Physiology of Cereal Grain III. Photosynthesis in the Wheat Ear During Grain Development

Abstract

Cereal ears are important as photosynthetic organs in contributing to grain yield and, since ear tissues are the last to yellow, their relative activity may increase during grain development. Glume surface exposed to light has been observed to increase as grains swell, and thus actual photosynthetic capacity of ears may also increase. The contribution of ear photosynthesis to grain growth has now been measured for wheat (Triticum vulgare cv. Gabo) over intervals between anthesis and maturity, by a technique involving stem shading and grain removal.