Genome-wide association mapping for stay-green and stem reserve mobilization traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under combined heat and drought stress

Stay-green (SG) and stem reserve mobilization (SRM) are two significant mutually exclusive traits, which contributes to grain-filling during drought and heat stress in wheat. The current research was conducted in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) panel consisting of 278 wheat genotypes of advanced breeding lines to find the markers linked with SG and SRM traits and also to screen the superior genotypes. SG and SRM traits, viz. soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value, canopy temperature (CT), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), leaf senescence rate (LSR) and stem reserve mobilization efficiency (SRE) were recorded. The trial was conducted in α-lattice design, under control and combined heat and drought stress (HD). Analysis of variance and descriptive statistics showed a significant difference across the evaluated traits. The highest mean of SRE (31.7%) and SRM (0.42 g/stem) was reported in HD, while highest SRE in HD and lowest in control was 52.56% and 15.7%, respectively. Genotyping was carried out using the 35 K Axiom R Wheat Breeder's Array, 14,625 SNPs were kept after filtering. Through GWAS, 36 significant marker trait associations (MTAs) were identified on 16 distinct chromosomes; out of this, 22 MTAs were found under control and 14 MTAs under HD. Candidate genes that code for UDP-glycosyltransferase 73C4-like and protein detoxification 40-like was linked to SPAD and CT respectively. One MTAs was detected for SRM on chromosome 6B that code for wall associated receptor kinase 4 like. These SNPs can be utilized to generate cultivars that adapt to climate change by a marker-assisted gene transfer.

Differential biochemical responses of seven Indian wheat genotypes to temperature stress

BACKGROUND

Changes in the temperature induction response are potential tools for the empirical assessment of plant cell tolerance. This technique is used to identify thermotolerant lines in field crops. In the present investigation, ten-day-old seedlings of six wheat genotypes released by Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, India were exposed to gradual increases in high temperature and duration (control 25 °C to 30 °C for 1 h, 34 °C for 1 h, 38 °C for 2 h and 42 °C for 3 h) to investigate their effects on some physiological and biochemical parameters to provide basic information for improving heat-tolerant cultivars.

RESULTS

Proline levels increased with increasing temperature up to 34 °C for 1 h but then decreased at higher temperatures (depending on genotype). Notably, proline levels decreased at 38 °C for 2 h in PDKV-Washim, AKAW-3722, and PDKV Sardar and at 42 °C for 3 h in all the genotypes. The relative leaf water content (RLWC) and chlorophyll 'b' content significantly decreased with increasing temperature. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels increased with temperature. The enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase also increased with temperature. However, these parameters, along with other biochemical indicators, generally decreased at 42 °C for 3 h.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed positive relationships between increasing temperatures. Hydrogen peroxide levels and the activities of SOD, APX, and peroxidase enzymes across all the genotypes. The AKAW-4627 genotype presented better maintenance of physiological and biochemical parameters and lower H₂O₂ levels, indicating greater heat tolerance. Compared with PDKV-Washim and AKAW-3722, which are more susceptible to high temperatures, the WSM-109-04, AKAW-4627 and PDKV Sardar genotypes presented better adaptability to heat stress. These findings suggest that selecting wheat genotypes with higher proline accumulation and better maintenance of physiological and biochemical parameters under heat stress, such as AKAW-4627, can help in the development of heat-tolerant wheat cultivars.

Identification of candidate regulators of the response to early heat stress in climate-adapted wheat landraces via transcriptomic and co-expression network analyses

Introduction

Climate change is likely to lead to not only increased global temperatures but also a more variable climate where unseasonal periods of heat stress are more prevalent. This has been evidenced by the observation of spring-time temperatures approaching 40°C in some of the main spring-wheat producing countries, such as the USA, in recent years. With an optimum growth temperature of around 20°C, wheat is particularly prone to damage by heat stress. A warming climate with increasingly common fluctuations in temperature therefore threatens wheat crops and subsequently the lives and livelihoods of billions of people who depend on the crop for food. To futureproof wheat against a variable climate, a better understanding of the response to early heat stress is required.

Methods

Here, we utilised DESeq2 to identify 7,827 genes which were differentially expressed in wheat landraces after early heat stress exposure. Candidate hub genes, which may regulate the transcriptional response to early heat stress, were identified via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and validated by qRT-PCR.

Results

Two of the most promising candidate hub genes (TraesCS3B02G409300 and TraesCS1B02G384900) may downregulate the expression of genes involved in the drought, salinity, and cold responses-genes which are unlikely to be required under heat stress-as well as photosynthesis genes and stress hormone signalling repressors, respectively. We also suggest a role for a poorly characterised sHSP hub gene (TraesCS4D02G212300), as an activator of the heat stress response, potentially inducing the expression of a vast suite of heat shock proteins and transcription factors known to play key roles in the heat stress response.

Discussion

The present work represents an exploratory examination of the heat-induced transcriptional change in wheat landrace seedlings and identifies several candidate hub genes which may act as regulators of this response and, thus, may be targets for breeders in the production of thermotolerant wheat varieties.

Co-expression network analysis of diverse wheat landraces reveals markers of early thermotolerance and a candidate master regulator of thermotolerance genes

Triticum aestivum L. (bread wheat) is a crop relied upon by billions of people around the world, as a major source of both income and calories. Rising global temperatures, however, pose a genuine threat to the livelihood of these people, as wheat growth and yields are extremely vulnerable to damage by heat stress. Here we present the YoGI wheat landrace panel, comprising 342 accessions that show remarkable phenotypic and genetic diversity thanks to their adaptation to different climates. We quantified the abundance of 110 790 transcripts from the panel and used these data to conduct weighted co-expression network analysis and to identify hub genes in modules associated with abiotic stress tolerance. We found that the expression of three hub genes, all heat-shock proteins (HSPs), were significantly correlated with early thermotolerance in a validation panel of landraces. These hub genes belong to the same module, with one (TraesCS4D01G207500.1) being a candidate master-regulator potentially controlling the expression of the other two hub genes, as well as a suite of other HSPs and heat-stress transcription factors (HSFs). In this work, therefore, we identify three validated hub genes, the expression of which can serve as markers of thermotolerance during early development, and suggest that TraesCS4D01G207500.1 is a potential master regulator of HSP and HSF expression - presenting the YoGI landrace panel as an invaluable tool for breeders wishing to determine and introduce novel alleles into modern varieties, for the production of climate-resilient crops.

Effects of Post Anthesis High Temperature Stress on Carbon Partitioning and Starch Biosynthesis in a Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Adapted to Moderate Growth Temperatures

This study investigates carbon partitioning in the developing endosperm of a European variety of spring wheat subjected to moderately elevated daytime temperatures (27°C/16°C day/night) from anthesis to grain maturity. Elevated daytime temperatures caused significant reductions in both fresh and dry weights and reduced starch content of harvested grains compared to plants grown under a 20°C/16°C day/night regime. Accelerated grain development caused by elevated temperatures was accounted for by representing plant development as thermal time (°CDPA). We examined effects of high temperature stress (HTS) on uptake and partitioning of [U-14C]-sucrose supplied to isolated endosperms. HTS caused reduced sucrose uptake into developing endosperms from the second major grain filling stage (approximately 260°CDPA) up to maturity. Enzymes involved in sucrose metabolism were unaffected by HTS, whereas key enzyme activities involved in endosperm starch deposition such as ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and soluble isoforms of starch synthase were sensitive to HTS throughout grain development. HTS caused a decrease in other major carbon sinks such as evolved CO2, ethanol-soluble material, cell walls and protein. Despite reductions in labelling of carbon pools caused by HTS, the relative proportions of sucrose taken up by endosperm cells allocated to each cellular pool remain unchanged, except for evolved CO2, which increased under HTS and may reflect enhanced respiratory activity. The results of this study show that moderate temperature increases in some temperate wheat cultivars can cause significant yield reductions chiefly through three effects: reduced sucrose uptake by the endosperm, reduced starch synthesis, and increased partitioning of carbon into evolved CO2.

Heat shock exposure during early wheat grain development can reduce maximum endosperm cell number but not necessarily final grain dry mass

Post-anthesis heat shocks, which are expected to increase in frequency under climate change, may affect wheat grain development and lead to significant decreases in grain yield. Grain development occurs in three phases, the lag-phase, the filling-phase, and maturation. The growth of the three main compartments of the grain (outer layers (OLs), endosperm, embryo) is staggered, so that heat shocks affect time- and tissue-specific growth processes differentially depending on their timing. We hypothesized that heat shocks during the lag-phase may reduce final grain size, resulting from a reduction in endosperm cell number and/or a restricted OLs growth. Plants were heated for four consecutive days during the lag-phase or the filling-phase or both phases (lag- and filling-). Heat shocks consisted in four hours a day at 38°C and 21°C for the rest of the day. Controlled plants were maintained at 21/14°C (day/night). For each temperature treatment, kinetics of whole grain and compartment masses and dimensions were measured as well as the endosperm cell number. An early heat shock reduced endosperm cell proliferation. However, the growth patterns neither of endosperm nor of OLs were modified compared to controls, resulting in no differences in final grain size. Furthermore, compared to controls, a single heat shock during the filling-phase reduced both the duration and rate of dry mass accumulation into grains, whereas two consecutive shocks reduced the duration but enhanced the rate of dry mass of accumulation, even when endosperm cell number was reduced. The mean endosperm cell size was shown to be larger after early heat shocks. All together, these results suggest a compensatory mechanism exists to regulate endosperm cell size and number. This process might be a new mechanistic target for molecular studies and would improve our understanding of post-anthesis wheat tolerance to heat-shocks.

Effect of assimilate competition during early seed development on the pod and seed growth traits in soybean

Although the seed remains small in size during the initial stage of seed development (the lag phase), several studies indicate that environment and assimilate supply level manipulations during the lag phase affect the final seed size. However, the manipulations were not only at the lag phase, making it difficult to understand the specific role of the lag phase in final seed size determination. It also remained unclear whether environmental cues are sensed by plants and regulate seed development or if it is simply the assimilate supply level, changed by the environment, that affects the subsequent seed development. We investigated soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) seed phenotypes grown in a greenhouse using different source-sink manipulations (shading and removal of flowers and pods) during the lag phase. We show that assimilate supply is the key factor controlling flower and pod abortion and that the assimilate supply during the lag phase affects the subsequent potential seed growth rate during the seed filling phase. In response to low assimilate supply, plants adjust flower/pod abortion and lag phase duration to supply the minimum assimilate per pod/seed. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms whereby the lag phase is crucial for seed development and final seed size potential, essential parameters that determine yield.

Grain-Filling Rate Improves Physical Grain Quality in Barley Under Heat Stress Conditions During the Grain-Filling Period

Heat stress is a primary constraint to Australia's barley production. In addition to impacting grain yield, it adversely affects physical grain quality (weight and plumpness) and market value. The incidence of heat stress during grain filling is rising with global warming. However, breeding for new superior heat-tolerant genotypes has been challenging due to the narrow window of sensitivity, the unpredictable nature of heat stress, and its frequent co-occurrence with drought stress. Greater scientific knowledge regarding traits and mechanisms associated with heat tolerance would help develop more efficient selection methods. Our objective was to assess 157 barley varieties of contrasting genetic backgrounds for various developmental, agro-morphological, and physiological traits to examine the effects of heat stress on physical grain quality. Delayed sowing (i.e., July and August) increased the likelihood of daytime temperatures above 30°C during grain-filling. Supplementary irrigation of field trials ensured a reduced impact of drought stress. Heat tolerance appeared to be the primary factor determining grain plumpness. A wide variation was observed for heat tolerance, particularly among the Australian varieties. Genotypic variation was also observed for grain weight, plumpness, grain growth components, stay-green and stem water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) content, and mobilisation under normal and delayed sown conditions. Compared to normal sowing, delayed sowing reduced duration of developmental phases, plant height, leaf size, head length, head weight, grain number, plumpness, grain width and thickness, stem WSC content, green leaf area retention, and harvest index (HI), and increased screenings, grain length, grain-filling rate (GFR), WSC mobilisation efficiency (WSCME), and grain protein content. Overall, genotypes with heavier and plumper grains under high temperatures had higher GFR, longer grain-filling duration, longer green leaf area retention, higher WSCME, taller stature, smaller leaf size, greater HI, higher grain weight/plumpness potentials, and earlier flowering. GFR played a significant role in determining barley grain weight and plumpness under heat-stress conditions. Enhancing GFR may provide a new avenue for improving heat tolerance in barley.

Performance Prediction of Durum Wheat Genotypes in Response to Drought and Heat in Climate Change Conditions

With an approach combining crop modelling and biotechnology to assess the performance of three durum wheat cultivars (Creso, Duilio, Simeto) in a climate change context, weather and agronomic datasets over the period 1973-2004 from two sites, Benatzu and Ussana (Southern Sardinia, Itay), were used and the model responses were interpreted considering the role of DREB genes in the genotype performance with a focus on drought conditions. The CERES-Wheat crop model was calibrated and validated for grain yield, earliness and kernel weight. Forty-eight synthetic scenarios were used: 6 scenarios with increasing maximum air temperature; 6 scenarios with decreasing rainfall; 36 scenarios combining increasing temperature and decreasing rainfall. The simulated effects on yields, anthesis and kernel weights resulted in yield reduction, increasing kernel weight, and shortened growth duration in both sites. Creso (late cultivar) was the most sensitive to simulated climate conditions. Simeto and Duilio (early cultivars) showed lower simulated yield reductions and a larger anticipation of anthesis date. Observed data showed the same responses for the three cultivars in both sites. The CERES-Wheat model proved to be effective in representing reality and can be used in crop breeding programs with a molecular approach aiming at developing molecular markers for the resistance to drought stress.

How does post-flowering heat impact grain growth and its determining processes in wheat?

Wheat grain yield is anticipated to suffer from the increased temperatures expected under climate change. In particular, the effects of post-anthesis temperatures on grain growth and development must be better understood in order to improve crop models. Grain growth and development involve several processes, and we hypothesized that some of the most important processes, namely grain dry biomass and water accumulation, grain volume expansion, and endosperm cell proliferation, will have different thermal sensitivity. To assess this, we established temperature-response curves of these processes for steady post-anthesis temperatures between 15 °C and 36 °C. From anthesis to maturity, grain dry mass, water mass, volume, and endosperm cell number were monitored, whilst considering grain temperature. Different sensitivities to heat of these various processes were revealed. The rate of grain dry biomass accumulation increased linearly up to 25 °C, while the reciprocal of its duration increased linearly up to at least 32 °C. In contrast, the growth rates of traits contributing to grain expansion, such as increase in grain volume and cell numbers, had higher optimum temperatures, while the reciprocal of their durations were significantly lower. These temperature-response curves can contribute to improve current crop models, and allow targeting of specific mechanisms for genetic and genomic studies.

Need for speed: manipulating plant growth to accelerate breeding cycles

To develop more productive and resilient crops that are capable of feeding 10 billion people by 2050, we must accelerate the rate of genetic improvement in plant breeding programs. Speed breeding manipulates the growing environment by regulating light and temperature for the purpose of rapid generation advance. Protocols are now available for a range of short-day and long-day species and the approach is highly compatible with other cutting-edge breeding tools such as genomic selection. Here, we highlight how speed breeding hijacks biological processes for applied plant breeding outcomes and provide a case study examining wheat growth and development under speed breeding conditions. The establishment of speed breeding facilities worldwide is expected to provide benefits for capacity building, discovery research, pre-breeding, and plant breeding to accelerate the development of productive and robust crops.

Management options for mid-century maize (Zea mays L.) in Ethiopia

This simulation study was carried out to assess the impact of climate change and adaptation strategies on maize production across 22 locations in Ethiopia using Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer - Cropping System Model (DSSAT-CSM) CERES-Maize. Three maize varieties, i.e., [BH-660 (late maturing), BH-540 (medium maturing) and Melkasa-1 (short maturing)] along with three planting dates [early (25-Apr), normal (25-May) and late (25-Jun)], four N fertilizer rates (64, 96, 128 and 160 kg N/ha) and three water levels [rainfed (no irrigation), two irrigations (each 30 mm at time of flowering and 5 d after flowering with total = 60 mm) and five irrigations (each 30 mm at time of flowering to early grain-filing, which were applied every five days in total = 150 mm)] were evaluated as the adaptation strategy. The mid-century (2040-2069) temperatures and solar radiation were extracted from multiple model means across the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) models under the highest Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP8.5). Maize productivity was evaluated assuming that maize was grown on shallow sandy loam soils. Yield of an early, medium and late maturing maize were changed by -13 to -8%, -10 to +4% and + 3 to +13%, respectively, relative to the baseline period (1980-2005). The days to maturity decreased by about 16%. Under rainfed condition, N application up to 64, 128 and 160 kg/ha significantly improved yield for early, medium and late maturing varieties, respectively. Relatively high yield and low inter-seasonal yield variability were simulated for BH-660 and Melkasa-1 when planted on 25-Apr and 25-May, respectively, for most locations. Application of two (60 mm) and five (150 mm) irrigation levels improved yield in drier locations. In conclusion, this study provides potential adaptation options under the future climate in maize producing regions of Ethiopia.

Endosperm cell size reduction caused by osmotic adjustment during nighttime warming in rice

High night temperature (HNT) often reduces yield in field crops. In rice, HNT during the ripening stage diminishes endosperm cell size, resulting in a considerable reduction in final kernel weight; however, little is known about the underlying mechanisms at cell level. In this study, we performed picolitre pressure-probe-electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry to directly determine metabolites in growing inner endosperm cells of intact seeds produced under HNT conditions, combining with ¹³C feeding and water status measurements including in situ turgor assay. Microscopic observation in the inner zone suggested that approximately 24.2% of decrease in cell expansion rate occurred under HNT at early ripening stage, leading to a reduction in cell volume. It has been shown that HNT-treated plants were subjected to mild shoot water deficit at night and endosperm cell turgor was sustained by a decline in osmotic potential. Cell metabolomics also suggests that active solute accumulation was caused by a partial inhibition of wall and starch biosynthesis under HNT conditions. Because metabolites were detected in the single cells, it is concluded that a partial arrest of cell expansion observed in the inner endosperms was caused by osmotic adjustment at mild water deficit during HNT conditions.

Mechanism of delayed seed germination caused by high temperature during grain filling in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

High temperature during grain filling considerably reduces yield and quality in rice (Oryza sativa L.); however, how high temperature affects seed germination of the next generation is not yet well understood. Here, we report that seeds from plants exposed to high temperature during the grain filling stage germinated significantly later than seeds from unstressed plants. This delay remained even after dormancy release treatments, suggesting that it was not due to primary seed dormancy determined during grain filling. In imbibed embryos of heat-stressed seeds, expression of abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis genes (OsNCEDs) was higher than in those of control seeds, whereas that of ABA catabolism genes (OsABA8′OHs) was lower. In the aleurone layer, despite no change in GA signaling as evidenced by no effect of heat stress on OsGAMYB gene expression, the transcripts of α-amylase genes OsAmy1C, OsAmy3B, and OsAmy3E were significantly down-regulated in heat-stressed seeds in comparison with controls. Changes in promoter methylation levels were consistent with transcriptional changes of ABA catabolism-related and α-amylase genes. These data suggest that high temperature during grain filling results in DNA methylation of ABA catabolism-related and α-amylase gene promoters, delaying germination of heat-stressed seeds.

Feeling the heat: developmental and molecular responses of wheat and barley to high ambient temperatures

The increasing demand for global food security in the face of a warming climate is leading researchers to investigate the physiological and molecular responses of cereals to rising ambient temperatures. Wheat and barley are temperate cereals whose yields are adversely affected by high ambient temperatures, with each 1 °C increase above optimum temperatures reducing productivity by 5-6%. Reproductive development is vulnerable to high-temperature stress, which reduces yields by decreasing grain number and/or size and weight. In recent years, analysis of early inflorescence development and genetic pathways that control the vegetative to floral transition have elucidated molecular processes that respond to rising temperatures, including those involved in the vernalization- and photoperiod-dependent control of flowering. In comparison, our understanding of genes that underpin thermal responses during later developmental stages remains poor, thus highlighting a key area for future research. This review outlines the responses of developmental genes to warmer conditions and summarizes our knowledge of the reproductive traits of wheat and barley influenced by high temperatures. We explore ways in which recent advances in wheat and barley research capabilities could help identify genes that underpin responses to rising temperatures, and how improved knowledge of the genetic regulation of reproduction and plant architecture could be used to develop thermally resilient cultivars.

Heat stress responses in a large set of winter wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) depend on the timing and duration of stress

The adverse effects of heat on plant yield strongly depend on its duration and the phenological stage of the crops when the heat occurs. To clarify the effects of these two aspects of heat stress, systematic research was conducted under controlled conditions on 101 wheat cultivars of various geographic origin. Different durations of heat stress (5, 10 and 15 days) were applied starting from three developmental stages (ZD49: booting stage, ZD59: heading, ZD72: 6th day after heading). Various morphological, yield-related traits and physiological parameters were measured to determine the stress response patterns of the wheat genotypes under combinations of the duration and the timing of heat stress. Phenological timing significantly influenced the thousand-kernel weight and reproductive tiller number. The duration of heat stress was the most significant component in determining both seed number and seed weight, as well as the grain yield consequently, explaining 51.6% of its phenotypic variance. Irrespective of the developmental phase, the yield-related traits gradually deteriorated over time, and even a 5-day heat stress was sufficient to cause significant reductions. ZD59 was significantly more sensitive to heat than either ZD49 or ZD72. The photosynthetic activity of the flag leaf was mostly determined by heat stress duration. No significant associations were noted between physiological parameters and heat stress response as measured by grain yield. Significant differences were observed between the wheat genotypes in heat stress responses, which varied greatly with developmental phase. Based on the grain yield across developmental phases and heat stress treatments, eight major response groups of wheat genotypes could be identified, and among them, three clusters were the most heat-tolerant. These cultivars are currently included in crossing schemes, partially for the identification of the genetic determinants of heat stress response and partially for the development of new wheat varieties with better heat tolerance.

Investigating the potential of novel non-woven fabrics for efficient pollination control in plant breeding

Plant breeding is achieved through the controlled self- or cross-pollination of individuals and typically involves isolation of floral parts from selected parental plants. Paper, cellulose or synthetic materials are used to avoid self pollination or cross contamination. Low seed set limits the rate of breeding progress and increases costs. We hypothesized that a novel ‘non-woven’ fabric optimal for both pollination and seed set in multiple plant species could be developed. After determining the baseline pollen characteristics and usage requirements we established iterative three phase development and biological testing. This determined (1) that white fabric gave superior seed return and informed the (2) development of three non-woven materials using different fibre and layering techniques. We tested their performance in selfing and hybridisation experiments recording differences in performance by material type within species. Finally we (3) developed further advanced fabrics with increased air permeability and tested biological performance. An interaction between material type and species was observed and environmental decoupling investigated, showing that the non-woven fabrics had superior water vapour transmission and temperature regulation compared to controls. Overall, non-woven fabrics outperformed existing materials for both pollination and seed set and we found that different materials can optimize species-specific, rather than species-generic performance.

Sensitivity of sorghum pollen and pistil to high-temperature stress

High temperature (HT) decreases seed set percentage in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench). The relative sensitivity of pollen and particularly pistil and the mechanistic response that induces tolerance or susceptibility to HT are not well known and hence are the major objectives of this research. The male sterile (ATx399) and fertile (RTx430) lines were exposed to 30/20 °C (optimum temperature), 36/26 °C (HT1 ), and 39/29 °C (HT2 ) from the start of booting to seed set in a controlled environment. Similarly, in the field, HT stress was imposed using heat tents. HT stress decreased pollen germination. Relatively high levels of reactive oxygen species and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity and phospholipid unsaturation were observed in pollen compared to pistil under HT. The severe cell organelle damage was observed in pollen and pistil at 36/26 and 39/29 °C, respectively. The seed set percentage was higher in HT-stressed pistil pollinated with optimum-temperature pollen. Direct and reciprocal crosses indicate that pollen was more sensitive with larger decreases in seed set percentage than pistil under HT stress. The negative impact was greater in pollen than pistil at lower temperatures. Overall, pollen was more sensitive than pistil to HT stress because it is more susceptible to oxidative damage than pistil.

Assimilates mobilization, stable canopy temperature and expression of expansin stabilizes grain weight in wheat cultivar LOK-1 under different soil moisture conditions

BACKGROUND

Grain yield of wheat is primarily determined by both grain number and grain weight, which often influence each other in response to environmental stimuli. Some of the genotypes are capable of maintaining high single grain weight (SGW) across the environments. Understanding mechanisms and factors associated with the superiority of such genotypes over others is necessary to enhance productivity of wheat.

RESULTS

Experiments were conducted to elucidate the physiological basis of high SGW of LOK-1, a wheat cultivar grown in dry and hot environments in the central and peninsular zones of India. SGW of LOK-1 was least affected by removal of spikelets indicating little competition between the grains within the spike for assimilates. Reduction in SGW due to defoliation was less and the contribution of stem reserves to the grain development was high in LOK-1 relative to other cultivars. It seems that high level of expression of genes such as expansin (TaExpA6) contributes to the high SGW of LOK-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Source was not a limiting factor for grain growth of LOK-1 in contrast to other cultivars, whereas sink appeared to be a limiting factor in recently released/identified cultivars. Differences in the amounts of water soluble stem carbohydrate reserves translocated to grain could be one of the factors contributing to higher grain weight in LOK-1. High level expression of TaExpA6, one of the genes contributing to the elongation of endosperm, seems to be crucial for grain growth in wheat.

Husk to caryopsis adhesion in barley is influenced by pre- and post-anthesis temperatures through changes in a cuticular cementing layer on the caryopsis

BACKGROUND

At ripeness, the outer husk of "covered" barley grains firmly adheres to the underlying caryopsis. A cuticular cementing layer on the caryopsis is required for husk adhesion, however the quality of adhesion varies significantly among cultivars which produce the cementing layer, resulting in the economically important malting defect, grain skinning. The composition of the cementing layer, and grain organ development have been hypothesised to influence the quality of husk adhesion. Plants of Hordeum vulgare 'Concerto' were grown at different temperatures pre- and post-anthesis to effect changes in the development of the husk, caryopsis and cuticular cementing layer, to determine how these variables influence the quality of husk-to-caryopsis adhesion.

RESULTS

Warm conditions pre-anthesis decreased the quality of husk adhesion, and consequently increased the incidence of grain skinning. Cool post-anthesis conditions further decreased the quality of husk adhesion. The composition of the cementing layer, rather than its structure, differed with respect to husk adhesion quality. This cementing layer was produced at the late milk stage, occurring between nine and 29 days post-anthesis, conditional on the temperature-dependent growth rate. The compounds octadecanol, tritriacontane, campesterol and β-sitosterol were most abundant in caryopses with high-quality husk adhesion. The differences in adhesion quality were not due to incompatible husk and caryopsis dimensions affecting organ contact.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that husk-to-caryopsis adhesion is dependent on cementing layer composition, and implies that this composition is regulated by temperature before, and during grain development. Understanding this regulation will be key to improving husk-to-caryopsis adhesion.

Reactive oxygen species induced by heat stress during grain filling of rice (Oryza sativa L.) are involved in occurrence of grain chalkiness

Heat stress during grain filling increases rice grain chalkiness due to increased activity of α-amylase, which hydrolyzes starch. In rice and barley seeds, reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced after imbibition induce α-amylase activity via regulation of gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) levels during seed germination. Here, we examined whether ROS is involved in induction of grain chalkiness by α-amylase in developing rice grains under heat stress. To elucidate the role of ROS in grain chalkiness, we grew post-anthesis rice plants (Oryza sativa L. cv. Koshihikari) under control (25°C) or heat stress (30°C) conditions with or without antioxidant (dithiothreitol) treatment. The developing grains were analyzed for expression of NADPH oxidases, GA biosynthesis genes (OsGA3ox1, OsGA20ox1), ABA catabolism genes (OsABA8'OH1, OsABA8'OH2) and an α-amylase gene (OsAmy3E), endogenous H₂O₂ content and the grain quality. In grains exposed to heat stress, the expression of NADPH oxidase genes (especially, OsRbohB, OsRbohD, OsRbohF and OsRbohI) and the ROS content increased. Heat stress also increased the expression of OsGA3ox1, OsGA20ox1, OsABA8'OH1, OsABA8'OH2 and OsAmy3E. On the other hand, dithiothreitol treatment reduced the effects of heat stress on the expression of these genes and significantly reduced grain chalkiness induced by heat stress. These results suggest that, similar to cereal seed germination mechanism, ROS produced under heat stress is involved in α-amylase induction in maturating rice grains through GA/ABA metabolism, and consequently caused grain chalkiness.

The shifting influence of drought and heat stress for crops in northeast Australia

Characterization of drought environment types (ETs) has proven useful for breeding crops for drought-prone regions. Here, we consider how changes in climate and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2 ) concentrations will affect drought ET frequencies in sorghum and wheat systems of northeast Australia. We also modify APSIM (the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator) to incorporate extreme heat effects on grain number and weight, and then evaluate changes in the occurrence of heat-induced yield losses of more than 10%, as well as the co-occurrence of drought and heat. More than six million simulations spanning representative locations, soil types, management systems, and 33 climate projections led to three key findings. First, the projected frequency of drought decreased slightly for most climate projections for both sorghum and wheat, but for different reasons. In sorghum, warming exacerbated drought stresses by raising the atmospheric vapor pressure deficit and reducing transpiration efficiency (TE), but an increase in TE due to elevated CO2 more than offset these effects. In wheat, warming reduced drought stress during spring by hastening development through winter and reducing exposure to terminal drought. Elevated CO2 increased TE but also raised radiation-use efficiency and overall growth rates and water use, thereby offsetting much of the drought reduction from warming. Second, adding explicit effects of heat on grain number and grain size often switched projected yield impacts from positive to negative. Finally, although average yield losses associated with drought will remain generally higher than that for heat stress for the next half century, the relative importance of heat is steadily growing. This trend, as well as the likely high degree of genetic variability in heat tolerance, suggests that more emphasis on heat tolerance is warranted in breeding programs. At the same time, work on drought tolerance should continue with an emphasis on drought that co-occurs with extreme heat.

Is the change of winter wheat yield under warming caused by shortened reproductive period?

Previous reports from laboratory-controlled experiments and models considered that a shorter reproductive period could be the main reason for wheat yield reduction in the warmer world. However, this conclusion needs to be proved carefully by field-scale experiments. In this study, a field-scale continuous open-warming experiment was conducted to quantify the adjustment of winter wheat growth and yield under conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) systems in the North China Plain (NCP). Canopy temperatures were warmed using infrared heaters between 1.0 and 1.6°C (daytime and nighttime, respectively) above the control. Wheat yields under CT were not significantly reduced over the two seasons (2010 and 2011), but yields under NT were 3.3% and 6.1% lower, respectively. The growing seasons for both CT and NT were shortened 6 days in 2010 and 11 days in 2011; however, the reproductive periods were maintained. The shortened days were due to a significantly shorter springtime re-greening stage followed by minimal changes in other phenological stages (jointing, flag completed, heading, anthesis, and grain-filling). The temporal advance by warming resulted in lower growing-season mean air temperatures (MAT) for warmed plots than the control from 0.23 to 4.22°C for the same subsequent phenological stages. Warming increased the number of tillers m⁻² and kernel weight, but tended to decrease the number of spikes m⁻² in the two tillage systems. The heavier kernels offset the yield reduction from smaller number of spikes. Warming increased the wheat aboveground biomass from 10% to 20% suggesting the potential to sequester more CO₂. This study suggests that winter wheat might adjust its growth (shortened vegetative period to maintain reproductive period) to partly compensate for the negative effects from global warming in this temperate irrigated cropland.

Impacts of temperature increase and change in precipitation pattern on crop yield and yield quality of barley

Spring barley was grown in a field experiment under moderately elevated soil temperature and changed summer precipitation (amount and frequency). Elevated temperature affected the performance and grain quality characteristics more significant than changes in rainfall. Except for the decrease in thousand grain weight, warming had no impacts on aboveground biomass and grain yield traits. In grains, several proteinogenic amino acids concentrations were increased, whereas their composition was only slightly altered. Concentration and yield of total protein remained unaffected under warming. The concentrations of total non-structural carbohydrates, starch, fructose and raffinose were lower in plants grown at high temperatures, whereas maltose was higher. Crude fibre remained unaffected by warming, whereas concentrations of lipids and aluminium were reduced. Manipulation of precipitation only marginally affected barley grains: amount reduction increased the concentrations of several minerals (sodium, copper) and amino acids (leucine). The projected climate changes may most likely affect grain quality traits of interest for different markets and utilisation requirements.

Ultrastructure and biochemical traits of bread and durum wheat grains under heat stress

The yield and grain quality (as well as technological traits) of two heat-stressed genotypes of bread (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) having different tolerance to high temperatures after anthesis were investigated. Heat stress, during grain filling, triggered grain shrinkage with a reduced weight and ultrastructural changes in the aleurone layer and in the endosperm cells. Heat stress also decreased the sedimentation index SDS, an effect associated with increased protein content in the grain but with decreased levels of essential amino acids. Although the responses to heat stress were similar among the Triticum genotypes, it is further suggested that during grain filling, high temperatures might affect gluten strength, diminishing the wheat flour quality.

The role of seed in the determination of yield of grain crops

The seed is the harvested organ in grain crops and, consequently, the accumulation of dry matter by the seed is an important component of the yield production process. The growth of individual seeds, usually characterised by the rate and duration of growth, is, at least partially, controlled by the seed itself. It is this control that gives the seed a significant role in the yield production process. Genetic variation in seed growth rate, which is substantial, is not related to yield, but variation related to environmental conditions during seed filling often is. Genetic and environmental variation in seed-fill duration is usually directly related to yield. Much is now known about the regulation of seed growth and this knowledge, if applied, may help answer some of the important questions still facing crop scientists as they try to increase yields in the future.

Grain growth and endosperm cell size under high night temperatures in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

High night temperatures are more harmful to grain weight in rice than high day temperatures. Grain growth rate and growth duration were investigated to determine which was the cause of the decrease in final grain weight under high night temperatures. Endosperm cell number and cell sizes were also examined to determine which might cause the decrease in final grain weight.

METHODS

Rice plants were grown outdoors in plastic pots and moved at heading time to three temperature-controlled glasshouses under high night temperature (HNT; 22/34 degrees C), high day temperature (HDT; 34/22 degrees C) and control conditions (CONT; 22/22 degrees C). Grains were sampled periodically, and the time-course of grain growth was divided into rate and duration by logistic regression analysis. Endosperm cell numbers and cell sizes were analysed by digitalized hand-tracing images of endosperm cross-sections.

KEY RESULTS

The duration of grain growth was reduced by high temperature both day and night. However, the rate of grain growth was lower in HNT than in HDT. The number of cells in endosperm cross-sections in HNT was similar to that in HDT, and higher than that in CONT. The average cell area was smaller in HNT than in either CONT or HDT. The differences in average cell areas between HNT and HDT were greater at distances 60-80 % from the central point of endosperm towards the endosperm surface.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that HNT compared with HDT reduced the final grain weight by a reduction in grain growth rate in the early or middle stages of grain filling, and also reduced cell size midway between the central point and the surface of endosperm.

Activities of starch hydrolytic enzymes and sucrose-phosphate synthase in the stems of rice subjected to water stress during grain filling

To understand the effect of water stress on the remobilization of prestored carbon reserves, the changes in the activities of starch hydrolytic enzymes and sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) in the stems of rice (Oryza sativa L.) during grain filling were investigated. Two rice cultivars, showing high lodging-resistance and slow remobilization, were grown in the field and subjected to well-watered (WW, psi(soil)=0) and water-stressed (WS, psi(soil)=-0.05 MPa) treatments 9 d after anthesis (DAA) till maturity. Leaf water potentials of both cultivars markedly decreased during the day as a result of WS treatment, but completely recovered by early morning. WS treatment accelerated the reduction of starch in the stems, promoted the reallocation of prefixed (14)C from the stems to grains, shortened the grain filling period, and increased the grain filling rate. More soluble sugars including sucrose were accumulated in the stems under WS than under WW treatments. Both alpha- and beta-amylase activities were enhanced by the WS, with the former enhanced more than the latter, and were significantly correlated with the concentrations of soluble sugars in the stems. The other two possible starch-breaking enzymes, alpha-glucosidase and starch phosphorylase, showed no significant differences in the activities between the WW and WS treatments. Water stress also increased the SPS activity that is responsible for sucrose production. Both V(limit) and V(max), the activities of the enzyme at limiting and saturating substrate concentrations, were enhanced and the activation state (V(limit)/V(max)) was also increased as a result of the more significant enhancement of V(limit). The enhanced SPS activity was closely correlated with an increase of sucrose accumulation in the stems. The results suggest that the fast hydrolysis of starch and increased carbon remobilization were attributed to the enhanced alpha-amylase activity and the high activation state of SPS when the rice was subjected to water stress.

Sink-limitation and the size-number trade-off of organs: production of organs using a fixed amount of reserves

To analyze the nature of size-number trade-off of organs, we develop models in which the effects of sink-limitation in the growth of organs and the loss of resources by maintenance respiration are taken into consideration. In these models, the resource absorption rate of an organ is proportional to either its absolute size or its surface area and either the initial size of an organ or the total initial size of the organs produced is fixed. In all models, organs are produced using a fixed amount of reserved resources and no additional resources become newly available for their growth. We theoretically show that size-number trade-offs are nonlinear if the resource absorption rate of an organ is proportional to the absolute size of the organ and the initial size of the individual organs is fixed or if the resource absorption rate of an organ is proportional to the surface area of the organ. In these nonlinear size-number trade-offs, the size of individual organs increases less rapidly than in linear trade-offs with a decrease in the number of organs and the total size of organs is an increasing function of the number of organs produced. This implies that increasing the number of organs produced is advantageous in terms of resource-use efficiency. In contrast, size-number trade-off is linear if the resource absorption rate of an organ is proportional to the absolute size of the organ and there is a linear trade-off between the initial size of organs and their number. To exemplify the effects of those size-number trade-offs on the life-history evolution, we calculate the optimal offspring sizes that maximize the number of offspring successfully being established. In the case of nonlinear size-number trade-offs, the optimal offspring sizes are smaller than the optimal offspring size in the case of linear size-number trade-offs, namely, that in the model of Smith and Fretwell (1974). Our optimal offspring size depends on the metabolism of organ development; the optimal offspring size decreases with an increase in maintenance respiration rate relative to the growth coefficient of organs.

Enhanced stability of maize endosperm ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is gained through mutants that alter subunit interactions

Temperature lability of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGP; glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase; ADP: alpha-D-glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.27), a key starch biosynthetic enzyme, may play a significant role in the heat-induced loss in maize seed weight and yield. Here we report the isolation and characterization of heat-stable variants of maize endosperm AGP. Escherichia coli cells expressing wild type (WT) Shrunken2 (Sh2), and Brittle2 (Bt2) exhibit a reduced capacity to produce glycogen when grown at 42 degreesC. Mutagenesis of Sh2 and coexpression with WT Bt2 led to the isolation of multiple mutants capable of synthesizing copious amounts of glycogen at this temperature. An increase in AGP stability was found in each of four mutants examined. Initial characterization revealed that the BT2 protein was elevated in two of these mutants. Yeast two-hybrid studies were conducted to determine whether the mutant SH2 proteins more efficiently recruit the BT2 subunit into tetramer assembly. These experiments showed that replacement of WT SH2 with the heat-stable SH2HS33 enhanced interaction between the SH2 and BT2 subunits. In agreement, density gradient centrifugation of heated and nonheated extracts from WT and one of the mutants, Sh2hs33, identified a greater propensity for heterotetramer dissociation in WT AGP. Sequencing of Sh2hs33 and several other mutants identified a His-to-Tyr mutation at amino acid position 333. Hence, a single point mutation in Sh2 can increase the stability of maize endosperm AGP through enhanced subunit interactions.

High-temperature perturbation of starch synthesis is attributable to inhibition of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase by decreased levels of glycerate-3-phosphate in growing potato tubers

To investigate the short-term effect of elevated temperatures on carbon metabolism in growing potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers, developing tubers were exposed to a range of temperatures between 19 degreesC and 37 degreesC. Incorporation of [14C]glucose (Glc) into starch showed a temperature optimum at 25 degreesC. Increasing the temperature from 23 degreesC or 25 degreesC up to 37 degreesC led to decreased labeling of starch, increased labeling of sucrose (Suc) and intermediates of the respiratory pathway, and increased respiration rates. At elevated temperatures, hexose-phosphate levels were increased, whereas the levels of glycerate-3-phosphate (3PGA) and phosphoenolpyruvate were decreased. There was an increase in pyruvate and malate, and a decrease in isocitrate. The amount of adenine diphosphoglucose (ADPGlc) decreased when tubers were exposed to elevated temperatures. There was a strong correlation between the in vivo levels of 3PGA and ADPGlc in tubers incubated at different temperatures, and the decrease in ADPGlc correlated very well with the decrease in the labeling of starch. In tubers incubated at temperatures above 30 degreesC, the overall activities of Suc synthase and ADPGlc pyrophosphorylase declined slightly, whereas soluble starch synthase and pyruvate kinase remained unchanged. Elevated temperatures led to an activation of Suc phosphate synthase involving a change in its kinetic properties. There was a strong correlation between Suc phosphate synthase activation and the in vivo level of Glc-6-phosphate. It is proposed that elevated temperatures lead to increased rates of respiration, and the resulting decline of 3PGA then inhibits ADPGlc pyrophosphorylase and starch synthesis.