Rht14 & Rht18: Dwarfing genes in wheat mapped

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.