Photoperiod-sensitivity genes (Ppd-1): quantifying their effect on the photoperiod response model in wheat.

Coupling anthesis date to the most suitable environmental conditions is critical for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) adaptation and yield potential. Development to anthesis is controlled by temperature and photoperiod.

Photoperiod-sensitivity genes shape floret development in wheat.

Lengthening the pre-anthesis period of stem elongation (or late-reproductive phase, LRP) through altering photoperiod sensitivity has been suggested as a potential means to increase the number of fertile florets at anthesis (NFF) in wheat. However, little is known about the effects that the Ppd-1 genes modulating plant response to photoperiod may have on reproductive development. Here, five genotypes with either sensitive (b) or insensitive (a) alleles were grown in chambers under contrasting photoperiods (12 h or 16 h) to assess their effects.

Wheat pre-anthesis development as affected by photoperiod sensitivity genes (Ppd-1) under contrasting photoperiods.

Fine tuning wheat phenology is of paramount importance for adaptation. A better understanding of how genetic constitution modulates the developmental responses during pre-anthesis phases would help to maintain or even increase yield potential as temperature increases due to climate change. The photoperiod-sensitive cultivar Paragon, and four near isogenic lines with different combinations of insensitivity alleles (Ppd-A1a, Ppd-B1a, Ppd-D1a or their triple stack) were evaluated under short (12h) and long (16h) photoperiods.