Researchers Identify Gene Regulating Grain Weight in Wheat

A research team from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences used gene editing to demonstrate the role of TaFT-D1 in regulating grain weight in wheat. The results of the study are published in Plant Biotechnology Journal.

FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) is known for its multifunctional role in modulating key agronomic traits, such as flowering time and plant height. However, its role in grain development regulation remains unclear. In this study, the researchers identified TaFT-D1 and used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to understand its role in wheat grain weight.

The results showed that TaFT-D1 knockout reduced grain size and weight. Transcriptome analysis of the TaFT-D1 knockout line showed a significant reduction in the expression of genes related to the cell cycle and starch synthesis. The study revealed that TaFT-D1 interacts with TaFDL2, which positively regulates grain size and enhances the activation of related genes. The findings of the study offer an alternative method to improving wheat yields.

For more information, read the study from the Plant Biotechnology Journal.

See https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/ged/article/default.asp?ID=21270