Augmenting the basis of lodging tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum) under natural and simulated conditions.

In wheat (Triticum aestivum ), canopy architecture, culm diameter and stem strength are the key providers of lodging tolerance. To better understand the lodging phenomenon and determine the best linked trait to lodging, a study of lodging resistance was conducted in both artificially-induced and natural lodging conditions. Various morphological, phenological and biochemical traits, such as acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, cellulose and activity of lignin-synthesising enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase and tyrosine ammonia lyase) were recorded. Anatomical features were also examined by light microscopy, using the Wiesner reaction. Genotype C306 demonstrated the highest susceptibility to lodging compared to other varieties due to its limited production of lignin-synthesising enzymes, as well as its taller plant height and narrower culms. The dwarf mutants (DM6 and DM7) have a stronger resistance against lodging because they have thick stems and a short plant canopy structure. The most suitable donors for lodging are semidwarf varieties (HD2967, DPW621-50, DBW88) because they have higher production of lignin and lignin-synthesising enzymes. Grey correlation analysis also confirmed the ability of these three genotypes to tolerate lodging. The genotypes studied were comprehensively ranked. The study also includes an effort towards the standardisation of lodging methodology under artificial conditions.

Exploring the traits for lodging tolerance in wheat genotypes: a review.

The rising population entails enhancement in wheat productivity to ensure substantial food supply which often get hindered by various biotic and abiotic stresses. Lodging, due to rain and high velocity wind causes significant economic and yield losses in cereals. Hence, lodging is emerging as a major hurdle to achieve the required yield targets. Various morphological, biochemical, anatomical and genetic traits contribute to produce a plant competent enough to bear lodging stress. Hence, in this review, we intend to elaborate the cause and impact relationship of lodging and tried to link lodging tolerance traits to field practices to minimize the losses. Because of the complex nature of lodging phenomenon, it is still obscure to identify best correlated traits to screen genotype in breeding programmes. However, the genotypes with best correlated traits like plant height, culm wall thickness should be introduced/selected in breeding programmes to inculcate lodging tolerance in a high yielding variety as in recent era lodging tolerance is a key factor to enhance productivity and farmer's income as well.