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Plasticity of source-sink dynamics contributes to wheat yield stability
Tien-Cheng Wang1, Anna Moritz2, Mahmoud Mabrouk1,3
1Section of Intensive Plant Food Systems, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Nature Communications
|April 24, 2026
Summary
Understanding wheat yield requires examining physiological traits. This study analyzes historical breeding data to show how source-sink dynamics and trait plasticity improve crop yield stability, crucial for climate challenges.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Physiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Crop grain yield results from complex physiological processes involving photosynthesis (source) and assimilate remobilization (sink).
- Genotype by environment by management interactions significantly influence crop source-sink dynamics and overall yield.
- Fluctuating environmental conditions necessitate improved yield stability in crops like wheat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile and analyze large-scale datasets on historical wheat breeding progress for source-related and sink-related traits.
- To support the conceptual
- wiring diagram
- framework for linking quantitative genetics with interaction models to predict and improve wheat yield stability.
- To investigate the role of wheat source-sink dynamics plasticity in yield stability under environmental stress.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of large-scale historical wheat breeding datasets focusing on source and sink traits.
- Analysis of genotype by environment by management interactions impacting wheat yield.
- Evaluation of trait plasticity in wheat source-sink dynamics.
Main Results:
- Historical breeding data reveal progress in source-related and sink-related traits influencing wheat yield.
- Evidence suggests that plasticity in wheat source-sink dynamics contributes to yield stability, particularly under stress.
- The study supports the utility of a "wiring diagram" framework for understanding wheat yield.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between physiological traits, genetics, environment, and management is key to improving wheat yield.
- Trait plasticity in source-sink dynamics offers a promising avenue for enhancing wheat yield stability in the face of climate change.
- Further research into unexplored traits and their interactions can drive future yield progress.
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