Influence of Growth Regulators and Nitrogen on the Number of Endosperm Cells in Wheat Grains from Different Positions on the Ear

Abstract

The course of development of the endosperm in wheat grains from pot experiments after application of growth regulators and a varied N-supply was followed by an endosperm cell count. The maximum number of endosperm cells was reached within the third week after anthesis and remained constant at two further checking times for more than 30 days after anthesis. There was no effect of application of CCC and Ancymidol at the end of tillering on the maximum number of endosperm cells although the single grain weight was smaller than in the control. The number of endosperm cells and single grain weight had not been altered by the varied N-supply. Within the ear, there is a distinct relation between the maximum number of endosperm cells and single grain weight. During the course of grain development, the differences in the number of cells, appeared earlier than the differences in the grain weight.