No abstract

No abstract

Plant development is orchestrated and yet flexible. This enables the formation of the correct organs within the context of previous and current environmental cues. The use of previous environmental experiences, such as the conditions when the seed formed or whether winter has passed, is critical to maximise reproductive success. Temperature is a crucial signal in achieving this, it provides current seasonal information and is an indicator of forthcoming environmental conditions, including drought or freezing. Therefore, many temperature responses facilitate environmental acclimation as well as trigger key developmental changes, such as germination, growth, and flowering. Research has identified that temperature signals are interpreted in the context of light signalling, circadian and light intensity, and developmental stage. Furthermore, a number of temperature cues are stress signals, associated with very high or low temperatures. These signals do trigger developmental responses but not as part of standard developmental growth. This article focuses on the role of ambient temperature on each of the major stages of plant development.

There are many challenges facing the development of high-yielding, nutritious crops for future environments. One limiting factor is generation time, which prolongs research and plant breeding timelines. Recent advances in speed breeding protocols have dramatically reduced generation time for many short-day and long-day species by optimising light and temperature conditions during plant growth. However, winter crops with a vernalisation requirement still require up to 6-10 weeks in low-temperature conditions before transition to reproductive development. Here, we tested a suite of environmental conditions and protocols to investigate if vernalisation can be satisfied more efficiently. We identified a vernalisation method consisting of exposing seeds at the soil surface to an extended photoperiod of 22 h day:2 h night at 10C with transfer to speed breeding conditions that dramatically reduces generation time in both winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) and winter barley (Hordeum vulgare). Implementation of this protocol achieved up to five generations per year for winter wheat or barley, instead of the two typically obtained under standard vernalisation and plant growth conditions. The protocol has great potential to enhance training and to accelerate research, pre-breeding, and breeding outcomes focussed on winter crop improvement.

Limited Print and Electronic Distribution RightsThis document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited. Permission is given to duplicate this document for personal use only, as long as it is unaltered and complete. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial use. For information on reprint and linking permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.The RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.