MicroRNA-resistant alleles of HOMEOBOX DOMAIN-2 modify inflorescence branching and increase grain protein content of wheat
- Journal:
- Science Advances
- Published:
- DOI:
- 10.1126/sciadv.abn5907
- Affiliations:
- 6
- Authors:
- 15
Research Highlight
Packing more protein into wheat
© Roman Krykh/EyeEm/Getty Images
A way to genetically boost the protein content of wheat without sacrificing crop yield has been discovered.
A staple food in many parts of the world, wheat accounts for roughly 20% of the protein consumed globally. Breeders have been producing improved varieties for over a century, but genetic manipulation holds out the promise of even better gains. But little is known about the genetic drivers for protein content.
Now, a team led by researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia has identified a gene variant can both increase the number of flower-bearing spikelets and boost protein content by 15–25%.
The team anticipates that the new wheat varieties will reach breeders in two to three years and farmers in seven to ten years.
References
- Science Advances 8, 34 (2022). doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abn5907
Institutions | Authors | Share |
---|---|---|
John Innes Centre (JIC), United Kingdom (UK) | 0.67 | |
The University of Adelaide (Adelaide Uni), Australia | 0.23 | |
Heidelberg University (Uni Heidelberg), Germany | 0.07 | |
University of Leeds, United Kingdom (UK) | 0.03 |