Wheat's climate-resistant gene - A game-changer in agriculture

In a breakthrough for agriculture, scientists have pinpointed a key temperature tolerance gene in wheat that could revolutionize crop resilience amidst the uncertainties posed by climate change. 

A team of researchers led by Professor Graham Moore at the John Innes Center made this groundbreaking discovery while investigating the impact of temperature variations on wheat fertility. Temperature has a significant influence on wheat fertility, particularly during the critical meiosis phase, when parent cell chromosomes align to form seeds for future generations. 

Optimal wheat meiosis occurs within a temperature range of 17°C to 23°C, making wheat vulnerable to extreme temperatures, both high and low, which can severely affect crop yield. Identifying genetic elements that can sustain wheat fertility beyond these optimal temperatures is critical for breeding climate-resilient crops. 

Previous research had identified the DMC1 gene as a potential candidate for preserving wheat meiosis in diverse temperature conditions. To confirm this hypothesis, scientists employed gene-editing techniques to remove DMC1 from Chinese Spring Wheat. Subsequent experiments assessed how different temperatures affected meiosis in these mutated plants. 

The results were remarkable. Within just one week, the gene-edited mutant plants exhibited significant changes when exposed to 13°C, with 95% of them experiencing a reduction in crossover events. Similarly, wheat plants grown at 30°C also displayed fewer crossovers compared to the control group. 

These findings validate the pivotal role of DMC1 in maintaining meiotic crossovers, especially at lower temperatures, with some influence at higher temperatures. 

Reduced crossovers can have a profound impact on grain yield, making this discovery a game-changer for wheat breeders grappling with the challenges of climate change. Professor Moore expressed optimism about the gene's potential, stating, "Thanks to gene editing, we have isolated a key temperature tolerance gene in wheat, providing hope in an era when climate change is reshaping agriculture." 

The next phase of research involves identifying DMC1 variations that offer enhanced protection to wheat and exploring how the gene's dosage and expression levels may influence tolerance to broader temperature variations. 

Temperature tolerance trials are already underway in Cordoba, Spain, where wheat fertility and yield are under constant threat due to regular temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C. 

This study underscores that DMC1's influence extends beyond wheat, impacting temperature tolerance in various plant species. Professor Moore stressed the urgency of screening germplasm collections to identify heat-tolerant genotypes as a top priority for the future of crop improvement.