Gibberellic acid-sensitive dwarfing genes reduce plant height to increase kernel number and grain yield of wheat

Abstract

The Norin-10 dwarfing genes, Rht-B1b (Rht1) and Rht-D1b (Rht2), have been used to reduce plant height and increase grain yield in wheat breeding programs worldwide. Other dwarfing genes are available to reduce plant height of wheat but little is known of their effects on grain yield. A set of random, F₅-derived wheat lines containing either minor genes for reduced plant height, or major gibberellic acid (GA) sensitive Rht8 and Rht9 dwarfing genes, were obtained from 3 different populations. Environment mean yields ranged from 2.5 to 4.6 t/ha. Genotypic variation was large and significant (P < 0.05) for plant height, grain yield and its components, and kernel number and size. Approximately 30% of lines were as short as variety Hartog, while kernel number per m², harvest index, and grain yield of the shortest GA-sensitive lines were not significantly different (P < 0.05) from the commercial semidwarf checks Janz or Hartog. Furthermore, genotypic differences in plant height were genetically correlated (r_g) with variation in kernel number (r_g = −0.76*), harvest index (−0.71*), and grain yield (−0.62*). These correlated effects were confirmed with retrospective selection for height and were consistent with reported height effects of Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b dwarfing genes on kernel number and harvest index in wheat. Plant height differences among GA-sensitive lines were independent of variation in seedling characteristics (r² = 0.01–0.02 n.s.), while a number of reduced-height lines produced 50% longer coleoptiles and greater seedling biomass than Janz. These studies demonstrate a correlation between the shorter height of GA-sensitive dwarfing genes and increased grain yield, and suggest their potential for improving wheat establishment through greater coleoptile length and early vigour.