Gene Discovery Could Help Boost Crop Yields

Most British farmers grow their crops over winter, sowing the seeds in autumn and harvesting the following summer. Using winter varieties, plants grow during lower temperatures of autumn, winter and spring and have the potential to yield more biomass and larger number of seeds. Researchers from the University of York's Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) led by Dr. Steve Penfield, revealed the role of the SPT gene in temperature sensing and growth mechanism, which could contribute to increased crop yields in winter varieties.

The study published in the latest issue of Current Biology showed that the absence of the SPT gene allows the plant to grow faster at lower temperatures but still retains the freezing tolerance trait. In addition, the research showed that daytime temperatures influences plant growth and the SPT gene allows plants to sense morning temperature. CNAP's Dr Steve Penfield, who led the research team said: "There is potential for this discovery to be used to increase crop yields by extending the growing season particularly in spring and autumn."

For details, see the original news at http://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2010/research/crop-yields/