The number and sizes of starch granules in the wheat endosperm, and their association with grain weight

Abstract

The number and size of starch granules was measured in developing and mature endosperms of two wheat varieties, Chinese Spring and Spica. Chromosomal effects on particular aspects of starch granule size and number were detected in the analysis of disomic genotypes derived from reciprocal monosomic hybrids between the two parental varieties. Among these genotypes, a greater weight per endosperm cell was associated with a greater volume per A-type starch granule. It is suggested that the number per cell and volume of these large starch granules are the major determinants of endosperm cell weight, and there exists separate genetic control of these parameters. It should therefore be possible genetically to combine these attributes to achieve directed increases in mature grain weight. © 1986 Annals of Botany Company.