Grain growth and distribution of dry matter in the wheat plant as influenced by temperature, light energy and ear size.

Abstract

The response of wheat plants during the post-flowering stage to temperature, light intensity and ear size was studied in controlled environments. Within the range 15-25 deg C, increase in temperature increased the growth rate of grains, but the duration of post-flowering development of the plant was very much shortened, with the result that higher temperatures resulted in lower grain yields. Increase in light intensity from 92 to 147 cal/cm2 day had a more positive effect on grain weight than an increase from 147 to 175 cal/cm2 day. Removal of spikelets from the ear increased 1000-grain weight but not sufficiently to compensate for the reduction in the number of grains/ear. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)