Targeting reproductive and spike traits for improving grain yields in wheat

Term: 4 years, beginning in 2021

Status: Ongoing

Funding Amount: $471, 730

Lead Researcher(s): Dr. Raju Datla (University of Saskatchewan)

Funding Partners: Alberta Wheat Commission, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association

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Project Description

This project will focus on the genetic improvement of wheat to increase yield through major yield contributing factors such as grain number, grain weight, spike fertility, optimal partitioning to grain, and improved grain filling (“spike traits”). The research will explore the wheat lines that the team has already developed with specific spike traits along with the additional resources representing land races, genotypes, and germplasm collections of CIMMYT. Promising lines with increased number of seed per spike along with other desirable spike traits will be evaluated under field conditions for determining the efficacy of these introduced traits to increase grain yield capacity and productivity, thus will validate and create opportunities for wheat yield improvement prospects.