Genes By Environment By Management (GEM) Interaction on Winter Wheat Phenology: Opportunities for Adaptation to Climate Change.

As climate changes, challenges for matching genotypes with the target environment and management practices is critical for adapting to change.  Phenological responses to the environment are one critical aspect in determining yield, and as the environment varies it would be expected that some cultivar-specific phenological responses are associated with higher yield.  A 3-yr data set of 24 cultivars of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L) grown under differing water deficits in northeastern Colorado, USA was used in conjunction with the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZQWM2), which uses the DSSAT crop simulation models, to 1) evaluate the phenological and yield responses of the 24 cultivars under historical  and projected weather, and 2) assess what phenological characteristics/genes and management practices (e.g., planting date, irrigation scheduling, and tillage practices) might be most useful in adapting to projected weather.