The importance of accurate developmental staging

Abstract

Grain production depends on the successful development of reproductive structures within the nascent floral organs of cereal plants. The foundations of final yield are laid down during male and female gametogenesis, concealed within the plant. However, plant biologists, plant breeders, and agronomists often need to determine when a plant has reached particular critical stages of development. Fernández-Gómez et al. (2020) have developed a systematic approach to accurately determine reproductive development stages in the wheat cultivar ‘Cadenza’. This non-destructive method can accurately predict anther and pollen development through the determination of spike size and spike position within the pseudostem. This staging system can aid the development of hybrid wheat and breeding tolerance to abiotic stresses that affect fertility.