High-throughput field phenotyping reveals that selection in breeding has affected the phenology and temperature response of wheat in the stem elongation phase

Crop breeders increasingly need to mitigate the effects of climate change. Ideally, their selection strategies are based on an understanding of crop responses to environmental covariates such as temperature. In this study, the height of 352 varieties (European and Swiss) was repeatedly measured in multiple years. P-splines were used to model plant height as a function of time, from which the phenology parameters jointing (start) and end of stem elongation were derived. An asymptotic model was used to estimate the base-temperature of growth ( T min ), the steepness of the response ( lrc ), and the growth at optimum temperature ( r max ). Parameter r max had the largest effect on final height, whereas the temperature-response parameters in the narrow sense ( T min , lrc ) were closely connected to phenology. Final height and r max decreased from the more continental, eastern European countries towards the more maritime, western countries. For genotypes registered in Great Bitain, T min was distinctly lower compared to most other regions. Integrating such analysis of in-season responsiveness to fluctuating environmental conditions in breeding will help to improve the genetic gain for climate adaptation. It can only be achieved based on high-throughput assessment of phenotypes in the field throughout the season. Highlight Wheat phenology and environmental responses have been affected by breeders’ selections since 1970. High throughput field phenotyping methods reveal these developments, allowing to better adapt future varieties to climate change.