Fig. 1: A schematic showing key targets for photosynthetic improvement where diversity from wild relatives could be utilised to increase productivity or stress tolerance in modern wheat.

The flag leaf cross-section highlights important traits underpinning CO₂ assimilation on a standardised leaf area basis. When considering photosynthesis on a plant or canopy basis, other targets for improvement include organ size, ear photosynthesis and CO₂ assimilation across the whole canopy.