UPSC Articles
Rht14 & Rht18: Dwarfing genes in wheat mapped
Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Science & Technology
In News:
- Scientists at Pune based Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have mapped two alternative dwarfing genes Rht14 and Rht18 in wheat.
- ARI is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology.
Key takeaways
- These genes have better seedling vigour and longer coleoptiles (sheath protecting the young shoot tip).
- Dwarfing genes were mapped on chromosome 6A in durum wheat.
- DNA-based markers were developed for a better selection of genes.
- Advantages of wheat lines having these genes are:
- Suitable for sowing under rice stubble-retained conditions and dry environments.
- Reduce crop residue burning
- Allow deeper sowing of wheat seeds to avail advantage of residual moisture in the soil under dry environments.
