Modelling the Effects on Grain Yield of Genetic Variation in Some Crop Characteristics

Abstract

Except in adverse environments, the great majority of the carbohydrate in harvested grain originates from photosynthesis during the grain filling period, from anthesis to maturity. However, though the carbohydrate yield of a wheat crop is realised during grain filling, the potential for carbohydrate production is determined before anthesis. Protein, constituting about 10% of the grain dry matter, is synthesized in the grain mainly from organic nitrogen (amino acids and amides) that is translocated from the vegetative organs as they senesce and the proteins they contain are hydrolysed. This knowledge forms the basis of the simulation model used in this paper.