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Discovery of a gene that controls grain development may help control cereal yields

Discovery of a gene that controls grain development may help control cereal yields

Cross-section of a barley flower, Dr Laura Wilkinson, University of Adelaide
Cross-section of a barley flower, Dr Laura Wilkinson, University of Adelaide
“Taken together, we discovered novel roles for this gene in the control of floret and grain development, both key agronomic traits in one of the world’s most economically, sociologically and ecologically relevant crops.”
Cross-section of a barley flower, Dr Laura Wilkinson, University of Adelaide

The productivity of cereal crops could get a boost in the future thanks to the discovery of new roles for a master gene regulator that influences the development of barley florets, furthering the understanding of grain development including impacts on grain shape and yield.

A new study from the University of Dundee and the James Hutton Institute, working with partners in the UK and Australia, has shown that a gene encoding a protein called HvAPETALA2 (HvAP2) has a role in the development of florets and grain.

More information from: 

Bernardo Rodriguez-Salcedo, Media Manager, James Hutton Institute, Tel: +44 (0)1224 395089 (direct line), +44 (0)344 928 5428 (switchboard) or +44 (0)7791 193918 (mobile).

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This article was originally posted by The James Hutton Institute