Scientists Discover a Gene that Could Triple Wheat Production

University of Maryland researchers have identified a gene in wheat that could significantly enhance the global food supply. The scientists identified the WUSCHEL-D1 (WUS-D1) gene as the key factor responsible for a rare variety of wheat that develops three ovaries per flower, instead of the standard single ovary. Since each ovary can mature into a grain of wheat, activating this gene offers a path to producing significantly more wheat kernels per plant and potentially tripling the overall yield.

The discovery stems from studying a spontaneously occurring mutant of common bread wheat. The UMD team found that the remarkable trait was caused by the normally dormant WUS-D1 gene being "switched on" early in the flower's development. When active, the gene enlarges the flower-building tissues, allowing them to produce the extra female parts. Researchers believe that if breeders can control or mimic this genetic trick, they can effectively design new wheat varieties with greater kernel production. Even small increases in kernels per plant translate to massive gains in food security on a global scale.

This genetic discovery offers a powerful new tool to boost yields without requiring more land, water, or fertilizer, addressing a critical challenge for modern agriculture. "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," stated Associate Professor Vijay Tiwari, a co-author of the study. The insight into WUS-D1 could potentially lead to the development of similar multi-ovary varieties in other essential grain crops.

For more details, read the news article on the University of Maryland website.