Stable isotopes and yield in durum wheat

What is it about?

The performance of the stable isotope signatures of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen was studied in wheat crops to assess the early vigour and grain yield under contrasting environmental conditions. Despite the well known and previously described value of carbon isotope signature as a tool in breeding, nitrogen isotope signature is confirmed as an additional tool in the present study. Oxygen isotope composition does not seem to offer any potential, at least under the conditions of the present study.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

As the three isotopes explain different aspects of the responses of crops to environment, further developments of breeding programs shall consider their application.