Partitioning of assimilates to deeper roots is associated with cooler canopies and increased yield under drought in wheat

Lopes, M. S. and Reynolds, M. P. (2010) Partitioning of assimilates to deeper roots is associated with cooler canopies and increased yield under drought in wheat. Functional Plant Biology, 37 (2). pp. 147-156.

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Abstract

Dehydration avoidance through cooler canopy temperature (CT) has been shown to explain over 60% yield variation in a random progeny derived from a Seri/Babax cross. A near ‘isomorphic’ subset of Seri/Babax progeny and parents encompassing a restricted range of height and phenology were used for detailed characterisation of drought-adaptive trait expression under contrasting water regimes. Under drought, five of the six progeny out yielded the best parent Babax by up to 35%. The main physiological attributes associated with drought adaptation were increased root dry weight at depth, transpiration rate – evidenced by grain carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) – grain filling duration and decreased CT during grain filling. Furthermore, increased root mass at depth was associated with reduced levels of stem water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) when comparing genotypes. It is concluded that differences in rooting depth expressed among iso-morphic wheat sister lines explains superior adaptation to drought. These effects can be detected in season using remote sensing. In addition, the data suggest that accumulation of stem carbohydrates and deep rooting may be two alternative strategies for adapting to drought stress, the latter being beneficial where water is available at depth

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: The Australian Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) are acknowledged for their financial support.
Uncontrolled Keywords: adaptation, canopy temperature, carbon isotope discrimination, grain filling, water soluble carbohydrates.
Author Affiliation: CIMMYT, Int. Apdo. Postal 6-641, 06600 México, DF, Mexico.
Subjects: Crop Improvement
Divisions: Other Crops
Depositing User: Mr Siva Shankar
Date Deposited: 27 Jul 2012 04:04
Last Modified: 27 Jul 2012 04:07
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/FP09121
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/7016

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