Delayed development of basal spikelets in wheat explains their increased floret abortion and rudimentary nature.

ABSTRACT: Large differences exist in the number of grains per spikelet across an individual wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) spike. The central spikelets produce the highest number of grains, while apical and basal spikelets are less productive, and the most basal spikelets are commonly only developed in rudimentary form. Basal spikelets are delayed in initiation, yet they continue to develop and produce florets. The precise timing or the cause of their abortion remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the underlying causes of basal spikelet abortion using shading applications in the field. We found that basal spikelet abortion is likely to be the consequence of complete floret abortion, as both occur concurrently and have the same response to shading treatments. We detected no differences in assi

SUBMITTER: Backhaus AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10498016 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature