In a significant stride towards bolstering wheat resilience, researchers have unraveled the genetic architecture of pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) tolerance in Indian dwarf wheat (Triticum sphaerococcum). This breakthrough, published in *Scientific Reports*, could potentially reshape breeding strategies and offer a lifeline to farmers grappling with climate change-induced challenges.
PHS, triggered by prolonged rainfall and humidity before harvest, is a bane for wheat farmers worldwide. It not only slashes grain yield but also compromises quality, leading to substantial economic losses. The study, led by Divya Sharma from the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, is the first to assess PHS tolerance in a global collection of 116 T. sphaerococcum accessions across three different locations.
The researchers employed a 35K Axiom single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to genotype these accessions, using 15,308 high-quality SNPs to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Two single-locus GWAS (SL-GWAS) and four multi-locus GWAS (ML-GWAS) models were used to identify twelve marker-trait associations (MTAs) controlling PHS tolerance. Notably, five MTAs were consistently found across all tested environments, offering robust targets for breeders.
“These SNPs are located within candidate genes containing domains involved in regulating seed germination, dormancy, and abiotic stress tolerance,” Sharma explained. “This provides a genetic roadmap for enhancing PHS tolerance in wheat.”
In silico analysis revealed that these SNPs were associated with genes containing domains such as LRR, NAC, serine/threonine kinase, F-box, WRKY, SANT/Myb, cytochrome P450, homeobox-like, and WD40. These genes play crucial roles in plant development and stress responses, making them valuable targets for improving wheat resilience.
Haplotype analysis further identified a variable number of haplotypes across 10 MTAs. Three haplotypes, namely H005, H006, and H007, were present in PHS-tolerant accessions, representing favorable allelic combinations for PHS tolerance. These findings could pave the way for marker-assisted selection, enabling breeders to develop wheat varieties with enhanced PHS tolerance more efficiently.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. With climate change exacerbating weather extremes, PHS tolerance is becoming increasingly critical for stable wheat production. By providing genetic resources and potential targets for breeding strategies, this study offers a beacon of hope for the agriculture sector.
“This research is a game-changer for wheat breeding,” said a senior breeder at a leading agricultural research institute. “It equips us with the genetic tools needed to develop wheat varieties that can withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate.”
As the global population continues to grow, ensuring food security is more pressing than ever. This study not only advances our understanding of PHS tolerance in wheat but also opens new avenues for improving crop resilience, ultimately contributing to food security and agricultural sustainability.