Studies on the mechanism of temperature tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A pot culture experiment was conducted to understand the mechanism of high temperature tolerance during the post anthesis period. Two wheat varieties, Kalyansona and HD 2428 were raised under potculture. Weekly high temperature treatments were given from anthesis onwards, under alkathene chambers named solar energy traps (SETs). Results indicated that Kalyansona was more tolerant to high temperatures than HD 2428. High temperature stress when applied during first week of anthesis significantly decreased grain number per ear while during second and third week after anthesis it led to a significant decrease in grain weight in variety HD 2428. Analysis of various veietative parameters could not explain high temperature tolerance in Kalyansona or HD 2428. It was concluded that during the grain development period the mechanism of high temperature tolerance seem to be located in the grain itself rather than in vegetative parts.