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According to research by scientists at the University of Maryland, activating a specific gene, which has existed in the wheat genome for thousands of years but remains largely inactive, could significantly increase the number of grains per plant. Photo: Shutterstock.

Specifically, the research team identified a key gene called WUSCHEL-D1. This is not a newly discovered gene but is present in all wheat varieties. Image: Vijay Tiwari, University of Maryland.

Under normal conditions, the WUSCHEL-D1 gene is almost inactive. However, in polyovule varieties, the WUSCHEL-D1 gene is activated early in flower development, leading to the expansion of meristematic tissues—where reproductive organs form—and allowing for the creation of multiple stigmas within a single flower. Each stigma can develop into a seed. Image: Vijay Tiwari, University of Maryland.

From this, the research team stated that when the WUSCHEL-D1 gene is active, a single wheat flower can develop into three stigmas, thus producing three grains instead of just one grain as in many current wheat varieties. Photo: Vijay Tiwari, University of Maryland.

This discovery could allow breeders to develop new, higher-yielding wheat varieties without requiring additional land or resources, representing a major step toward meeting global food needs in the context of a changing climate. Photo: Tim Scrivener.

Experts believe the new discovery about the WUSCHEL-D1 gene is crucial because wheat is one of the world 's staple food crops, feeding billions of people every day. Photo: ABC Landline: Pip Courtney.

As global wheat demand continues to rise, climate change, limited arable land, and population growth are making it increasingly difficult to increase production using traditional methods. Photo: ABC Landline: Pip Courtney.

Furthermore, the discovery of the unique capabilities of the WUSCHEL-D1 gene could also lead to potential applications for many other food crops such as rice, corn, or barley. Image: global-agriculture.com.

Gene discovered that could dramatically increase wheat yield.

Scientists have identified the WUSCHEL-D1 gene, which can increase the number of grains per plant, opening up opportunities to develop higher-yielding wheat varieties.