Relationships Between Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Yield of Spring Wheat Under Different Water and Nitrogen Levels

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the relationships between foliar carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) and above ground dry matter (ADM) at different stages during a plant's life cycle, and grain carbon isotope discrimination and grain yield (GY) at maturity of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different nitrogen (N) and water levels. Results showed that ADM and GY both increased significantly with decreasing water stress, while the effects of nitrogen on ADM and GY varied with the water conditions. Foliar and grain carbon isotope discrimination decreased with increasing water stress and increasing nitrogen levels. For all water conditions, relationships between carbon isotope discrimination (foliar and grain) and yields (ADM and GY) were significantly positive (P < 0.001) at various growth stages. However, at the same water level, the correlations were complex, and under well-watered conditions, ADM and GY were strongly and negatively correlated with foliar and grain carbon isotope discrimination at all growth stages (P < 0.001). The correlations were inconsistent and not significant at moderate water level, but were positive under drought. Our results showed that water and nitrogen both significantly affected the relationships between yield and carbon isotope discrimination of spring wheat, that there are interactions between these two parameters, and that environmental conditions such as water and fertilizer must thus be considered in future research on the relationship between yield and carbon isotope discrimination of spring wheat.