Impact of Growth Habit and Architecture Genes on Adaptation and Performance of Bread Wheat

Abstract

In bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), flowering time and plant stature are important phenological and agronomic traits for adaptation, yield potential, and yield stability. Timely flowering is critical for production, and the flowering window has to be late enough to avoid early season frosts but early enough to avoid late season stresses such as heat and terminal drought. Flowering time is controlled mainly by vernalization, photoperiod response, and earliness per se genes, which can be exploited to fine-tune growth and tailor flowering time for the production of desirable wheat cultivars. Tailoring flowering time could help reduce preharvest sprouting problems by escaping high temperatures and late season rainfall, which promote preharvest sprouting, hence yield loss. Concisely summarizing available information on flowering time and identifying research gaps could provide direction for future research. This chapter, therefore, discusses: (i) the progress made in discovering genes involved and the impact of their extensive allelic variation on flowering time, (ii) the potential benefits of tailoring wheat's flowering time to improve yield, and (iii) the benefits of introgressing genes for other complimentary traits, such as semidwarf and preharvest sprouting resistance on advanced lines to achieve higher yield, thus, sustainable food security.

Impact of Cultivar and Growing Conditions on Alpha‐Amylase Properties in Wheat

“…[ 20,21 ] The difference in flowering and ripening time, which is mainly caused by the growth habit, should be considered as important in preventing grain ripening under unfavorable environmental conditions that involve α‐amylase activity. [ 22,23 ]…”

“…[20,21] The difference in flowering and ripening time, which is mainly caused by the growth habit, should be considered as important in preventing grain ripening under unfavorable environmental conditions that involveamylase activity. [22,23] From an enzymological point of view, the enzyme as a catalyst is strongly dependent on the medium conditions (i.e., pH, temperature, substrate concentrations, etc.) which could modify its catalytic activity and stability.…”

Dissecting the Genetic Architecture of Phenology Affecting Adaptation of Spring Bread Wheat Genotypes to the Major Wheat-Producing Zones in India

“…However, this stress can manifest itself at an early stage ( Kumar et al, 2021 ). Three gene groups, including Vrn , Ppd , and Eps , have a major influence on heading and flowering time of wheat ( Snape et al, 2001 ; Distelfeld et al, 2009 ; Kumar et al, 2012 ; Khumalo et al, 2017 ). Early studies reported that the switch from vegetative to reproductive development is promoted by the prolonged cold temperatures of winter (vernalization) ( Chouard, 1960 ).…”