Feeding a global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by mid-century is a massive challenge. Wheat provides a fifth of the calories in the global human diet and is a significant source of protein, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Finding ways to increase the yield of wheat crops has great value. However, wheat has complex genetics, which makes it difficult to improve yields by traditional breeding methods or even by genetic engineering.
Researchers at Oxford University and the nearby Rosalind Franklin Institute have developed a biostimulant that can deliver increased wheat yields of up to 12%. It is applied as a spray and a four-year study in Argentina and Mexico demonstrated that it delivers major yield improvements irrespective of weather conditions.
The biostimulant is based on trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P), which is a natural molecule that regulates the plant equivalent of blood sugar. T6P prompts plants to produce more starch and increases the rate of photosynthesis.
Naturally occurring T6P cannot be applied topically because it cannot cross cell membranes. The researchers developed a membrane-permeable precursor of T6P that releases T6P into a plant in the presence of sunlight.
The biostimulant can be manufactured on an industrial scale and would be inexpensive to use.
The researchers have created SugaROx, a spinout company whose mission is “to increase the productivity, resilience, sustainability, and profitability of crop production” using active ingredients inspired by powerful natural plant molecules.
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New biostimulant treatment significantly boosts wheat yields, field studies confirm
Photo, posted July 28, 2014, courtesy of Brad Higham via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio
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