American scientists have discovered a gene capable of tripling wheat yield.

American researchers from the University of Maryland have discovered a gene responsible for a rare type of wheat in which each inflorescence produces three ovaries instead of one. This is reported by SciTechDaily. Scientists have determined that the usually inactive gene WUSCHEL-D1 becomes activated at an early stage of inflorescence development, contributing to the formation of additional ovaries, each of which can produce a grain. This opens the way to the development of higher-yielding wheat varieties without the need to increase agricultural land and use additional resources. The unusual trait with three ovaries was first discovered in naturally mutated soft wheat, but scientists did not immediately understand what caused this mutation. To identify genetic differences, researchers created an accurate DNA map of the mutated wheat and compared it with the DNA of traditional crops. The analysis indicated the activity of the usually inactive gene WUSCHEL-D1. Activation of WUS-D1 ...