Abstract
Publisher Summary The interest in transpiration efficiency lies in the extent to which greater transpiration efficiency (W) contributes to greater crop water-use efficiency and ultimately to improved crop yields. This chapter discusses the relationship between crop transpiration efficiency, crop water-use efficiency, and crop yield. Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) may provide a useful indirect measure of genetic variation in transpiration efficiency of leaf gas exchange in C 3 species. The chapter explains the extent to which genetic variation in transpiration efficiency at the leaf level is reflected in variation in transpiration efficiency and water-use efficiency at the crop scale. In wheat, genetic variation in transpiration efficiency and Δ can be attributed to variation in both stomatal conductance and photosynthetic capacity. The chapter also explores the relationships between dry matter production or grain yield and carbon isotope discrimination in field experiments. There are sources of variation in carbon isotope discrimination in wheat. The study discussed in the chapter analyzes the causes of variation in Δ among 16 wheats, mainly of Australian origin.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
