Plasticity of source-sink dynamics contributes to wheat yield stability

Abstract

Crop grain yield is the outcome of complex interactions among multiple physiological processes governing source accumulation via photosynthesis followed by remobilization of assimilates into grain sinks. Throughout these interdependent processes and across all developmental stages, complex genotypes by environment by management interactions have a strong impact on source and sink strength and their dynamic interactions. Recent publications proposed a conceptual "wiring diagram" of physiological traits impacting wheat yield as a framework to link quantitative genetic networks with interaction models that can help explain, predict and improve yield stability in fluctuating environments. Here we compile large-scale datasets describing historical wheat breeding progress for source-related and sink-related traits to support this concept. Furthermore, further data delivers evidence that plasticity of wheat source-sink dynamics contributes to yield stability under stress, supporting potential roles for previously unexplored traits and their interactions to maintain future yield progress in the face of climatic challenges.