Dissection of drought response of modern and underutilized wheat varieties according to Passioura's yield-water framework.

ABSTRACT: Trait-based breeding is essential to improve wheat yield, particularly when stress adaptation is targeted. A set of modern and underutilized wheat genotypes was examined in a 2-year field experiment with distinct seasonal water supply. Yield formation and drought response strategies were analyzed in relation to components of Passioura's yield-water framework based on phenological, morphological, physiological, and root characteristics. Limited water supply resulted in 60% yield loss and substantially lower water use (37%), water use efficiency (32.6%), and harvest index (14%). Phenology and root length density were key determinants of water use. Late flowering underutilized wheat species with large root system and swift ground coverage showed greatest water use. Leaf chlorophyll concentrat

SUBMITTER: Nakhforoosh A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4511830 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature