Rubisco and sucrose synthesis and translocation are involved in the regulation of photosynthesis in wheat with different source-sink relationships

Source-sink relationships influence photosynthesis. So far, the limiting factors for photosynthesis of wheat cultivars with different source-sink relationships have not been determined. We aimed to determine the variation patterns of photosynthetic characteristics of wheat cultivars with different source-sink relationships. In this study, two wheat cultivars with different source-sink relationships were selected for photosynthetic physiological analyses. The results showed that YM25 (source-limited cultivar) had higher photosynthetic efficiency compared to YM1 (sink-limited cultivar). This is mainly due to a stronger photochemical efficiency, electron transfer capacity, and Rubisco carboxylation capacity of YM25. YM25 accumulated less soluble carbohydrates in flag leaves than YM1. This is mainly due to the stronger sucrose synthesis and transport capacity of YM25 by presenting higher sucrose-related enzyme activities and gene expression. A PCA analysis showed that Rubisco was the main factor limiting the photosynthetic capacity of YM25. The soluble sugar accumulation in flag leaves and sink limitation decreased the photosynthetic activity of YM1. Increased N application improved source-sink relationships and increased grain yield and source leaf photosynthetic capacity in both two wheat cultivars. Taken together, our findings suggest that Rubisco and sucrose synthesis and translocation are involved in the regulation of photosynthesis of wheat cultivars with different source-sink relationships and that source and sink limitation effects should be considered in photosynthesis.