Factors related to tiller formation and development in wheat

Abstract

Wheat plants use different strategies for achieving grain yield. Among them, one can point out the compensatory mechanisms among the grain yield components: number of ears per unity of area, number of grains per ear and grain weight. Grain yield in wheat is mostly represented by tiller production, providing that plants are adequately spaced from each other and that weather conditions are favorable to stimulate tillering. Thus, it is necessary to understand the different factors that are related to tiller production and development. The signalling pathways and the morphophysiological responses to environmental factors such as light quality, soil fertility and water availability are also important. The correct adjustment of these factors, as presented in this review, is essential for maximizing grain yield. In the breeding programs it is important make efforts to use genotypes with low number of tillers, even with a higher number of seeds per hectare, to maximize grain yield, reducing the dependence on environmental variables.