Relationships between Grain Yield, Flag Leaf Morphology, Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Ash Content in Irrigated Wheat

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine how differences in leaf angle, leaf rolling (LR) and glaucousness (GL) can modify yield components and leaf physiological traits in wheat. A set of 167 lines derived from a cross between two high‐yielding bread wheat cultivars differing for these traits was grown under flood irrigation and high evaporative demand in the north‐west of Mexico. Area, mass per unit area and chlorophyll content of the flag leaf were assessed. Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) and ash content (ma) were also measured. A significant correlation was found between grain yield (GY) and both Δ and ma suggesting that, despite well‐watered conditions, leaf stomatal conductance was the main yield‐limiting factor. Leaf posture and LR did not significantly affect yield, Δ and ma. Higher grain weight was noted, however, in lines with droopy flag leaves. Erect leaves had higher mass per unit area. GL was associated with a significant increase in GY and grain weight. Glaucous lines also had higher Δ and ma, suggesting higher transpiration rate and lower transpiration efficiency. The study confirms that Δ and ma represent promising criteria for GY in wheat and provides evidence that GL can contribute to higher yield, even under irrigated conditions.