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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #198717

Title: YELLOW BERRY

Author
item Morris, Craig

Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/15/2006
Publication Date: 3/10/2010
Citation: Morris, C.F. 2010. YELLOW BERRY. In: Compendium of Wheat Diseases and Pests, W. Bockus, R. L. Bowden, R. M. Hunger, W. L. Morrill, T. D. Murray, and R. W. Smiley (Eds.). The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, pg. 158.

Interpretive Summary: Yellow berry refers to the non-vitreous, glassy form of the wheat kernel. Individual kernels may be vitreous, non-vitreous (yellow berry) or have varying proportions of each (“mottled”). Yellow berry, in and of itself, represents no defect of the kernel. As in maize, rice and other cereals, the non-vitreous appearance results from the diffraction of light on the endosperm. This physical appearance of the kernel is highly correlated with protein content; and it is for this reason that there is commercial interest in the trait. In the U.S., the Federal standards for wheat differentiate Durum wheat and Hard Red Spring wheat into three subclasses, each based on the percentage of vitreous kernels. Although varieties do differ somewhat in their predisposition to yellow berry, the over-riding cause relates to nitrogen fertility and, secondarily, to stresses on the wheat plant. In general, nitrogen applied or available during later grain filling, and yield-reducing stresses (drought, high temperatures) reduce the incidence of yellow berry.

Technical Abstract: Yellow berry refers to the non-vitreous form of the wheat kernel. Individual kernels may be vitreous, non-vitreous (yellow berry) or have varying proportions of each (“mottled”). Yellow berry, in and of itself, represents no defect of the kernel. As in maize, rice and other cereals, the non-vitreous appearance results from the diffraction of light by minute air spaces and discontinuities in the endosperm. This physical discontinuity of the kernel is highly correlated with protein content; and it is for this reason that there is commercial interest in the trait. In the U.S., the Federal standards for wheat differentiate Durum wheat and Hard Red Spring wheat into three subclasses, each based on the percentage of vitreous kernels. Although varieties do differ somewhat in their predisposition to yellow berry, the over-riding cause relates to nitrogen fertility and, secondarily, to biotic and abiotic stresses on the wheat plant. In general, nitrogen applied or available during later grain filling, and yield-reducing stresses (drought, high temperatures) reduce the incidence of yellow berry.