A study of New Zealand wheats. I. Growth and yield characteristics

Abstract

Growth and yield of New Zealand wheat varieties sown in May were examined critically during two growing seasons. Differences in plant number and particularly tiller survival led to a greater population of ears in Hilgendorf and Aotea than in Arawa and Cross Seven. Aotea produced the longest spikes, but, by virtue of greater compactness of the ear, Arawa carried as many spikelets. Owing to their ability to form a large number of plump grains, Arawa ears were superior to those of any other variety, thus largely offsetting the disadvantage of a low ear population. Hilgendorf was also distinguished by densely arranged spikelets and a high 1,000-grain weight, but its ears were short and low in grain number. Although yield components are known to show considerable plasticity, the differences found were such as to suggest that varieties are likely to have different environmental requirements to reach their full yield potential.