A groundbreaking study has demonstrated the potential of a novel biostimulant in increasing wheat crop yields. The biostimulant, based on the molecule trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P), acts by boosting starch production and enhancing photosynthesis, according to researchers from Oxford University and Rothamsted.
The research, led by Professor Ben Davis and Dr. Matthew Paul, examined T6P's efficacy over four years at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico and the National Agricultural Technology Institute in Argentina. The trials showed a consistent yield increase of +10.4% in wheat, without being affected by rainfall variations, a significant issue in global agriculture.
Professor Davis highlighted the broader implications of the work, stating, "By confirming the effectiveness of this novel biostimulant molecule in the field, these results open the way towards gaining regulatory approval, industrial manufacture, and making this technology available to increase food crop production in some of the poorest countries in the world."
The challenges of improving wheat yield through traditional breeding methods are addressed by using the T6P biostimulant as a spray. Due to its inability to naturally cross cell membranes, researchers developed a membrane-permeable precursor that triggers the release of T6P in sunlight.
Professor Davis explained, "The development of chemistries that may be applied in living systems has been a long-standing goal of work at Oxford." This methodology allows for controlled release of T6P, optimizing its impact on plant growth.
The study also points to the possibility of reducing fertilizer usage, as T6P influences genes responsible for amino acid and protein synthesis. This is particularly important since higher-yield wheat varieties often have diluted protein content, necessitating increased fertilizer use.
No similar products are currently available on the market. Oxford University and Rothamsted have launched SugaROx, a spinout company, to bring this innovation to farmers. Dr. Cara Griffiths, SugaROx CSO, shared, "It's exciting to be able to take cutting-edge technology from the bench to the field."
The detailed findings are available in Nature Biotechnology under the title, ‘Membrane-permeable trehalose 6-phosphate precursor spray increases wheat yields in field trials.’