Soil coring at multiple field environments can directly quantify variation in deep root traits to select wheat genotypes for breeding.

ABSTRACT: We aim to incorporate deep root traits into future wheat varieties to increase access to stored soil water during grain development, which is twice as valuable for yield as water captured at younger stages. Most root phenotyping efforts have been indirect studies in the laboratory, at young plant stages, or using indirect shoot measures. Here, soil coring to 2 m depth was used across three field environments to directly phenotype deep root traits on grain development (depth, descent rate, density, length, and distribution). Shoot phenotypes at coring included canopy temperature depression, chlorophyll reflectance, and green leaf scoring, with developmental stage, biomass, and yield. Current varieties, and genotypes with breeding histories and plant architectures expected to promote deep ro

SUBMITTER: Wasson AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4223987 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature