Grain yield of winter rye and winter wheat in relation to leaf number and leaf age.

In trials in 1966-7, removal of the upper leaves of wheat and rye at heading gave lower yields of grain and straw than removal of the lower leaves. Removal of all leaves reduced grain yields of winter rye by 44% and winter wheat by 43%. The proportional increase in stem weight after flowering compared with that of ear weight, was appreciably greater in rye than in wheat. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)