The effect of duration of heat stress during grain filling on two wheat varieties differing in heat tolerance: grain growth and fractional protein accumulation

Abstract

Two varieties of wheat differing in heat tolerance were exposed to very high temperature (40/19°C day/night) for periods of 1–10 days duration. Responses of grain dry matter, water and fractional protein accumulation to high temperature were monitored throughout grain filling in the heat- sensitive variety, and at maturity only in the heat-tolerant variety. Results are compared with controls maintained at 21/16°C day/night. As little as 1 day of heat treatment reduced kernel mass by 14% in the heat-sensitive variety (Oxley), but by only 5% in the heat-tolerant variety (Egret). In both varieties, the reduction of individual kernel mass due to high temperature increased linearly with increased duration of heat treatment, such that after the first day of heat stress, each additional day of treatment reduced mature individual kernel mass by a further 1.6%. For a given duration of heat treatment, the difference in response of the two varieties was constant (9%), indicating that the varietal difference in heat tolerance was maintained for both brief and extended periods of very high temperature. Responses of grain water content and fractional protein accumulation to duration of heat stress are discussed.