Photosynthesis and translocation patterns in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars of the plant breeding programme in Uruguay

The photosynthesis and translocation patterns were studied using the 14C technique in six representative Uruguayan wheat cultivars released between 1918 and 1985. The varieties differed in their vegetative cycle periods and stem heights. The cultivars were sown in two different trials: fertilized and non-fertilized. The differences in photosynthetic activity were associated with the development stage of the cultivar and there was no correlation with grain yield or with selection. The trials with fertilizer application showed lower values than those without, ranging from 6.7 to 27.6 mg CO2·dm-2·h-1. The differences in the translocation patterns were associated with the percentage of the varieties. (author). 16 refs, 2 figs, 2 tabs