Table 4.

The effect of reduced kernel number on the response of kernel filling in wheat to drought stress following anthesis, under high temperature conditions (27/22 °C)

Treatment	Flag blade Ψw (MPa)*	Dry weight per kernel (mg)†
Control
Full kernel number	–0·62 ± 0·06	56·8 ± 0·8a (14)
Reduced kernel number‡	–0·62 ± 0·04	58·8 ± 1·1a (13)
Mild stress
Full kernel number	–1·10 ± 0·18	34·4 ± 1·5b (14)
Reduced kernel number‡	–0·88 ± 0·13	49·5 ± 1·0c (16)
Severe stress
Full kernel number	–3·70 ± 0·52	23·9 ± 0·8d (23)
Reduced kernel number‡	–2·75 ± 0·52	33·7 ± 1·5b (24)

* Flag leaf water potential measured 12 d after anthesis (n = 5).

^† Dry weight per kernel at maturity ± s.e., based on the measurement of the two basal kernels from the five central spikelets of an ear. Values with different superscripts differ significantly at the 5 % level; values in parentheses indicate replication for each treatment.

^‡ Kernels removed from all but the five central spikelets of an ear.