A reappraisal of stem reserve contribution to grain yield in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

SUMMARY: Pre-anthesis stem reserve contribution to grain yield was assessed in two spring barley cultivars of contrasting height. It was greatest in the taller, but final grain yields were similar. Partitioning of total reserve capacity to various plant parts showed that the leaf and sheath below the peduncle were most important, followed by stem internodes which had increasing reserve capacity up to internode 4.It is suggested that stem reserves are valuable for yields commonly achieved in U.K. commercial practice.High grain yields were associated with large positive increases in stem dry weight after anthesis. This would indicate that the source capacity to boost yield is more than proportional to that required to fill the grain alone.