Gene could boost legume yield
The discovery could allow researchers to create legume varieties that have different stalk structures and improved yield. Image: tanukiphoto/iStockphoto A research project has discovered a new gene with an important role in generating flower-bearing structures (inflorescences) in plants.The research will be published in the online journal Nature Communications.Dr Jim Weller, from the UTAS School of Plant Science, worked on the project with colleagues in Spain and the UK.“This work investigates how the arrangement of flowers on a plant is controlled, and focuses on legumes, an important group of crop plants that includes peas, lentils, beans and chickpeas,” Dr Weller explained.“Plant inflorescences can range from simple (such as a tulip or poppy) with a single stalk and a single flower, to more complex, with multiple branches and numerous flowers (such as tomatoes, cereals and legumes).“Identification of genes that control these differences gives us insight into how they might have evolved.“In this case we...