Genetic dissection of grain architecture-related traits in a winter wheat population.

Background: The future productivity of wheat (T. aestivum L.) as the most grown crop worldwide is of utmost importance for global food security.

Screening for Drought Tolerance in Maize ( L.) Germplasm Using Germination and Seedling Traits under Simulated Drought Conditions.

Maize is known to be susceptible to drought stress, which negatively affects vegetative growth and biomass production, as well as the formation of reproductive organs and yield parameters. In this study, 27 responsive traits of germination (G) and seedlings growth were evaluated for 40 accessions of the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) germplasm collection, under no stress and simulated drought stress treatments by 10%, 15%, and 20% of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The three treatments significantly reduced G% and retarded seedlings growth, particularly the 15% and 20% PEG treatments; these two treatments also resulted in a significant increase of abnormal seedlings (AS).

Genetic analysis of drought response of wheat following either chemical desiccation or the use of a rain-out shelter.

Simulating drought stress during the breeding process has been proposed as a way to select varieties under naturally non-stressful conditions. The aim of the study was to characterise the genetic basis of the response of 111 spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties and landraces to chemical desiccation and to rain-out shelter drought.