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The Genetic Basis of Wheat Spike Architecture

Author

Listed:
  • Zhen Ji

    (State Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Xin Liu

    (State Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Fei Yan

    (State Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China)

  • Shouqing Wu

    (State Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China)

  • Yanfang Du

    (State Key Laboratory of Wheat Improvement, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China)

Abstract

Wheat is one of the three major staple crops globally. The wheat spike serves as the primary structure bearing wheat grains. Spike architectures of wheat have a direct impact on the number of grains per spike, and thus the grain yield per spike. The development of wheat spike morphology is conserved to some extent in cereal crops, yet also exhibits differences, being strictly regulated by photoperiod and temperature. This paper compiles QTLs and genes related to wheat spike traits that have been published over the past two decades, summarizes the photoperiod and vernalization pathways influencing the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth, and organizes the key regulatory networks controlling spikelet and floret development. Additionally, it anticipates advancements in wheat gene cloning methods, challenges in optimizing wheat spike architecture for high yield and future directions in wheat spike trait research.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhen Ji & Xin Liu & Fei Yan & Shouqing Wu & Yanfang Du, 2025. "The Genetic Basis of Wheat Spike Architecture," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:15:p:1575-:d:1707554
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Erik Vollbrecht & Patricia S. Springer & Lindee Goh & Edward S. Buckler IV & Robert Martienssen, 2005. "Architecture of floral branch systems in maize and related grasses," Nature, Nature, vol. 436(7054), pages 1119-1126, August.
    2. Long Song & Jie Liu & Beilu Cao & Bin Liu & Xiaoping Zhang & Zhaoyan Chen & Chaoqun Dong & Xiangqing Liu & Zhaoheng Zhang & Wenxi Wang & Lingling Chai & Jing Liu & Jun Zhu & Shubin Cui & Fei He & Huir, 2023. "Reducing brassinosteroid signalling enhances grain yield in semi-dwarf wheat," Nature, Nature, vol. 617(7959), pages 118-124, May.
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