Potential yield of wheat in the United Kingdom: How to reach 20 t ha−1

Potential yield of wheat of 20 t ha−1 is possible in the United Kingdom from new cultivars with improved interception of radiation, RUE and harvest index (e.g. by 17%, 32% and 18%, respectively). Improved RUE can be exploited if optimum water and nutrients are maintained throughout crop duration. Increased harvest index raises yield and reduces straw and also produces a larger yield for a given amount of nitrogen supplied. High-yielding crops will require proportionate increases in nitrogen supply from the soil and fertilizer.