Novel allelic diversity of the yield-determining trait stalk length via site-directed mutagenesis in wheat (DIVHA)

The major goal of wheat breeding is the increase of yield and yield stability. The proposed project aims to increase loging resistance and the associated yield potential through the generation of novel allelic diversity in semi-dwarf genes that have not been explored as modifiers of plant architecture in wheat. In the context of the 'Green Revolution', the shortening of stalks has contributed to a dramatic increase and stabilization of yield in all major cereals. Shortening of stalks causes an increase in the proportion of assimilates allocated to grain formation, which is associated with a higher number of fertile florets per spike and increased thousand grain weight. If the grain yield per spike of elite material is to be further increased, enhanced lodging resistance and  plant architecture individually taylored for a various growth conditions and agricultural production systems is indispensible. This can be achieved through the generation of additional allelic diversity of stalk length-determining genes. In particular, specific needs with regards to stalk length are to be met for female and male parental lines in hybrid breeding.

 

Project partner:

  • Leibniz Institut für Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung (IPK), Gatersleben

  • Strube Research GmbH & Co. KG
  • Südwestdeutsche Saatzucht GmbH & Co. KG
  • Gemeinschaft zur Förderung von Pflanzeninnovation e. V. (GFPi), Forschungs- und Züchtungsallianz proWeizen