Breeding effects on development phases in durum wheat

Breeding effects on development phases in durum wheat

During crop development, certain apical developmental phases are more critical than others in terms of generating final yield. Isidro et al. analyse how apical developmental phases in Mediterranean durum wheat cultivars (Triticum durum) have been altered by breeding during the 20th century and examine the impact of each phase on the number of grains per spike. The results suggest that extending the duration of the phase from booting to anthesis could improve spike fertility and hence yield.