Female flowering traits influencing hybrid grain production in wheat

To better understand how to produce hybrid wheat grains more efficiently, we examined the impact of synchronized flowering between female (male-sterile) lines and their male cross-pollinator lines, as well as the effect of flowering duration on hybrid grain production. Over a three-year field trial, we found that synchronization of flowering times with the longest possible overlap had the most significant positive effect on hybrid grain production. However, even with adequate spatial and temporal synchronization, some female lines still produced fewer hybrid grains than others, indicating genetic differences in female flower receptivity. To assess female receptivity more accurately, we developed a new phenotyping scale for male-sterile wheat flowers, which provides the floral foundation for effective cross-pollination. Our field and greenhouse trials showed that the better-performing female lines remained in the pollen-receptive phase for a longer period.

Methods
FieldExp:

Whole plots were phenotyped in the field trial. The yield was recorded by harvesting with a plot combine harvester. Non-sterile plots were not included in the calculation. The Nick-index values were calculated afterward.

GreenhouseExp:

The length of floret 1 and 2 was determined using a Stemi 2000 microscope. The stages were visually phenotyped.