Australian Research Partnership for Increasing Wheat Yield

A research partnership with Australia's research institutions, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and the Australian Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) was forged by Bayer CropScience for research on wheat yield. Initial research conducted by CSIRO and funded by GRDC has resulted in the development of genetically modified wheat that yielded 30 percent more in glasshouse trials. In the new partnership with Bayer, the next stages in wheat development will be conducted.

"With this technology, we see more vigorous wheat with increased vegetative growth, larger seed heads, and larger seed," said Dr. Bruce Lee, Director of CSIRO's Food Futures Flagship. "If we can achieve significant yield increases in the field, this will have a major impact on food production on a global scale."

John Harvey, GRDC Managing Director, said that improving crop yield will benefit grain growers. "Increasing wheat yields under the water limited environments that Australian growers face is a significant driver for GRDC investments. This yield technology is an exciting discovery that could lead to a significant impact on wheat productivity."

Details on this news can be viewed at http://www.bayercropscience.com/bcsweb/cropprotection.nsf/id/EN20120730?open&l=EN&ccm=500020.