Exogenous abscisic acid increases carbohydrate accumulation and redistribution to the grains in wheat grown under field conditions of soil water restriction

TRAVAGLIA C., COHEN A., REINOSO H., CASTILLO C., BOTTINI R

JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION

Año: 2007 vol. 26 p. 285 - 289

0721-7595

This work investigates the effects of treatment with ABA on physiological parameters related to yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown under field conditions with water restriction ranging between 45.7% and 49.5% of field capacity during anthesis and post-anthesis. ABA 300 mg l-1 sprayed on to the plants at the beginning of shoot lengthening significantly promoted leaf area and a higher concentration of chlorophylls and carotenoids in flag leaf at anthesis. ABA also increased soluble carbohydrates in shoots at anthesis, which were then re-exported to the grains at maturity. This correlated with yield increase that was achieved by a higher number and weight of grains per spike, while protein content was not significantly affected.