A groundbreaking development in wheat genetics could potentially allow farmers to harvest three times as much grain from the same number of wheat plants. This advancement, which utilizes the same land, water, and fertilizer, stems from a recent discovery made by scientists at the University of Maryland.
Typically, each floret on a wheat plant yields only a single ovary, leading to the production of one grain per floret. However, mutations can result in a plant variant known as MOV (multi-ovary), which can develop up to three ovaries per floret, thereby increasing grain yield.
Until now, the genetic basis for this trait remained elusive to researchers. The team at the University of Maryland has mapped the DNA of MOV wheat and compared it with that of conventional bread wheat. Their investigation revealed that a gene called WUSCHEL-D1 (WUS-D1), usually dormant, becomes active in MOV wheat. This gene plays a crucial role in enhancing the development of female flower structures, including pistils and ovaries.
By activating the WUS-D1 gene in cultivated wheat varieties, the researchers believe it is possible to boost grain production significantly. “Identifying the genetic underpinnings of this trait provides breeders with a pathway to develop new wheat varieties that could increase the number of grains per spike and overall yield,” stated Associate Professor Vijay Tiwari, a co-author of the study.
Utilizing advanced gene editing technologies, the team aims to refine this trait further to enhance wheat yields. The findings of this research have been detailed in a paper recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
