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The purpose of this study was to examine how differences in leaf angle, leaf rolling (LR) and glaucousness (GL) can modify yield components and leaf physiological traits in wheat. A set of 167 lines derived from a cross between two high-yielding bread wheat cultivars differing for these traits was grown under flood irrigation and high evaporative demand in the north-west of Mexico. Area, mass per unit area and chlorophyll content of the flag leaf were assessed. Carbon isotope discrimination (D) and ash content (m a ) were also measured. A significant correlation was found between grain yield (GY) and both D and m a suggesting that, despite well-watered conditions, leaf stomatal conductance was the main yield-limiting factor. Leaf posture and LR did not significantly affect yield, D and m a . Higher grain weight was noted, however, in lines with droopy flag leaves. Erect leaves had higher mass per unit area. GL was associated with a significant increase in GY and grain weight. Glaucous lines also had higher D and m a , suggesting higher transpiration rate and lower transpiration efficiency. The study confirms that D and m a represent promising criteria for GY in wheat and provides evidence that GL can contribute to higher yield, even under irrigated conditions.

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