Paternal Effect on Grain Size in Wheat

Abstract

VARIETIES of wheat can differ in yield of grain even when unfavourable factors such as disease, unsuitable soil nutrient status and lodging are eliminated as completely as possible. Methods of breeding for high yield could be made more objective if the physiological processes responsible for the yield differences were understood. There are two possibilities. First the assimilative capacity of the plant after anthesis may be the principal limiting factor, or secondly, the grain may be a limited sink for photosynthates, either as a result of its rate of growth or its ultimate size.