Grain Yield in Two Contrasting Varieties of Spring Wheat

To investigate factors determining grain yield in spring wheattwo contrasting varieties of high (Jufy I) and low (Peko) yieldingcapacity were grown in field and glasshouse experiments. In a field trial Jufy I yielded approximately 14 per cent moregrain than Peko on both control and nitrogen-treated plots.In another field trial employing small plots, although for bothvarieties doubling the seed-rate did not affect grain yield,the two varieties differed in their response to the increasein density. In Peko the yield level remained unaffected becausedoubling the seed-rate halved the number of fertile tillersper plant, whereas for Jufy I in addition to a shift in tillernumber per plant there were changes in the number of grainsper ear. In both varieties the weight per seed remained constant. When the two varieties were grown alone or as a 1: 1 mixtureat the same seed-rate the grain yields were similar. In themixture, Peko, compared with Jufy I, produced a greater numberof fertile tillers and consequently a greater contribution tothe total grain yield. In glasshouse experiments the grain yield per tiller and theorder of leaf area duration per tiller for the period from earemergence to grain ripening were both higher for Jufy I. Onthe other hand, there was no varietal difference for the netassimilation rate estimated during the vegetative phase, butexcluding the roots. Additional nitrogen primarily stimulated tiller production inboth varieties. Shading either the upper or lower parts of the plant demonstratedthat the ear and flag leaf and its sheath are important sourcesof assimilates for grain formation, whereas the lower partsare relatively unimportant in this respect. There were indicationsthat the response between varieties differed.     

Accelerated Early Growth of Rice at Elevated CO2 (Is It Related to Developmental Changes in the Shoot Apex?)

The influence of elevated CO2 on the development of the shoot apex and on subsequent vegetative growth and grain yield was investigated using rice (Oryza sativa L. cv Jarrah) grown in flooded soil at either 350 or 700 [mu]L CO2 L-1. At 8 d after planting (DAP), elevated CO2 increased the height and diameter of the apical dome and lengths of leaf primordia and tiller buds but had no effect on their numbers. By 16 DAP, there were five tiller buds in the apex at 700 [mu]L CO2 L-1 compared with only three tiller buds at 350 [mu]L CO2 L-1. These changes in development of the shoot apex at high CO2 were forerunners to faster development of the vegetative shoot at elevated CO2 between 11 and 26 DAP as evidenced by increases in the relative growth rates of the shoot and tillers. Accelerated development at high CO2 was responsible for the 42% increase in tiller number at the maximum tillering stage and the 57% enhancement of grain yield at the final harvest. The link between high CO2 effects on development during the first 15 DAP and final tiller number and grain yield was demonstrated by delaying exposure of plants to high CO2 for 15 d. The delay totally inhibited the tillering response to high CO2, and the increase in grain yield of 20% arose from a greater number of grains per panicle. Consequently, it can be concluded that accelerated development in the shoot apex early in development is crucial for obtaining maximum increases in grain yield at elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations.     

The effect of tiller removal and tiller defoliation on competition between the main shoot and tillers of spring barley

In glasshouse and field experiments the source-sink relations of the main shoot of plants of spring barley were modified by tiller removal and tiller defoliation. Decreasing competition by tiller removal promoted the growth of the residual main shoot and its component parts, and the earlier tillers were removed the greater was the effect. Stem dry weight was increased four-fold in the glasshouse by early tiller removal and was doubled in the field experiment. The grain yield of the main shoot ear was increased by 26 – 30% by tiller removal compared with tillering control plants and this was due to larger grains in all spikelet positions. On the other hand increasing competition by regular tiller defoliation had relatively little effect on the growth and development of the main shoot in the glasshouse study, but in the field the main shoot grain yield was reduced by 10% compared with the control. The main effect of tiller defoliation was on the development of tillers. In the glasshouse tillers survived repeated defoliation, continued to be produced, and the majority produced grain but with fewer and smaller grains per ear than in control plants. Tiller growth was supported by the import of assimilate from the main shoot and this was accompanied by an increase in the photosynthetic rate of the main shoot leaves. In the field all defoliated tillers died within 4 wk. These responses are discussed in terms of the physiological interrelations between the main shoot and tillers.     

The effects of feeding by the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, on the growth and yield components of rice, Oryza sativa

Abstract 1 The effects of feeding by larvae of the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, on the growth and yield components of rice, Oryza sativa, were evaluated using four varieties of rice, ‘Cocodrie’, ‘Cypress’, ‘Bengal’ and ‘XP1003’, over 2 years. 2 Both adults and larvae of L. oryzophilus feed on rice plants, but it is feeding by the larval stage that causes economic losses. Feeding by L. oryzophilus larvae resulted in extensive damage to root systems. Pruning of root systems resulted in a decrease in tiller number and shoot biomass of rice plants in the vegetative stage of growth. 3 Yield losses were due to a combination of decreases in panicle densities, numbers of grains per panicle, and grain weights. Decreases in panicle densities were a direct result of the reductions in tiller numbers. Reductions in numbers of grains per panicle and grain weights probably resulted from decreases in shoot biomass. 4 Injury by rice water weevil larvae is chronic. The tillering stage of rice suffered the majority of weevil damage, but the growth effects were not manifested until later.     

Mutations in Barley Row Type Genes Have Pleiotropic Effects on Shoot Branching

Cereal crop yield is determined by different yield components such as seed weight, seed number per spike and the tiller number and spikes. Negative correlations between these traits are often attributed to resource limitation. However, recent evidence suggests that the same genes or regulatory modules can regulate both inflorescence branching and tillering. It is therefore important to explore the role of genetic correlations between different yield components in small grain cereals. In this work, we studied pleiotropic effects of row type genes on seed size, seed number per spike, thousand grain weight, and tillering in barley to better understand the genetic correlations between individual yield components. Allelic mutants of nine different row type loci (36 mutants), in the original spring barley varieties Barke, Bonus and Foma and introgressed in the spring barley cultivar Bowman, were phenotyped under greenhouse and outdoor conditions. We identified two main mutant groups characterized by their relationships between seed and tillering parameters. The first group comprises all mutants with an increased number of seeds and significant change in tiller number at early development (group 1a) or reduced tillering only at full maturity (group 1b). Mutants in the second group are characterized by a reduction in seeds per spike and tiller number, thus exhibiting positive correlations between seed and tiller number. Reduced tillering at full maturity (group 1b) is likely due to resource limitations. In contrast, altered tillering at early development (groups 1a and 2) suggests that the same genes or regulatory modules affect inflorescence and shoot branching. Understanding the genetic bases of the trade-offs between these traits is important for the genetic manipulation of individual yield components.     

Maize development and grain quality are differentially affected by mycorrhizal fungi and a growth-promoting pseudomonad in the field

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can increase the growth and yield of major crops, and improve the quality of fruits and leaves. However, little is known about their impact on seed composition. Plants were inoculated with AM fungi and/or the bacterial strain Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf4 and harvested after 7 months of growth in open-field conditions. Plant growth parameters were measured (biomass, length and circumference of spikes, number of grains per cob, grain yield, and grain size) and protein, lipid, and starch content in grains were determined. Plant growth and yield were increased by inoculation with the microorganisms. Moreover, spikes and grains of inoculated plants were bigger than those produced by uninoculated plants. Regarding grain composition, the bacterial strain increased grain starch content, especially the digestible components, whereas AM fungi-enhanced protein, especially zein, content. Plant inoculation with the fluorescent pseudomonad and mycorrhizal fungi resulted in additive effects on grain composition. Overall, results showed that the bacterial strain and the AM fungi promoted maize growth cultivated in field conditions and differentially affected the grain nutritional content. Consequently, targeted plant inoculation with beneficial microorganisms can lead to commodities fulfilling consumer and industrial requirements.     

Effect of the Duration of the Vegetative Phase on Shoot Growth, Development and Yield in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke)

Craufurd, P. Q. and Bidinger, F. R. 1988. Effect of the durationof the vegetative phase on shoot growth, development and yieldin pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke).–J.exp. Bot. 38: 124–139 The duration of the vegetative phase (DVP) in millet, whichis the major cause of variation in the crop duration, has markedeffects on the number of productive tillers per plant and onmainshoot (MS) and tiller grain yield. Daylength extensionswere used to vary the DVP and the effect on factors affectingpanicle (tiller) number per plant and panicle yield examinedin millet hybrid 841A x J104, grown in the field at Hyderabad,India. Tiller appearance, shoot leaf appearance and leaf area,and stem and panicle growth, in both MS and primary tillers(PTs), were monitored at frequent intervals over the season.At maturity grain yield per shoot was measured The concept of thermal time was used to describe shoot development.The rates of tiller appearance and shoot leaf appearance werelinearly related to thermal time and were not affected by DVPtreatments. The duration of the growth phase from panicle initiationto flowering (GS2) and from flowering to maturity (GS3) was320 and 390 degree days (°Cd), respectively. There was nodifference in rates of leaf or tiller appearance or developmentbetween MS and PTs. Tiller appearance, tiller leaf appearanceand tiller apical development all ceased at the same time inthe later initiated PTs, approximately 550 °Cd from sowing,shortly after rapid stem growth had begun. Tillers that didnot survive were all vegetative or in the early stages of reproductivedevelopment at this time The rate of accumulation of dry matter per plant was similarin all DVP treatments, but in the longer DVP treatments a greaterproportion of the dry matter was partitioned to the MS. Mainshootstem and panicle growth rates were increased by a longer DVP,as was grain yield on the MS, and these were related to increasedMS leaf area. Concurrently, growth rates and yields in laterinitiated tillers were reduced in relation to their leaf areas.Stem growth rate was proportionately increased more than paniclegrowth rate in the longer DVP treatments and this, combinedwith a longer duration of stem growth, resulted in greater stemdry matter at maturity and, therefore, in reduced harvest index.     

Embryo and endosperm development in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) kernels subjected to drought stress

The aim of the present work was to reveal the histological alterations triggered in developing wheat kernels by soil drought stress during early seed development resulting in yield losses at harvest. For this purpose, observations were made on the effect of drought stress, applied in a controlled environment from the 5th to the 9th day after pollination, on the kernel morphology, starch content and grain yield of the drought-sensitive Cappelle Desprez and drought-tolerant Plainsman V winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties. As a consequence of water withdrawal, there was a decrease in the size of the embryos and the number of A-type starch granules deposited in the endosperm, while the development of aleurone cells and the degradation of the cell layers surrounding the ovule were significantly accelerated in both genotypes. In addition, the number of B-type starch granules per cell was significantly reduced. Drought stress affected the rate of grain filling shortened the grain-filling and ripening period and severely reduced the yield. With respect to the recovery of vegetative tissues, seed set and yield, the drought-tolerant Plainsman V responded significantly better to drought stress than Cappelle Desprez. The reduction in the size of the mature embryos was significantly greater in the sensitive genotype. Compared to Plainsman V, the endosperm cells of Cappelle Desprez accumulated significantly fewer B-type starch granules. In stressed kernels of the tolerant genotype, the accumulation of protein bodies occurred significantly earlier than in the sensitive variety.     

Modification of starch metabolism in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana increases plant biomass and triples oilseed production

We have identified a novel means to achieve substantially increased vegetative biomass and oilseed production in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Endogenous isoforms of starch branching enzyme (SBE) were substituted by either one of the endosperm‐expressed maize (Zea mays L.) branching isozymes, ZmSBEI or ZmSBEIIb. Transformants were compared with the starch‐free background and with the wild‐type plants. Each of the maize‐derived SBEs restored starch biosynthesis but both morphology and structure of starch particles were altered. Altered starch metabolism in the transformants is associated with enhanced biomass formation and more‐than‐trebled oilseed production while maintaining seed oil quality. Enhanced oilseed production is primarily due to an increased number of siliques per plant whereas oil content and seed number per silique are essentially unchanged or even modestly decreased. Introduction of cereal starch branching isozymes into oilseed plants represents a potentially useful strategy to increase biomass and oilseed production in related crops and manipulate the structure and properties of leaf starch.     

Identification of Differentially Senescing Mutants of Wheat and Impacts on Yield,Biomass and Nitrogen Partitioning

Increasing photosynthetic capacity by extending canopy longevity during grain filling using slow senescing stay-green genotypes is a possible means to improve yield in wheat.Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS...     

Restricting the above ground sink corrects the root/shoot ratio and substantially boosts the yield potential per panicle in field‐grown rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice has shallow, weak roots, but it is unknown how much increase in yield potential could be achieved if the root/shoot ratio is corrected. Removing all tillers except the main one, in a japonica (Sakha 101) and an indica (IR64) rice cultivar, instantly increased the root/shoot ratio from 0.21 to 1.16 in Sakha 101 and from 0.16 to 1.46 in IR64. Over 30 days after detillering, the root/shoot ratios of the detillered plants decreased to 0.49 in Sakha 101 and 0.46 in IR64 but remained significantly higher than in the controls. The detillered plants showed two‐ or fourfold increase in the main tiller fresh weight, as a consequence of more positive midday leaf relative water content (RWC), and consistently higher rates of stomatal conductance and photosynthesis, but not transpiration, compared with the controls. The enhanced photosynthesis in Sakha 101 after detillering resulted from both improved water status and higher Rubisco contents whereas in IR64, increasing the Rubisco content did not contribute to improving photosynthesis. Detillering did not increase the carbohydrate contents of leaves but prevented starch depletion at the end of grain filling. The leaf protein content during vegetative and reproductive stages, the grain filling rate, the number of filled grains per panicle were greatly improved, bringing about 38.3 and 35.9% increase in the harvested grain dry weight per panicle in Sakha 101 and IR64, respectively. We provide evidence that improving the root performance by increasing the root/shoot ratio would eliminate the current limitations to photosynthesis and growth in rice.     

Very high CO2 reduces photosynthesis, dark respiration and yield in wheat

Although terrestrial CO2 concentrations, [CO2] are not expected to reach 1000 micromoles mol-1 for many decades, CO2 levels in closed systems such as growth chambers and glasshouses, can easily exceed this concentration. CO2 levels in life support systems in space can exceed 10000 micromoles mol-1 (1%). Here we studied the effect of six CO2 concentrations, from ambient up to 10000 micromoles mol-1, on seed yield, growth and gas exchange of two wheat cultivars (USU-Apogee and Veery-l0). Elevating [CO2] from 350 to 1000 micromoles mol-1 increased seed yield (by 33%), vegetative biomass (by 25%) and number of heads m-2 (by 34%) of wheat plants. Elevation of [CO2] from 1000 to 10000 micromoles mol-1 decreased seed yield (by 37%), harvest index (by 14%), mass per seed (by 9%) and number of seeds per head (by 29%). This very high [CO2] had a negligible, non-significant effect on vegetative biomass, number of heads m-2 and seed mass per head. A sharp decrease in seed yield, harvest index and seeds per head occurred by elevating [CO2] from 1000 to 2600 micromoles mol-1. Further elevation of [CO2] from 2600 to 10000 micromoles mol-1 caused a further but smaller decrease. The effect of CO2 on both wheat cultivars was similar for all growth parameters. Similarly there were no differences in the response to high [CO2] between wheat grown hydroponically in growth chambers under fluorescent lights and those grown in soilless media in a glasshouse under sunlight and high pressure sodium lamps. There was no correlation between high [CO2] and ethylene production by flag leaves or by wheat heads. Therefore, the reduction in seed set in wheat plants is not mediated by ethylene. The photosynthetic rate of whole wheat plants was 8% lower and dark respiration of the wheat heads 25% lower when exposed to 2600 micromoles mol-1 CO2 compared to ambient [CO2]. It is concluded that the reduction in the seed set can be mainly explained by the reduction in the dark respiration in wheat heads, when most of the respiration is functional and is needed for seed development.     

Insights on the role of tillering in salt tolerance of spring wheat from detillering

Tillering is reduced by salinity, with the primary and secondary tillers being more affected than is the mainstem. To understand the importance of tillering in the salt tolerance of wheat plants, two contrasting genotypes of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown in a greenhouse under saline or non-saline conditions and were subjected to five progressive levels of detillering. Regardless of the genotype and salinity, shoot dry weight, seed yield and seed number per plant were all significantly decreased in the treatments where only one or two tillers per plant remained compared with the untouched treatment (more than three tillers), whereas these same variables per tiller tended to be increased on a per tiller (mainstem or substem tiller) basis. The increased seed yield per tiller observed with tiller reduction may be attributed to the enhanced seed number within the spikelet. Under saline conditions, the reductions in shoot dry weight, seed yield and seed number per plant for the salt-tolerant genotype Kharchia were of a greater magnitude in the treatments where only one or two tillers per plant were present compared with the untouched treatment, whereas the magnitude of this reduction in the salt-sensitive genotype Sakha 61 was decreased.     

A comparative study of seed yield parameters in Arabidopsis thaliana mutants and transgenics

Because seed yield is the major factor determining the commercial success of grain crop cultivars, there is a large interest to obtain more understanding of the genetic factors underlying this trait. Despite many studies, mainly in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, have reported transgenes and mutants with effects on seed number and/or seed size, knowledge about seed yield parameters remains fragmented. This study investigated the effect of 46 genes, either in gain- and/or loss-of-function situations, with a total of 64 Arabidopsis lines being examined for seed phenotypes such as seed size, seed number per silique, number of inflorescences, number of branches on the main inflorescence and number of siliques. Sixteen of the 46 genes, examined in 14 Arabidopsis lines, were reported earlier to directly affect in seed size and/or seed number or to indirectly affect seed yield by their involvement in biomass production. Other genes involved in vegetative growth, flower or inflorescence development or cell division were hypothesized to potentially affect the final seed size and seed number. Analysis of this comprehensive data set shows that of the 14 lines previously described to be affected in seed size or seed number, only nine showed a comparable effect. Overall, this study provides the community with a useful resource for identifying genes with effects on seed yield and candidate genes underlying seed QTL. In addition, this study highlights the need for more thorough analysis of genes affecting seed yield.     

松嫩平原贝加尔针茅无性系构件的结构及生长规律

采用整个分蘖丛挖掘的取样方法,对松嫩平原栽培条件下贝加尔针茅无性系构件的结构,以及生长与生产规律进行了定量分析.结果表明,在9月末停止生长期,经过2个生长季的营养繁殖,贝加尔针茅无性系的丛径为9.4±3.24 cm.无性系的全体构件数为161.±8.2个.其中,生殖分蘖株为14.6±11.48个,占9.2%;营养分蘖株为146.9±78.70个,占90.7%.全体构件总生物量为3.8±34.22 g,其中生殖分蘖株生物量为2.0±20.34 g,占43.7%;营养分蘖株为28.8±19.43 g,占6.2%.随着丛径的增加,不同构件的数量均具有线性同速生长规律,而不同构件的生物量均具有幂函数异速增长规律.不同构件生物量与无性系全体构件的数量和生物量之间均呈显著(P<0.0)或极显著(P<0.01)的幂函数正相关关系.平均单个生殖分蘖株的生产力约为营养分蘖株的10倍.生殖分蘖株的数量和生物量的表型可塑性普遍大于营养分蘖株.     

不同倍性冬小麦种内竞争能力的比较研究

通过3个不同倍性冬小麦材料(两倍体栽培一粒、四倍体栽培两粒、六倍体现代品种长武134),在不同水分条件下进行密度实验,研究了不同材料的株高、生物量累积和分蘖动态的变化,以及产量对密度变化的反应。结果表明随着群体的增大,不同倍性材料个体间竞争明显加剧,相互抑制作用增强,种群内部个体大小等级差异增大;在不同群体下各倍性材料的个体生长存在差异,表现为四倍体栽培两粒竞争能力两倍体栽培一粒六倍体现代品种长武134,且长武134受种群大小影响最为显著,但长武134产量累积的投入比例最高,产量最高,低竞争能力的个体更适合生产上的需求,是群体高产的基础。研究结果为旱地小麦的高产栽培和育种提供了理论基础。     

亚热带中山立地鸭茅分蘖丛生长与再生的定量分析

对亚热带中山立地鸭茅分蘖丛的生长与再生特征的定量分析表明,在５月份开花期和８月份再生草的取样中,鸭茅分蘖丛的蘖数均随着丛径的增加里直线增加;丛生物量、丛枯死量分别与丛径、丛蘖数之间均有极显著的正相关;平均单蘖重随着丛径的增加均呈变形双曲线函数减少,随着丛蘖数的增加均呈幂函数减少;抽穗率随着丛径和丛菜数的增加均呈直线下降．在生长季前期,鸭茅分蘖丛的生长策略是将大部分能量投入生殖生长．     

Effects of alien cytoplasmic variation on carbon assimilation and productivity in wheat

In glasshouse studies of four alloplasmic wheat series, phenotypic characters were least affected when the recipient parent cytoplasm was replaced by donor cytoplasm of the S or D plasmatype. In the T. aestivum cv. 'Selkirk' series, cytoplasm substitution did not affect Pmax per unit leaf area, although the flag leaf area (and photosynthetic rate per leaf) of each alloplasmic line was greater than that of euplasmic 'Selkirk'. In field trials, all the D plasmatype alloplasmics tested produced more ears m^-2 than did euplasmic 'Selkirk'. The increased tiller number and leaf area of alloplasmic lines resulted in greater canopy light interception than euplasmic 'Selkirk' early in the season. This characteristic was associated with reduced weed populations under crops of alloplasmic 'Selkirk' lines grown under low-, but not high-input, agronomic regimes, with Ae. cylindrica- and Ae. ventricosa-'Selkirk' significantly outyielding alloplasmic 'Selkirk' under low-input conditions. The F2 populations from crosses between European wheat varieties and 'Selkirk' lines exhibited higher standard deviations for grain yield for alloplasmic than for euplasmic 'Selkirk', suggesting potential for selecting heterotic nuclear-cytoplasmic combinations with alien cytoplasms.     

Roles of succession,light, nutrients and disturbance on population vigor and maintenance of the rare plant Solidago shortii (Asteraceae)

Results of field and glasshouse experiments on Solidago shortii, and our observations on this species over many years, were used to construct a conceptual model of the roles of succession, light, soil nutrients and disturbance on population vigor and maintenance of this federal-endangered species. As cover of woody vegetation increased at a population site between 1986 and 1992, number of flowering ramets of S. shortii significantly decreased but number of vegetative ramets remained nearly constant. Adult plants transplanted into a redcedar thicket and those shaded in a glasshouse produced many fewer flowering ramets and capitula per flowering ramet and less biomass and had higher mortality than those in the open. Seedlings/juveniles shaded in a glasshouse had significantly less dry biomass; lower RGR, NAR, leaf area and root/shoot ratio and higher LAR, SLA and LWR than nonshaded ones. In a field site and glasshouse, fertilized plants (NPK) consistently had more flowering ramets and capitula per flowering ramet than nonfertilized ones. Hierarchy of dry weight of plants grown in a glasshouse in soils derived from five types of bedrock was phosphatic limestone > calcareous shale > sandstone > black shale = dolomite. Flowering and biomass production in the field-fertilizer and soil-type experiments were associated closely with levels of P. Number of flowering ramets significantly increased in plants transferred from shaded to nonshaded glasshouse conditions, but no such increase occurred after opening the canopy above plants in a thicket. Both high light and high nutrient levels apparently are necessary to maintain high vigor of S. shortii. In areas subject to invasion by woody plants, periodic high intensity disturbance may be required to prevent population extirpation.