Studies in Physiological Analysis of Yield. IX, Effect of Light Intensity on the Development of the Wheat Grain

Under average tight intensities, 57,800 (sunlight, L), 12,900 (l₁), 3900 (1₂) and 3300 (1₃) lux, during the fortnight after anthesis, the increase in the average shoot weight (excluding roots) of wheat cultivars, NP 823 and NP 824, varied as 100, 43, 24 and 10, and of cultivars, Ph C 281 and NP720, as 100, 35, 15 and 9; the corresponding increase in weight of ear varied as 100, 59, 45 and 40, in the first group and as 100, 58, 53 and 33, in the second. The increase in ear weight was relatively less affected by low light intensity than increase in shoot weight, probably because the stem-sugars were utilized in grain-filling. The stem-sugars increased only in L and decreased in 1₁, 1₂ and 1₃. The grain number and its weight were also reduced under l₁, 1₂ and l₃. Assuming that increase in shoot weight is a measure of photo-synthetic activity, it is inferred that during the fortnight after anthesis, current photosynthesis determines largely, but not entirely, the rate of growth of grain. After transfer to full sunlight, the grain weights of l₁, 1₂ and 1₃ plants amounted, at maturity, to 93, 78 and 77 % of the value of L. The actual increase in grain weight was the same in L and l₁ and slightly lower in l₂, and 1₃. It is inferred that the same amount of photosynthate was produced in all the four treatments hut was not fully utilized in 1₂ and 1₃ because of considerable reduction in grain number. Since the sugar content of the stem in l₁, I₂ and l₃ plants, on the 15th day after anthesis, was half as much as, or even lower than, in L, whereas the increase in grain weight was much less affected, it follows that the level of stem-sugars does not determine the rate of growth of grain. During the fortnight before maturity, light intensity as low as 2500 lux had little effect on grain development. It is concluded that light intensity equal to that of full sunlight may not be required during the entire course of grain development. Considering that sugars accumulate in the stem during the fortnight after anthesis, and their concentration does not control the subsequent rate of growth of the grain, it is suggested that a more efficient sink (ear) may be the means by which photosynthates can be more effectively utilized and the yield potential raised further.     

The Development of Wheat Grain in Relation to Endogenous Growth Substances

Changes in the endogenous gibberellins and abscisic acid ofthe developing grains of Triticum aestivum L. have been studiedin relation to growth of the grain. The maximum grain volumeis inversely related to temperature and is reached while thedry weight is still small. This stage is associated with a sharpincrease in gibberellins. Starch formation is the principalfeature of the next stage of development and this ceases shortlyafter the beginning of a period of rapid water loss. This waterloss is preceded by an increase in the abscisic acid content.Changes in the endosperm are associated with changes in thebiochemical and physical attributes of the pericarp; these alsohave been correlated with changes in growth substances. Theresults are related to the ripening process and the final dryweight of the grain.     

超级杂交水稻谷粒产量与叶光合速率的关系

在2000～2005年期间,通过测定几种超级杂交水稻与普通杂交水稻‘汕优63’的产量构成和叶片光合作用探讨了谷粒产量与光合作用的关系。结果表明:(1)4种超级杂交水稻‘培矮64S/E32’、‘P88S/O293’、‘金23A/611’和‘GD-lS/ RB207’的产量水平显著高于‘汕优63’,是对照的108%～120%。(2)与‘汕优63’相比,这些超级杂交水稻的株型好,上层叶片直立,穗大即每穗粒数多,是对照的125%～177%。(3)与‘汕优63’相比,这些组合第二叶的净光合速率显著提高,但第一叶即剑叶的未必都较高。(4)去半叶处理降低了‘GD-1S/RB207’的结实率,而去半穗处理显著提高了结实率。因此,这些超级杂交水稻的高产原因在于穗大、株型好以及群体光能利用效率高。增加单叶特别是剑叶的光合能力是克服谷粒产量的光合产物源限制和在未来的超级杂交水稻育种中实现产量潜力新突破的关键。     

Effects of Long-Term Fertilization on Leaf Photosynthetic Characteristics and Grain Yield in Winter Wheat

Based on a 20-year fertilization experiment with wheat-maize double cropping system, the effects of different long-term fertilization treatments on leaf photosynthetic characteristics and grain yield in different winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars were studied in the growing seasons of 2000–2001 and 2001–2002. A total of nine fertilization treatments were implemented, i.e. no fertilizer (CK), N fertilizer (N), N and P fertilizers (NP), N and K fertilizers (NK), N, P, and K fertilizers (NPK), only organic manure (M), organic manure and N fertilizer (MN), organic manure and N and P fertilizers (MNP), and organic manure and N, P, and K fertilizers (MNPK). With the treatments of combined organic manure and inorganic fertilizers (TMI), net photosynthetic rate (P _N), maximal activity of photosystem 2, PS2 (F_v/F_m), and chlorophyll content (SPAD value) of flag leaves and leaf area index (LAI) were much higher at the mid grain filling stage (20 or 23 d post anthesis, DPA), and exhibited slower declines at the late grain filling stage (30 DPA), compared with the treatments of only inorganic fertilizers (TI). The maximal canopy photosynthetic traits expressed as P _N×LAI and SPAD×LAI at the mid grain filling stage were also higher in TMI than those in TI, which resulted in different grain yields in TMI and TI. Among the treatments of TMI or among the treatments of TI, both flag leaf and canopy photosynthetic abilities and yield levels increased with the supplement of inorganic nutrients (N, P, and K fertilizers), except for the treatment of NK. Under NK, soil contents of N and K increased while that of P decreased. Hence the unbalanced nutrients in soil from the improper input of nutrients in NK treatment were probably responsible for the reduced flag leaf and canopy photosynthetic characteristics and LAI, and for the fast declining of flag leaf photosynthetic traits during grain filling, resulting in the reduced yield of NK similar to the level of CK.     

土壤水分对金矮生苹果光合速率的影响

通过对 7年生田间和 2年生盆栽金矮生苹果 ( Maluspumila CV.goldspur)进行不同土壤水分和光照条件下叶片光合速率测定研究 ,结果表明 ,光合速率 ( Pn)与光照强度 ( PAR)和土壤水分 ( SWC)之间存在着密切的关系。当林木供水充足 ,即 SWC( >1 5 % )达到田间持水量 ( FC)的 75 %以上时 ,Pn的光响应曲线为直角双曲线 ,但 SWC低于这一水平时 ,Pn的光响应曲线则为二次抛物线 ,表现出不同程度的光抑制 ,水分胁迫越严重 ,出现光抑制越早。弱光下 ( PAR<5 0 0 μmol· s- 1· m- 2 ) ,光合速率最大值 Pmax出现在 SWC比较低的范围内 ( 70 %～ 75 % FC) ,如果 SWC继续增大时 ,Pn反而下降 ;随着光强的增大 ,Pmax出现的 SWC水平随之提高。金矮生苹果 Pn的日变化规律在不同 SWC下并不相同 ,水分胁迫存在时 ,Pn的日变化表现出“午休”现象 ,水分胁迫越严重 ,“午休”时间越长 ;水分供应充足时 ,Pn从 1 0∶ 0 0的最大值直线下降 ,下午不再回升。轻度水分胁迫时 ,Pn日平均值接近或达到最大值 ;随着 SWC的提高 Pn日平均值反而有下降趋势。在正常光照条件下 (日均值 80 0～ 1 0 0 0μmol· s- 1· m- 2 ) ,当林木处于严重水分胁迫 ,即 SWC低于 FC的 5 5 %时 ,Pn随土壤水分的增加直线上升 ;当土壤水分供应充足 ( SWC>75 % F     

Contribution of Pre-Anthesis Assimilates and Current Photosynthesis to Grain Yield,and their Relationships to Drought Resistance in Wheat Cultivars Grown Under Different Soil Moisture

We investigated the relative importance of pre-anthesis assimilates stored in plant parts, mainly in the stem, and post-anthesis photosynthesis to drought resistance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars Hongwangmai (drought resistant) and Haruhikari (drought sensitive) subjected to two soil moisture regimes: irrigated and non-irrigated. In the irrigated treatment, soil moisture was maintained near field capacity throughout the growing season, while in the non-irrigated treatment water was withheld from 81 d after sowing until maturity. Drought stress reduced grain yield of Hongwangmai and Haruhikari by 41 and 60 %, respectively. Remobilization of pre-anthesis assimilates to the grain (remobilization) was reduced by drought in Hongwangmai but increased in Haruhikari. The contribution of pre-anthesis assimilates to the grain decreased under non-irrigated treatment in Hongwangmai. However, under water stress, Hongwangmai maintained a higher net photosynthetic rate in the flag leaf than Haruhikari. These results indicated that maintenance of post-anthesis photosynthetic rate was related to drought resistance in Hongwangmai rather than to remobilization under drought stress.     

The Effects of Selenium on Physiological Traits, Grain Selenium Content and Yield of Winter Wheat at Different Development Stages

The paper evaluated the effects of Se application time and rate on physiological traits, grain Se content, and yield of winter wheat by field experiment. Se application significantly increased grain Se content and yield, and the increased amount treated with 20 and 30 mg Se?L^?1 was the highest. At blooming–filling stage, Se application significantly increased grain Se content, but did not affect yield. Chlorophyll content was increased by Se application, and the increased amount at heading–blooming stage was higher than that in wheat leaves at the other stages. At four development stages, Se treatments (except for 10 mg Se?L^?1 at jointing–heading stage) significantly decreased the rate of superoxide (O₂ ^?) radical production. At heading–blooming (except for 50 mg Se?L^?1) and blooming–filling stages, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content was significantly decreased by Se treatments. The rate of O₂ ^? production and H₂O₂ content at 20 and 30 mg Se?L^?1 was the lowest. Se treatments (except for 10 mg Se?L^?1 at regreening–jointing and blooming–filling stages) also induced an evident decrease in malondialdehyde content. Proline content induced by Se treatments at jointing–heading and heading–blooming stages was higher than that in wheat leaves at regreening–jointing and blooming–filling stages. At four development stages, Se treatments all significantly increased glutathione peroxidase activity, and the treatments with 20 and 30 mg Se?L^?1 also evidently increased reduced glutathione content. These results suggested that Se application at different development stages increased antioxidant capacity of wheat, reduced oxidant stress to some extent, and the effects of Se treatments was the best if Se concentration ranged between 20 and 30 mg Se?L^?1. In addition, Se application time was more beneficial for Se accumulation and yield in wheat grain at heading–blooming stage.     

Root Respiration,Photosynthesis and Grain Yield of Two Spring Wheat in Response to Soil Drying

The effects of soil water regime and wheat cultivar, differing in drought tolerance with respect to root respiration and grain yield, were investigated in a greenhouse experiment. Two spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars, a drought sensitive (Longchun 8139-2) and drought tolerant (Dingxi 24) were grown in PVC tubes (120 cm in length and 10 cm in diameter) under an automatic rain-shelter. Plants were subjected to three soil moisture regimes: (1) well-watered control (85% field water capacity, FWC); (2) moderate drought stress (50% FWC) and (3) severe drought stress (30% FWC). The aim was to study the influence of root respiration on grain yield under soil drying conditions. In the experiment, severe drought stress significantly (p < 0.05) reduced shoot and root biomass, photosynthesis and root respiration rate for both cultivars, but the extent of the decreases was greater for Dingxi 24 compared to that for Longchun 8139-2. Compared with Dingxi 24, 0.04 and 0.07 mg glucose m⁻² s⁻¹ of additional energy, equivalent to 0.78 and 1.43 J m⁻² s⁻¹, was used for water absorption by Longchun 8139-2 under moderate and severe drought stress, respectively. Although the grain yield of both cultivars decreased with declining soil moisture, loss was greater in Longchun 8139-2 than in Dingxi 24, especially under severe drought stress. The drought tolerance cultivar (Dingxi 24), had a higher biomass and metabolic activity under severe drought stress compared to the sensitive cultivar (Longchun 8139-2), which resulted in further limitation of grain yield. Results show that root respiration, carbohydrates allocation (root:shoot ratio) and grain yield were closely related to soil water status and wheat cultivar. Reductions in root respiration and root biomass under severe soil drying can improve drought tolerant wheat growth and physiological activity during soil drying and improve grain yield, and hence should be advantageous over a drought sensitive cultivar in arid regions.     

Studies in the Growth of Young Plants of Pinus sylvestris L.: II. The Relation of Growth to Soil Moisture Tension

Plants of Pinus sylvestris in their first and third seasonsof growth were grown in containers under moisture regimes inwhich the maximum tensions were varied between 0.1 and about9 atm. Compared with plants growing in the o.1 atm. treatment,growth was significantly reduced in the first-year plants by0.3 atm. and in the third-year plants by a tension between 0.5and 1.5 atm. Further reductions were caused by the higher tensionsemployed. The plants appeared to be sensitive to differencesin soil moisture tension throughout the growing-season. Theeffects of soil moisture tension on growth were due mainly tovariations in net assimilation rate. It is pointed out thatthe growth of many plants is substantially reduced by soil moisturetensions of less than 1 atm. and possible interpretations ofthis are discussed.     

孕穗期低温对冬小麦生理生化特性和产量的影响

为明确孕穗期低温对小麦生理生化特性和产量的影响,以‘小偃22’等5个冬小麦品种为材料,对其在低温（2±1） ℃胁迫下叶片中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、过氧化物酶(POD)活性、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量、相对电导率、可溶性糖含量、脯氨酸含量和可溶性蛋白含量等生理指标进行测定,并测定单株产量。结果表明:（1）与对照相比,低温胁迫24 h和48 h后,供试品种叶片SOD活性、POD活性、CAT活性、MDA含量、相对电导率、可溶性糖含量和脯氨酸含量均显著增加,而可溶性蛋白含量显著降低。（2）低温胁迫使各品种单株籽粒产量和单株穗粒数显著下降,但对小穗数和千粒重的影响不大。（3）经隶属函数分析,‘小偃22’、‘矮抗58’和‘西农509’属于抗寒性较强的品种,而‘郑麦9023’和‘郑麦366’为抗寒性较弱的品种,这与它们在试验中的籽粒产量表现相符。研究发现,与抗寒性弱的小麦品种相比,抗寒性强的品种在相同低温下具有相对较高的保护酶活性、较强的渗透调节物质积累能力和较低的质膜破坏程度,这是其在低温胁迫后能维持较高产量的生理基础。     

影响小麦粒重的农艺性状,生理指标的主成分分析

本研究对长江中游麦区11个小麦品种（系）的13个与粒重密切相关的农艺性状和生理指标进行了主成分分析。13个原始指标综合成为4个独立的新指标;主成分1,光合同化因子;主成分2,籽粒灌浆速率与构成因子;主成分3,籽粒灌浆持续期与产量构成因子;主成分4,籽粒灌浆参数综合因子。主成分值与粒重相关分析表明,主成分4及主成分2与粒重有极显著的正相关。通过逐步回归分析,建立了小麦粒重与主成分值之间的回归方程。以主成分值为指标的系数聚类,可将十一个品种分为三大类型。不同类型品种主成分值的大小和相互协调方式不同,直接导致品种（系）粒重不同。     

Relation between Mesophyll Surface Area, Photosynthetic Rate, and Illumination Level during Development for Leaves of Plectranthus parviflorus Henckel

The influence of illumination level during leaf development on the mesophyll cell surface area per unit leaf area (A^mes/A), CO₂ resistances, and the photosynthetic rate was determined for leaves of Plectranthus parviflorus Henckel. The relative importance of A^mes/A versus CO₂ resistances in accounting for observed changes in photosynthesis was quantitatively evaluated using equations based on analogies to electrical circuits.     

Flag Leaf Anatomy of Triticum and Aegilops Species in Relation to Photosynthetic Rate

Quantitative anatomical and other measurements were made onfully expanded flag leaves of a series of diploid, tetraploidand hexaploid Triticum and Aegilops species, and photosyntheticrates per unit leaf area were measured at light saturation (P_max). Diploids had the highest P_max, hexaploids the lowest with tetraploidsbeing intermediate. The anatomical features of tetraploids andhexaploids were generally similar, but different from the diploids.The diploids had thinner leaves with less dry matter and chlorophyllper unit area. The surface area of the mesophyll cells per unitvolume of mesophyll tissue was similar for all ploidy levels,as was the ratio mesophyil cell surface area per unit leaf area.It is argued that while these anatomical features are unlikelyto account for the observed variation in Pmax, it is possiblethat other structural factors with which they are correlatedmay causally influence P_max. One such feature is the averagediffusion path length from the plasmalemma at the cell surfaceto the sites of carboxylation. Anatomy, photosynthesis, mesophyll, cell size, Triticum, Aegilops, polyploidy     

Soil Tillage Management Affects Maize Grain Yield by Regulating Spatial Distribution Coordination of Roots,Soil Moisture and Nitrogen Status

The spatial distribution of the root system through the soil profile has an impact on moisture and nutrient uptake by plants, affecting growth and productivity. The spatial distribution of the roots, soil moisture, and fertility are affected by tillage practices. The combination of high soil density and the presence of a soil plow pan typically impede the growth of maize (Zea mays L.).We investigated the spatial distribution coordination of the root system, soil moisture, and N status in response to different soil tillage treatments (NT: no-tillage, RT: rotary-tillage, SS: subsoiling) and the subsequent impact on maize yield, and identify yield-increasing mechanisms and optimal soil tillage management practices. Field experiments were conducted on the Huang-Huai-Hai plain in China during 2011 and 2012. The SS and RT treatments significantly reduced soil bulk density in the top 0–20 cm layer of the soil profile, while SS significantly decreased soil bulk density in the 20–30 cm layer. Soil moisture in the 20–50 cm profile layer was significantly higher for the SS treatment compared to the RT and NT treatment. In the 0-20 cm topsoil layer, the NT treatment had higher soil moisture than the SS and RT treatments. Root length density of the SS treatment was significantly greater than density of the RT and NT treatments, as soil depth increased. Soil moisture was reduced in the soil profile where root concentration was high. SS had greater soil moisture depletion and a more concentration root system than RT and NT in deep soil. Our results suggest that the SS treatment improved the spatial distribution of root density, soil moisture and N states, thereby promoting the absorption of soil moisture and reducing N leaching via the root system in the 20–50 cm layer of the profile. Within the context of the SS treatment, a root architecture densely distributed deep into the soil profile, played a pivotal role in plants’ ability to access nutrients and water. An optimal combination of deeper deployment of roots and resource (water and N) availability was realized where the soil was prone to leaching. The correlation between the depletion of resources and distribution of patchy roots endorsed the SS tillage practice. It resulted in significantly greater post-silking biomass and grain yield compared to the RT and NT treatments, for summer maize on the Huang-Huai-Hai plain.     

Grain Yield in Pearl Millet in Relation to Source Size and Proximity to Sink

Two pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend. Stuntz] hybrids GHB-30 and MH-179 were given defoliation treatments prior to anthesis comprising zero leaf to intact control. Keeping or removing even flag leaf only significantly altered the grain yield. With increasing leaf area (leaf numbers) the grain yield also significantly increased. Test mass showed more or less a similar trend. The leaves in the upper portion (nearer to sink) showed a greater contribution to the grain yield than the lower ones (away from sink). However, the highest leaf efficiency in terms of contribution per unit leaf area and the contribution by the whole leaf to the grain yield was recorded by 4^th and 3^rd leaf, respectively. The stem (covered with petioles) contributed to the extent of around 12 %. The existing leaves compensated to some extent for the defoliated ones.     

酸枣叶对土壤水分的生理生化响应

酸枣(Ziziphus jujuba var.spinosa)分布广、适应性强、极耐旱,是研究植物响应干旱气候的优良试验材料。通过覆膜技术控制酸枣根系附近土壤水分含量,研究了不同土壤水分条件对酸枣叶片组织含水量、叶绿素含量、丙二醛、可溶性糖含量等生理生化指标的影响,以期探明酸枣适应干旱的生理机制。结果显示：随着土壤含水量的降低,处理组酸枣叶片的相对含水量与绝对含水量均降低,但都保持在较高水平,与对照相比,差异显著（p<0.05）;自然饱和亏呈下降趋势且维持在较低水平,较对照差异均显著（p<0.05）;随着土壤水分的减少,处理组酸枣叶片较对照组组织水势和渗透势减小（p<0.05）,较对照差异显著（p<0.05）,吸水能力提高;处理组酸枣叶片的叶绿体色素含量随土壤干旱程度的加深,均表现为低于对照且逐渐减少（p<0.05）;随着处理时间的延长,处理组与对照组相比,电导率随之增大,MDA含量也随之升高,质膜受到损伤;处理组酸枣叶片中渗透调节物质可溶性糖含量和游离脯氨酸含量均有不同程度的增加,平均增幅为1.29、1.5倍。结果表明,酸枣叶片在不同的土壤水分条件下,具有积极的生理响应方式,适应性强,具有较强的抗旱耐旱能力。     

Genetic Analysis of Carbon Isotope Discrimination and its Relation to Yield in a Wheat Doubled Haploid Population

Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ¹³C) is considered a useful indicator for indirect selection of grain yield (GY) in cereals. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the genetic variation in Δ¹³C and its relationship with GY. A doubled haploid (DH) population derived from a cross of two common wheat varieties, Hanxuan 10 (H10) and Lumai 14 (L14), was phenotyped for Δ¹³C in the flag leaf, GY and yield associated traits in two trials contrasted by water availability, specifically, rain‐fed and irrigated. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified by single locus and two locus QTL analyses. QTLs for Δ¹³C were located on chromosomes 1A, 2B, 3B, 5A, 7A and 7B, and QTLs for other traits on all chromosomes except 1A, 4D, 5A, 5B and 6D. The population selected for high Δ¹³C had an increased frequency of QTL for high Δ¹³C, GY and number of spikes per plant (NSP) when grown under rain‐fed conditions and only for high Δ¹³C and NSP when grown under irrigated conditions, which was consistent with agronomic performance of the corresponding trait values in the high Δ¹³C progeny; that is, significantly greater than that in the low Δ¹³C. Therefore, selection for Δ¹³C was beneficial in increasing grain yield in rain‐fed environments.