By Scout Nelson
At South Dakota State University (SDSU), a new project is underway to enhance wheat’s resilience to heat, addressing the threat of global warming on crop yields.
Led by Professor Wanlong Li, this initiative aims to edit the genetic makeup of wheat to withstand higher temperatures. With wheat as a crucial global crop, this research is pivotal for future food security.
The research, funded by a $270,244 USDA grant, utilizes CRISPR technology to modify genes associated with heat tolerance.
The team focuses on an enzyme called Rubisco activase, essential for maintaining photosynthesis even during high heat. By improving this enzyme's function, the modified wheat could potentially thrive in warmer climates, ensuring robust yields.
This endeavor not only benefits South Dakota, where over 60 million bushels of wheat were harvested last year, but also has global implications.
As temperatures rise, maintaining crop yields is vital for feeding the growing world population. The project, set to run for two years, promises to revolutionize wheat farming by making it more adaptable to our changing climate.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Wheat, Government & Policy, Weather