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Variation in photosynthetic activity in cereals and its implications in a plant breeding programme I. Variation in seedling leaves and flag leaves

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Summary

The extent of variation in photosynthetic activity in the seedling and flag leaves of fourteen oat varieties, and in the seedling leaves of three varieties each of wheat and barley has been investigated. The suitability of NaH14CO3 and Warburg manometric techniques for handling the attribute of photosynthetic efficiency in a plant breeding programme is assessed.

Results obtained are considered in comparison with estimates of net assimilation rate (E), relative growth rate (R) and leaf area ratio (F) derived from growth analysis data. The relationships with yield and implications for a plant improvement programme are discussed.

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Lawes, D.A., Treharne, K.J. Variation in photosynthetic activity in cereals and its implications in a plant breeding programme I. Variation in seedling leaves and flag leaves. Euphytica 20, 86–92 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00146778

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00146778

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