Nature Biotechnology publishes research from Syngenta, Rothamsted Research

 

Syngenta scientists introduced a single transgene to alter the amounts of a naturally occurring sugar, called trehalose 6-phosphate or T6P, in a highly tissue-specific manner. T6P drives the allocation of the plant’s main sugar, called sucrose, to different parts of the plant during growth and development. By altering the amounts of T6P in key cells that deliver sucrose to developing seeds in the cobs, more sucrose is transported into the corn kernels. This increases seed numbers per cob and the overall harvest index and yield.

 

Professor Matthew Paul of Rothamsted Research led the team of project to understand the regulation of plant and crop processes by T6P. This biological knowledge will help Syngenta develop crop traits for the world’s farmers.

 

The plants were evaluated over several years in extensive maize field trials in North and South America.The field trials showed that corn under no or mild drought, increased in yield between 9% and 49%, and corn under severe drought, increased in yield between 31% and 123%.

 

Professor Matthew Paul said: “The work shows that T6P exerts significant control of yield in corn. This is one of few reports where genetic modification of an intrinsic plant process for yield works in the field.

 

Dr. Michael Nuccio, Principle Research Scientist at Syngenta and the study leader said: “Our collaboration with Rothamsted Research has given us significant new insights into how our corn trait functions to improve response to drought in the field. This knowledge will be important for designing the next generation of crop varieties able to remain productive under water-limiting conditions.”

 

The scientists consider the corn yield increases could be the tip of the iceberg. Matthew Paul concluded: “This technology has the potential to greatly improve maize and other crops productivity and also prevents catastrophic yield loss in dry years.”