Gene Could Triple Wheat Yields

Gene Could Triple Wheat Yields University of Maryland genomics researcher Vijay Tiwari has identified a rare wheat gene that produces three grains per spikelet, compared with one grain per spikelet in conventional wheat. If wheat breeders can select for this gene, wheat production could triple.  “Pinpointing the genetic basis of this trait offers a path for breeders to incorporate it into new wheat varieties, potentially increasing the number of grains per spike and overall yield,” said Tiwari, Associate Professor of Plant Sciences and co-author of the study. The 3-ovary trait was first observed in a naturally occurring mutant of common bread wheat. At first, they didn’t know what caused it. Tiwari and the research team created a precise map of the mutant wheat and compared it with that of ordinary wheat. They identified a gene that’s normally inactive. In the mutant, the gene known as WUSCHEL-D1 (WUS-D2) was active. When it’s turned on early during flower development, it enlarges the floral tissue and allows the plant to produce additional female organs, such as pistils (ovaries). Discovering the multi-ovary variety in wheat could prompt researchers to look for similar mutations in other grain crops. It could also spark greater interest in hybrid wheat. “By employing a gene-editing toolkit, we can now focus on further improving this trait for enhancing wheat yield,” says Tiwari. “This discovery provides an exciting route to develop cost-effective hybrid wheat.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Vijay Tiwari, Plant Science & Landscape Architecture, 2102 Plant Sciences Building, 4291 Fieldhouse Dr., College Park, Md. 20742 (ph 301-405-1730; vktiwari@umd.edu; www.umdwheatgenomics.weebly.com).

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