Two varieties of wheat differing in heat tolerance were exposed to very high
temperature (40/19°C day/night) for periods of 1–10 days
duration. Responses of grain dry matter, water and fractional protein
accumulation to high temperature were monitored throughout grain filling in
the heat- sensitive variety, and at maturity only in the heat-tolerant
variety. Results are compared with controls maintained at 21/16°C
day/night. As little as 1 day of heat treatment reduced kernel mass by
14% in the heat-sensitive variety (Oxley), but by only 5% in the
heat-tolerant variety (Egret). In both varieties, the reduction of individual
kernel mass due to high temperature increased linearly with increased duration
of heat treatment, such that after the first day of heat stress, each
additional day of treatment reduced mature individual kernel mass by a further
1.6%. For a given duration of heat treatment, the difference in
response of the two varieties was constant (9%), indicating that the
varietal difference in heat tolerance was maintained for both brief and
extended periods of very high temperature. Responses of grain water content
and fractional protein accumulation to duration of heat stress are discussed.