Plasticity of source-sink dynamics contributes to wheat yield stability

Abstract

This study conducts a meta-analysis of German winter wheat datasets encompassing the whole crop growth cycle, integrating data from multi-environmental trials, field studies, and controlled environments to evaluate physiological and genetic traits across a diverse panel of up to 229 cultivars widely used in Europe. Large-scale data include 101 field experiments, 2 greenhouse experiments, and 7 growth chamber experiments—yielding over 200,000 genotypic values—which enable deep analysis of breeding progress, selection signals, and plasticity for 61 source- and sink-related traits in cultivars released from 1963 to 2018. By implementing the "wiring diagram" conceptual framework, the study interprets how plasticity in source-sink dynamics has contributed to wheat yield stability and identifies patterns that demonstrate how prioritizing complementary and cumulative traits can enhance yield gains. The findings show that crop grain yield results from complex source-source and sink-sink trait interactions shaped by genotype, environment, and management. Evidence suggests that historically unexplored physiological trait plasticity and dynamic interactions are vital for maintaining yield stability amid increasing climate variability, providing actionable insights for future wheat improvement and global breeding strategies.