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Key wheat genes that control plant height and grain size identified
Findings could pave the way for breeding higher-yield crops to meet global food demands
6 October, 2025
Rothamsted scientists have uncovered how a family of genes in wheat fine-tunes the plant’s growth and grain development, a breakthrough that could help breeders produce bigger harvests.
The study focused on genes that regulate the production of gibberellins – natural plant hormones that drive growth. By examining seven versions of GA3OX genes in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), the team found that different members of the gene family have distinct roles in shaping both plant stature and grain size.
Decades of work on the gibberellin pathway led us to target these genes, which could now help develop wheat with bigger grains
Mutations in one set of genes, known as GA3OX2, left wheat plants severely stunted and infertile, due to extremely low gibberellin levels throughout the plant. By contrast, changes in GA3OX3 and GA1OX1 genes affected gibberellin levels mainly in developing grains. Whereas GA3OX3 mutants had lower gibberellin levels, leading to smaller and lighter grains, GA1OX1 mutants accumulated higher gibberellin levels, producing larger grains.
Intriguingly, the study also revealed that grain-related genes can influence plant height, suggesting that hormones move between tissues more widely than previously thought. Analysis of modern wheat varieties showed that breeders have already, perhaps unknowingly, selected natural versions of these genes linked with larger grain size.
The findings highlight new possibilities for crop improvement, say the research team, which included two plant hormone experts from the Czech Institute of Experimental Botany. By harnessing natural genetic variation in hormone pathways, plant breeders may be able to balance plant height with grain yield more precisely, a longstanding goal in agriculture.
“Our work shows how research into growth regulation pathways in wheat can guide the selection of gene variants that benefit farmers,” said Dr Stephen Pearce, a co-author of the study. “Decades of work on the gibberellin pathway led us to target these genes, which could now help develop wheat with bigger grains."
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ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.