Photosynthetic characteristics of non-leaf organs of winter wheat cultivars differing in ear type and their relationship with grain mass per ear

Chlorophyll content, photosystem 2 functioning (F-v/F-m, F-v/F-0), activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, and net photosynthetic rates (P-N) of flag leaf blade, sheath, peduncle, and ear organs were assessed in large-ear type (Pin 7) and small-ear type (ND93) wheat cultivars. Some differences were found in photosynthetic properties between different green plant parts, the values of all studied parameters in ear parts being higher in Pin7 than in ND93. Furthermore, ear surface areas and ear P-N in 26 wheat genotypes measured at anthesis showed highly significant positive correlation with grain mass per ear. Hence a greater capability of car photosynthesis may result in a greater grain yield in large-ear type cultivars.