“Researchers at the University of Maryland have identified the gene responsible for a rare type of wheat that forms three ovaries in each flower instead of just one. Because each ovary can grow into a grain, this finding could help boost the amount of wheat produced per acre…

The unusual trait was first seen in a naturally occurring mutant of common bread wheat, but scientists did not know which genetic change caused it. To find out, the Maryland team created a detailed genetic map of the multi-ovary wheat and compared it with that of ordinary wheat. They found that a usually inactive gene called WUSCHEL-D1 (WUS-D1) had become active in the mutant plants. When WUS-D1 is turned on early in the formation of wheat flowers, it enlarges the developing floral tissue, allowing extra female structures such as pistils or ovaries to form.

If plant breeders can learn to trigger or replicate this activation of WUS-D1, it may be possible to create new wheat varieties that produce more kernels per plant.”

From ScienceDaily.