Understanding the Genetic Basis of Wheat Development

We will plant the set of 26 NIL in a replicated experiment at two locations: Princeton and Lexington. There will be two planting dates at both locations. Traits measured will include early spring growth – date of breaking dormancy and growth habit – upright vs prostrate; heading date; flowering date; date of physiological maturity; yield; test weight; and thousand kernel weight. Overall goal: We would ultimately like to develop a model that integrates growing degree days (GDD) and genotype information (short vs. long vernalization genes; sensitive vs insensitive photoperiod genes) that growers can use to guide their planting decisions to minimize the risk of loss to a late spring freeze.