Indian researcher discovers new molecule to boost wheat yields : The Tribune India

Indian researcher discovers new molecule to boost wheat yields

NEW DELHI:A new molecule that can make wheat crop resistant to climatic stress and boost yield by 50 per cent has been discovered by an Indian researcher.

Indian researcher discovers new molecule to boost wheat yields

iStock



New Delhi, March 7

A new molecule that can make wheat crop resistant to climatic stress and boost yield by 50 per cent has been discovered by an Indian researcher.

The discovery assumes importance as average wheat yield is lower at around 3 tonnes per hectare in India, the world's second largest grower after China. India's average yield is 39 per cent lower than China.

The molecule is water soluble and can be sprayed on the wheat plant or injected to the root of the plant. This can also be used on other crops like rice, maize and potato.

The new molecule has been discovered by researcher Ram Sagar Misra from Shiv Nadar University with the help of two other researchers Benjamin Davis and Matthew Paul from the Oxford University and the UK-based Rothamsted Research, respectively, after a decade of research work.

"The molecule has been patented in the US, the UK and the EU by the University of Oxford. We are now in talks with three agro-chemical companies including one Israeli firm for commercialisation," Misra told PTI in an interview.

The molecule is non-toxic to the plant and does not get into the wheat grain. This new approach developed through the biotechnology-enabled process is known as "chemical intervention in plant signalling approach", he said.

Misra also said that this new method does not rely on genetic modifications (GM) to create super-yields or combat climate change and therefore offers a viable alternative to GM technology.

The new approach uses Trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P), a central sugar signal in plants, which regulates sucrose use and allocation, underpinning crop growth and development to signal the plant to produce more starch in wheat, he added.

Wheat output in India is projected to be 96.64 million tonnes in 2016-17 crop year (July-June) as against 92.29 million tonnes in 2015-16. India had record wheat production of 95.85 million tonnes in 2013-14 crop year. — PTI

Top News

Delhi police special cell raids homes of journalists linked to NewsClick

NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha, HR head arrested after police raids; office sealed

Premises connected to news portal’s journalists raided; 46 s...

‘Telangana CM Chandrasekhar Rao wanted to join NDA, I refused due to his deeds,’ says PM Modi

‘Telangana CM Chandrasekhar Rao wanted to join NDA, I refused due to his deeds,’ says PM Modi

Prime Minister accuses BRS dispensation of ‘looting’ funds m...

AAP govt raised loans worth Rs 47,107 crore in 18 months of its rule, 57 per cent of this used to repay interest on loans, Bhagwant Mann informs governor

57% of loans AAP govt raised used on repaying interest on earlier loans, Bhagwant Mann tells governor

This is the gist of the letter sent by CM to Banwarilal Puro...

Trudeau says Canada going through ‘extremely challenging time’ with India; vows to engage constructively

Trudeau says Canada not looking to ‘escalate’ situation, vows to engage constructively with India

Also said that it's important for Canada to have diplomats o...

SC to take up petitions against Bihar caste survey on October 6

SC to take up petitions against Bihar caste survey on October 6

Petitioner contended that the nature of information sought i...


Cities

View All