Wheat Spike Temperature in Relation to Base Temperature for Grain Filling Duration

Abstract

Estimates of the base temperature for grain filling duration of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) differ between outdoor and indoor studies. This study was set up to determine whether this difference could be attributed to variation in spike-air temperature differentials. Spike and/or spikelet temperatures were determined in wheat grown outdoors as well as indoors. Spike temperature, measured with an infrared thermometer, of wheat grown outdoors with adequate water supply was 1.5 °C greater than air temperature while spikelet temperature measured with a thermocouple closely approximated air temperature. In indoor grown wheat, on the other hand, regardless of the magnitude of air temperature, spikelet temperature was found to be 3–4 °C above that of air when lights were on. Estimating the base temperature for grain filling duration with data from a previous indoor study, with compensation for the 3–4 °C increase in spikelet temperature, resulted in 8.8 °C base temperature for grain filling duration, comparable to that obtained in outdoor studies. Differences between outdoor and indoor studies may thus reflect spike-air temperature differentials. Estimation of the base temperature for grain filling with air temperature appears appropriate for outdoor studies. Key words: Triticum aestivum (L.), base temperature, grain filling duration, wheat