Canopy Architecture and Light Interception of Winter Wheat Cultivars in Shandong Province

The characteristics of canopy architecture and light interception were studied with major winter wheat cultivars (lines) in Shandong Province. The results showed that there is a significant difference in attenuation coefficient (K) among examined genotypes. The difference in relative radiation intensity (I/I 0) of the middle and lower leaves among cultivars was larger than that of the upper layer. The results also indicated that appropriate increase of the length of upper stem internode and plant height component index (I L), or appropriate decrease of the angle index(α) and the percentage of the upper leaf area, will contribute to reduce K value and improve light transmission of canopy. Light interception and distribution in canopy at anthesis stage played an important rule in crop growth rate (CGR), kernel formation and economic yield per area. Some questions related to wheat canopy improvement and research were discussed.