Genetic variation and chemical control of tillering in wheat

An important yield determinant is tiller number which contributes to canopy formation and photosynthetic capacity but also influences rooting and nutrient capture efficiency. QTLs coincidences between tillering traits and yield components have been described. However, an overproduction of tillers followed by tiller loss or failure to produce fertile ears can lead to ineffective resource use. Control over tiller production, whether genetically determined or controlled chemically (hormone), will therefore influence wheat yields at multiple levels.

This project will investigate variation in tillering in a wheat germplasm set (including the Watkins Collection, tilling populations), impacts of nutrition and effects of growth modifiers (hormones). This will include the identification of genes involved in those processes. It is intended that field assessments will be made using the Rothamsted field phenotyping platform (pictured). One aspect will be the mode of action bioactive components contained in growth promoting products of Roullier, the industry partner in this project. The studentship is located at Rothamsted (supervisors: Malcolm Hawkesford, Peter Buchner and Steve Thomas) and the student will be enrolled at Nottingham (supervisor: Malcolm Bennett).