattern of grain production of a winter wheat crop and the effect of plant density and time of tiller emergence on grain yield/ear were studied. At harvest, ear size and ear components were ascertained and were discussed in relation to ear growth and ear development during the prefloral and postfloral growing period. Detailed information was obtained on the productivity of ear-bearing tillers and their contribution to final grain yield. Shoot productivity decreased in denser crops; ears were smaller because spikelet differentiation, grain set and grain filling were inadequate. The date that the tiller emerged largely determined its subsequent grain yield. With later tiller initiation and emergence fewer ears were produced. Moreover, these ears were smaller because spikelet initiation, spikelet differentiation, grain set and grain filling were reduced. At low and moderate plant densities, the grain yield of the early-emerged tillers only slightly lagged behind that of main shoots and max. grain yield could be achieved at moderate plant densities. It was concluded that in cereal farming, high and stable grain yields are aims to be achieved. These can be best achieved by having moderate plant densities and applying correct treatments for good crop growth. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)