1
|
Murchie EH, Reynolds M, Slafer GA, Foulkes MJ, Acevedo-Siaca L, McAusland L, Sharwood R, Griffiths S, Flavell RB, Gwyn J, Sawkins M, Carmo-Silva E. A 'wiring diagram' for source strength traits impacting wheat yield potential. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:72-90. [PMID: 36264277 PMCID: PMC9786870 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Source traits are currently of great interest for the enhancement of yield potential; for example, much effort is being expended to find ways of modifying photosynthesis. However, photosynthesis is but one component of crop regulation, so sink activities and the coordination of diverse processes throughout the crop must be considered in an integrated, systems approach. A set of 'wiring diagrams' has been devised as a visual tool to integrate the interactions of component processes at different stages of wheat development. They enable the roles of chloroplast, leaf, and whole-canopy processes to be seen in the context of sink development and crop growth as a whole. In this review, we dissect source traits both anatomically (foliar and non-foliar) and temporally (pre- and post-anthesis), and consider the evidence for their regulation at local and whole-plant/crop levels. We consider how the formation of a canopy creates challenges (self-occlusion) and opportunities (dynamic photosynthesis) for components of photosynthesis. Lastly, we discuss the regulation of source activity by feedback regulation. The review is written in the framework of the wiring diagrams which, as integrated descriptors of traits underpinning grain yield, are designed to provide a potential workspace for breeders and other crop scientists that, along with high-throughput and precision phenotyping data, genetics, and bioinformatics, will help build future dynamic models of trait and gene interactions to achieve yield gains in wheat and other field crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Reynolds
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Km. 45, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, El Batan, Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Gustavo A Slafer
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida–AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, Av. R. Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
- ICREA (Catalonian Institution for Research and Advanced Studies), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M John Foulkes
- Division of Plant and Crop Science, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Liana Acevedo-Siaca
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Km. 45, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, El Batan, Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Lorna McAusland
- Division of Plant and Crop Science, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Robert Sharwood
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond NSW 2753, Australia
| | - Simon Griffiths
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Ln, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Richard B Flavell
- International Wheat Yield Partnership, 1500 Research Parkway, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jeff Gwyn
- International Wheat Yield Partnership, 1500 Research Parkway, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Mark Sawkins
- International Wheat Yield Partnership, 1500 Research Parkway, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ma J, Liu Y, Zhang P, Chen T, Tian T, Wang P, Che Z, Shahinnia F, Yang D. Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and meta-QTL analysis for kernel size-related traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:607. [PMID: 36550393 PMCID: PMC9784057 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03989-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kernel size-related traits, including kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW), kernel diameter ratio (KDR) and kernel thickness (KT), are critical determinants for wheat kernel weight and yield and highly governed by a type of quantitative genetic basis. Genome-wide identification of major and stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and functional genes are urgently required for genetic improvement in wheat kernel yield. A hexaploid wheat population consisting of 120 recombinant inbred lines was developed to identify QTLs for kernel size-related traits under different water environments. The meta-analysis and transcriptome evaluation were further integrated to identify major genomic regions and putative candidate genes. RESULTS The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed more significant genotypic effects for kernel size-related traits, indicating the moderate to high heritability of 0.61-0.89. Thirty-two QTLs for kernel size-related traits were identified, explaining 3.06%-14.2% of the phenotypic variation. Eleven stable QTLs were detected in more than three water environments. The 1103 original QTLs from the 34 previous studies and the present study were employed for the MQTL analysis and refined into 58 MQTLs. The average confidence interval of the MQTLs was 3.26-fold less than that of the original QTLs. The 1864 putative candidate genes were mined within the regions of 12 core MQTLs, where 70 candidate genes were highly expressed in spikes and kernels by comprehensive analysis of wheat transcriptome data. They were involved in various metabolic pathways, such as carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, carbon metabolism, mRNA surveillance pathway, RNA transport and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. CONCLUSIONS Major genomic regions and putative candidate genes for kernel size-related traits in wheat have been revealed by an integrative strategy with QTL linkage mapping, meta-analysis and transcriptomic assessment. The findings provide a novel insight into understanding the genetic determinants of kernel size-related traits and will be useful for the marker-assisted selection of high yield in wheat breeding.
Collapse
Grants
- GHSJ 2020-Z4 Research Program Sponsored by State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, China
- GHSJ 2020-Z4 Research Program Sponsored by State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, China
- GHSJ 2020-Z4 Research Program Sponsored by State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, China
- GHSJ 2020-Z4 Research Program Sponsored by State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, China
- GHSJ 2020-Z4 Research Program Sponsored by State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, China
- GHSJ 2020-Z4 Research Program Sponsored by State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, China
- GHSJ 2020-Z4 Research Program Sponsored by State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, China
- GHSJ 2020-Z4 Research Program Sponsored by State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, China
- 21YF5NA089 Key Research and Development Program of Gansu Province, China
- 21YF5NA089 Key Research and Development Program of Gansu Province, China
- 21YF5NA089 Key Research and Development Program of Gansu Province, China
- 21YF5NA089 Key Research and Development Program of Gansu Province, China
- 21YF5NA089 Key Research and Development Program of Gansu Province, China
- 21YF5NA089 Key Research and Development Program of Gansu Province, China
- 21YF5NA089 Key Research and Development Program of Gansu Province, China
- 21YF5NA089 Key Research and Development Program of Gansu Province, China
- 2022CYZC-44 Industrial Support Plan of Colleges and Universities in Gansu Province
- 2022CYZC-44 Industrial Support Plan of Colleges and Universities in Gansu Province
- 2022CYZC-44 Industrial Support Plan of Colleges and Universities in Gansu Province
- 2022CYZC-44 Industrial Support Plan of Colleges and Universities in Gansu Province
- 2022CYZC-44 Industrial Support Plan of Colleges and Universities in Gansu Province
- 2022CYZC-44 Industrial Support Plan of Colleges and Universities in Gansu Province
- 2022CYZC-44 Industrial Support Plan of Colleges and Universities in Gansu Province
- 2022CYZC-44 Industrial Support Plan of Colleges and Universities in Gansu Province
- 31760385 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 31760385 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 31760385 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 31760385 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 31760385 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 31760385 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 31760385 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 31760385 National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 22ZD6NA010 Key Sci & Tech Special Project of Gansu Province
- 22ZD6NA010 Key Sci & Tech Special Project of Gansu Province
- 22ZD6NA010 Key Sci & Tech Special Project of Gansu Province
- 22ZD6NA010 Key Sci & Tech Special Project of Gansu Province
- 22ZD6NA010 Key Sci & Tech Special Project of Gansu Province
- 22ZD6NA010 Key Sci & Tech Special Project of Gansu Province
- 22ZD6NA010 Key Sci & Tech Special Project of Gansu Province
- 22ZD6NA010 Key Sci & Tech Special Project of Gansu Province
- Key Sci & Tech Special Project of Gansu Province
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingfu Ma
- State Key Lab of Aridland Crop Science, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- College of Agronomy, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- State Key Lab of Aridland Crop Science, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tao Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tian Tian
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhuo Che
- Plant Seed Master Station of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Fahimeh Shahinnia
- Institute for Crop Science and Plant Breeding, Bavarian State Research Centre for Agriculture, Freising, Germany
| | - Delong Yang
- State Key Lab of Aridland Crop Science, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bapela T, Shimelis H, Tsilo TJ, Mathew I. Genetic Improvement of Wheat for Drought Tolerance: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1331. [PMID: 35631756 PMCID: PMC9144332 DOI: 10.3390/plants11101331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Wheat production and productivity are challenged by recurrent droughts associated with climate change globally. Drought and heat stress resilient cultivars can alleviate yield loss in marginal production agro-ecologies. The ability of some crop genotypes to thrive and yield in drought conditions is attributable to the inherent genetic variation and environmental adaptation, presenting opportunities to develop drought-tolerant varieties. Understanding the underlying genetic, physiological, biochemical, and environmental mechanisms and their interactions is key critical opportunity for drought tolerance improvement. Therefore, the objective of this review is to document the progress, challenges, and opportunities in breeding for drought tolerance in wheat. The paper outlines the following key aspects: (1) challenges associated with breeding for adaptation to drought-prone environments, (2) opportunities such as genetic variation in wheat for drought tolerance, selection methods, the interplay between above-ground phenotypic traits and root attributes in drought adaptation and drought-responsive attributes and (3) approaches, technologies and innovations in drought tolerance breeding. In the end, the paper summarises genetic gains and perspectives in drought tolerance breeding in wheat. The review will serve as baseline information for wheat breeders and agronomists to guide the development and deployment of drought-adapted and high-performing new-generation wheat varieties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Bapela
- African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; (H.S.); (I.M.)
- Agricultural Research Council—Small Grain, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa;
| | - Hussein Shimelis
- African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; (H.S.); (I.M.)
| | - Toi John Tsilo
- Agricultural Research Council—Small Grain, Bethlehem 9700, South Africa;
| | - Isack Mathew
- African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa; (H.S.); (I.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gaur A, Jindal Y, Singh V, Tiwari R, Kumar D, Kaushik D, Singh J, Narwal S, Jaiswal S, Iquebal MA, Angadi UB, Singh G, Rai A, Singh GP, Sheoran S. GWAS to Identify Novel QTNs for WSCs Accumulation in Wheat Peduncle Under Different Water Regimes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:825687. [PMID: 35310635 PMCID: PMC8928439 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.825687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) play a vital role in water stress avoidance and buffering wheat grain yield. However, the genetic architecture of stem WSCs' accumulation is partially understood, and few candidate genes are known. This study utilizes the compressed mixed linear model-based genome wide association study (GWAS) and heuristic post GWAS analyses to identify causative quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) and candidate genes for stem WSCs' content at 15 days after anthesis under different water regimes (irrigated, rainfed, and drought). Glucose, fructose, sucrose, fructans, total non-structural carbohydrates (the sum of individual sugars), total WSCs (anthrone based) quantified in the peduncle of 301 bread wheat genotypes under multiple environments (E01-E08) pertaining different water regimes, and 14,571 SNPs from "35K Axiom Wheat Breeders" Array were used for analysis. As a result, 570 significant nucleotide trait associations were identified on all chromosomes except for 4D, of which 163 were considered stable. A total of 112 quantitative trait nucleotide regions (QNRs) were identified of which 47 were presumable novel. QNRs qWSC-3B.2 and qWSC-7A.2 were identified as the hotspots. Post GWAS integration of multiple data resources prioritized 208 putative candidate genes delimited into 64 QNRs, which can be critical in understanding the genetic architecture of stem WSCs accumulation in wheat under optimum and water-stressed environments. At least 19 stable QTNs were found associated with 24 prioritized candidate genes. Clusters of fructans metabolic genes reported in the QNRs qWSC-4A.2 and qWSC-7A.2. These genes can be utilized to bring an optimum combination of various fructans metabolic genes to improve the accumulation and remobilization of stem WSCs and water stress tolerance. These results will further strengthen wheat breeding programs targeting sustainable wheat production under limited water conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpit Gaur
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| | - Yogesh Jindal
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India
| | - Vikram Singh
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India
| | - Ratan Tiwari
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepak Kaushik
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India
| | - Jogendra Singh
- ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Sneh Narwal
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Sarika Jaiswal
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Mir Asif Iquebal
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Ulavapp B. Angadi
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Gyanendra Singh
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| | - Anil Rai
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Sonia Sheoran
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Miao Y, Jing F, Ma J, Liu Y, Zhang P, Chen T, Che Z, Yang D. Major Genomic Regions for Wheat Grain Weight as Revealed by QTL Linkage Mapping and Meta-Analysis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:802310. [PMID: 35222467 PMCID: PMC8866663 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.802310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Grain weight is a key determinant for grain yield potential in wheat, which is highly governed by a type of quantitative genetic basis. The identification of major quantitative trait locus (QTL) and functional genes are urgently required for molecular improvements in wheat grain yield. In this study, major genomic regions and putative candidate genes for thousand grain weight (TGW) were revealed by integrative approaches with QTL linkage mapping, meta-analysis and transcriptome evaluation. Forty-five TGW QTLs were detected using a set of recombinant inbred lines, explaining 1.76-12.87% of the phenotypic variation. Of these, ten stable QTLs were identified across more than four environments. Meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis were performed on 394 initial TGW QTLs available from previous studies and the present study, where 274 loci were finally refined into 67 MQTLs. The average confidence interval of these MQTLs was 3.73-fold less than that of initial QTLs. A total of 134 putative candidate genes were mined within MQTL regions by combined analysis of transcriptomic and omics data. Some key putative candidate genes similar to those reported early for grain development and grain weight formation were further discussed. This finding will provide a better understanding of the genetic determinants of TGW and will be useful for marker-assisted selection of high yield in wheat breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongping Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Gansu, China
| | - Fanli Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Gansu, China
| | - Jingfu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Gansu, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Gansu, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu, China
| | - Tao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Gansu, China
| | - Zhuo Che
- Plant Seed Master Station of Gansu Province, Gansu, China
| | - Delong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Aridland Crop Science, Gansu, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Gansu, China
- *Correspondence: Delong Yang,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang C, Zheng B, He Y. Improving Grain Yield via Promotion of Kernel Weight in High Yielding Winter Wheat Genotypes. BIOLOGY 2021; 11:biology11010042. [PMID: 35053040 PMCID: PMC8772892 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Improving plant net photosynthetic rates and accelerating water-soluble carbohydrate accumulation play an important role in increasing the carbon sources for wheat kernel growth and yield. The objective of this study was to quantify the relative yield contribution by analyzing the photosynthesis rate of flag leaf, water-soluble carbohydrate content of flag leaf, flag leaf sheath and stem, and other agronomic and physiological traits in 15 wheat cultivars released in Shandong Province, China between 1969 and 2006. Our results suggest that increase of flag leaf photosynthesis and WSC had a positive effect of 0.593 on the TKW, and thus benefit for developing high yielding wheat cultivars. Abstract Improving plant net photosynthetic rates and accelerating water-soluble carbohydrate accumulation play an important role in increasing the carbon sources for yield formation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Understanding and quantify the contribution of these traits to grain yield can provide a pathway towards increasing the yield potential of wheat. The objective of this study was to identify kernel weight gap for improving grain yield in 15 winter wheat genotypes grown in Shandong Province, China. A cluster analysis was conducted to classify the 15 wheat genotypes into high yielding (HY) and low yielding (LY) groups based on their performance in grain yield, harvest index, photosynthetic rate, kernels per square meter, and spikes per square meter from two years of field testing. While the grain yield was significantly higher in the HY group, its thousand kernel weight (TKW) was 8.8% lower than that of the LY group (p < 0.05). A structural equation model revealed that 83% of the total variation in grain yield for the HY group could be mainly explained by TKW, the flag leaf photosynthesis rate at the grain filling stage (Pn75), and flag leaf water-soluble carbohydrate content (WSC) at grain filling stage. Their effect values on yield were 0.579, 0.759, and 0.444, respectively. Our results suggest that increase of flag leaf photosynthesis and WSC could improve the TKW, and thus benefit for developing high yielding wheat cultivars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Str., Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Bangyou Zheng
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Queensland Biosciences Precinct, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Yong He
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Str., Beijing 100081, China;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-10-82109767
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ferguson JN, Tidy AC, Murchie EH, Wilson ZA. The potential of resilient carbon dynamics for stabilizing crop reproductive development and productivity during heat stress. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2021; 44:2066-2089. [PMID: 33538010 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Impaired carbon metabolism and reproductive development constrain crop productivity during heat stress. Reproductive development is energy intensive, and its requirement for respiratory substrates rises as associated metabolism increases with temperature. Understanding how these processes are integrated and the extent to which they contribute to the maintenance of yield during and following periods of elevated temperatures is important for developing climate-resilient crops. Recent studies are beginning to demonstrate links between processes underlying carbon dynamics and reproduction during heat stress, consequently a summation of research that has been reported thus far and an evaluation of purported associations are needed to guide and stimulate future research. To this end, we review recent studies relating to source-sink dynamics, non-foliar photosynthesis and net carbon gain as pivotal in understanding how to improve reproductive development and crop productivity during heat stress. Rapid and precise phenotyping during narrow phenological windows will be important for understanding mechanisms underlying these processes, thus we discuss the development of relevant high-throughput phenotyping approaches that will allow for more informed decision-making regarding future crop improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John N Ferguson
- Division of Plant & Crop Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK
- Future Food Beacon of Excellence, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alison C Tidy
- Division of Plant & Crop Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Erik H Murchie
- Division of Plant & Crop Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Zoe A Wilson
- Division of Plant & Crop Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK
| |
Collapse
|