Grant: Alliance Grants

Through our previous research, we have identified two genes on 1D chromosome of wild wheat Aegilops tauschii that are associated with increased spikelet number (by 33%) per spike. This research proposal builds on that research by our group and work on homologous genes in other cereals and aims to examine the function of genomic region carrying TPP and Sucrase genes on 1D chromosome of A. tauschii. Further, we will explore how this region affects spikelet number in bread wheat. Our proposal has three hypotheses: (i) TPP has an identifiable impact on spikelet number at a specific tissue and point in spikelet development in A. tauschii, (ii) TPP acts by altering sucrose supply to developing spikelet tissues either via T6P concentration modulation or an altered response to normal T6P concentrations. TPP may directly modulate adjacent sucrase gene, and (iii) TPP transferred into T. aestivum will have beneficial yield responses due to altered spikelet number, and potential for improved floret fertility under abiotic stress. The results from this project will have tremendous impact on breeding programs if the TPP allele from wild wheat is associated with yield increase (via increase in spikelet number) and improved fertility under drought. We also understand that increased spikelet number might have an impact on grain protein concentration and seed size, but before we answer whether this gene affects these traits, it is important to answer if this gene (TPP) has significant phenotypic effect on increased spikelet number in bread wheat.