Photosynthetic rates and the effects of applied gibberellin in some dwarf, semi-dwarf and tall wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum )

SUMMARY Photosynthetic rates of flag blades were measured in eight wheat varieties. The differing rates observed were not correlated with winter or spring habit, plant height or gibberellin sensitivity. The rates were correlated inversely with the flag blade area in these varieties. Applied gibberellin increased photosynthetic rate and the maximum increase was 17% in the variety with the lowest control rate. However, the varieties did not differ significantly in their response to the hormone.