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Source-sink characterization, classification and responses to nitrogen in different wheat cultivars
Siqi Zhang1, Shaoyu Han1, Yandong Yang1
1Institute of Agricultural Information Technology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|May 6, 2026
Summary
Optimizing wheat yield involves understanding source-sink dynamics. High-yielding cultivars (YM25, ZM27) have strong source capacity, unlike YM1, demonstrating source limitations are key to productivity.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Crop Science
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Optimizing source-sink dynamics is crucial for crop yield formation and productivity.
- Understanding the physiological mechanisms linking source-sink traits to wheat yield is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the physiological mechanisms by which source-sink traits influence wheat yield.
- To classify wheat cultivars based on their limiting factors in yield formation.
- To assess the impact of nitrogen application rates on source-sink characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Field experiments were conducted with three wheat cultivars (YM1, YM25, ZM27).
- Two nitrogen (N) application rates were applied to assess source-sink characteristics.
- Measurements included leaf area, specific leaf weight (SLW), SPAD duration, photosynthetic duration, grain yield, sink capacity, kernels per spikelet, 1000-kernel weight (TKW), and grain-filling rate.
Main Results:
- Cultivars YM25 and ZM27 showed enhanced source capacity (larger leaf area, higher SLW, longer SPAD/photosynthetic duration) compared to YM1.
- YM25 and ZM27 achieved higher grain yields and sink capacities, driven by more kernels per spikelet and higher TKW due to faster grain filling.
- YM1 exhibited limited source strength and poor sink activity, resulting in slower grain filling and reduced grain weight.
- Source-sink classification identified YM25 and ZM27 as source-limited and YM1 as sink-limited.
- Nitrogen fertilization mitigated source limitations in high-yielding cultivars.
Conclusions:
- Wheat yield is significantly influenced by source-sink interactions, with source capacity being a critical factor.
- Cultivar classification into source-limited or sink-limited provides insights into yield-limiting factors.
- Nitrogen management can optimize source-sink relationships to enhance wheat productivity.
- Findings offer a theoretical basis for breeding high-yield wheat varieties by coordinating source-sink interactions.
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