Monday, November 13, 2006
43-9
Effect of Environment on the Spring Wheat Kernel Development.
Sangamesh Angadi1, Hamid Naeem2, Gordon Finlay2, Justine Meurice3, Paul Bullock2, and Harry Sapirstein2. (1) Agric. & Sci. Center-NMSU, 2346 State Rd 288, Clovis, NM 88101-9998, (2) Univ of Manitoba, Dept of Food Science, Winnipeg, MB R3T2N2, Canada, (3) Univ of Manitoba, Dept of Food Science, Winnipeg, MB R3T2N2, Canada
A better understanding of environmental influence on the grain visual, biochemical and baking quality is needed to maintain quality standards of Canadian spring wheat. In this unique study, panicles from 6 different spring wheat varieties were collected biweekly from anthesis to maturity at five contrasting field locations (representing diversity of major wheat growing areas in Canada) during 2004. Growing season environment was characterized by measuring soil, crop and weather parameters. Kernels from primary and secondary florets from bottom, middle and top spike were selected for the study and their development was monitored during the kernel development stage. The observation focused on fresh weight, dry weight and water content. Genotype, environment and position of the kernel had significant influence on the development of the kernel. Bottom, middle and top position had smaller effect on kernel development in primary florets, but had significant influence on secondary florets. In general, florets in the middle position displayed smaller variation and that in the top position varied maximum. Among cultivars,