Grain-filling characteristics and yield formation of wheat in two different soil fertility fields in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain

Clarifying factors that underpinning the variation in wheat yield components between high and middle soil fertility fields is critical to increase grain production and narrow yield gap for smallholder farming systems in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain (3HP), which characterized by a large variation in soil fertility. Two-year field experiments were conducted to investigate wheat tillering, leaf photosynthesis, and grain filling characteristics in different soil fertility fields: high soil fertility field (HF) and middle soil fertility field (MF). Results showed that the spike formation rate in HF was 12.7%-13.0% higher than that in MF, leading to an 18.0%-19.8% increase in spike number. In addition, HF improved canopy light interception and leaf photosynthesis characteristics after anthesis and delayed leaf senescence, contributing to the increase in both the active grain filling period and grain filling rate. This resulted in a higher 1,000 grain weight in HF, which was 8.2%-8.3% higher than that in MF. Compared to MF, HF obtained higher yields at 9,840 kg ha(-1) in 2017/18 and 11,462 kg ha(-1) in 2018/19, respectively. In summary, higher spike number and 1,000-grain weight, which were mediated by spike-formation rate, maximization of light interception and improved leaf photosynthesis. These results would have important implications for narrowing yield gap between MF and HF in the 3HP.

Automated summary

This study investigated the factors underlying the variation in wheat yield components between high and middle soil fertility fields. The results showed that higher soil fertility led to increased spike formation rate, improved light interception and leaf photosynthesis, and higher 1,000 grain weight. As a result, higher yields were achieved in the high soil fertility fields compared to the middle soil fertility fields.