Photosynthetic and anatomical characteristics of flag and penultimate leaves of wheat genotypes

Abstract

Although the correlation between leaf photosynthesis and wheat yield was not always a positive one, genetic variability of plant photosynthesis under field conditions is one factor that may identify genotypes with higher yield potential. The aim of this work was to study the effects of genotype on the photosynthetic capacity and leaf structure of the two youngest leaves during the anthesis and grain filling. A significant positive correlation (p<0.05) between the percentage of mesophyll to leaf blade volume and the net photosynthetic rate was observed. There was no significant correlation between photosynthesis per leaf area unit and grain yield while a significant correlation was found between the photosynthetic capacity (expressed as a function of net photosynthetic rate and an average photosynthetically active area during postanthesis period) and the yield. Thus, the duration of photosynthesis after anthesis appeared to be one of the grain yield determinants.