Deciphering the genetic regulation of inflorescence development in wheat

该项目旨在确定调控小麦花序结构的基因和分子过程，利用最先进的遗传资源确定调控小穗发育的新生物机制——小穗是包含生产谷物的小花的生殖分支。这项研究非常重要，因为人们对小麦的小穗和小花数量是如何由基因决定的知之甚少，而且需要确定新的性状来提高产量，以满足世界上不断增长的人口。项目成果将包括对支撑小麦粮食生产的生物学的新见解，其预期效益将使育种者和种植者能够持续提高产量，从而帮助加强全球粮食安全。

The project aims to identify genes and molecular processes that regulate inflorescence architecture in wheat, using state-of-the-art genetic resources to identify novel biological mechanisms that regulate the development of spikelets – reproductive branches that contain grain-producing florets. The research is highly significant as little is known about how spikelet and floret numbers are determined genetically in wheat, and new traits need to be identified to increase yields for the world’s growing population. Project outcomes will include new insights into the biology that underpins grain production of wheat, with expected benefits enabling sustainable increases of yields by breeders and growers to help bolster global food security.