Why in news?
The Scientists at Pune based Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have mapped two alternative dwarfing genes Rht14 and Rht18 in wheat.
These genes are associated with better seedling vigour and longer coleoptiles (sheath protecting the young shoot tip).
Details
- Scientists ARI have mapped the dwarfing genes on chromosome 6A in durum wheat.
- The DNA-based markers will help wheat breeders to precisely select wheat lines carrying these alternative dwarfing genes from a massive pool of wheat breeding lines.
- These DNA based markers are being used at ARI for marker-assisted transfer of these genes in Indian wheat varieties, so as to make them suitable for sowing under rice stubble-retained conditions and dry environments.
Why is this significant for the environment?
- In India, close to twenty-three million tonnes of leftover rice residues are annually burnt by farmers to get rid of the straw and prepare their fields for sowing wheat, which is the next crop, resulting in air pollution
- Also, dry environments pose a challenge for the germination of wheat varieties with short coleoptile.
- Burning of leftover rice crop residue has serious implications for the environment, soil, and human health.
- Therefore, there is a need to include alternative dwarfing genes in wheat improvement programs.
