Identification of causes of wheat sterility in sub-tropical Asia

Wheat has potential as a minor crop in subtropical Asia, particularly in rotation with rice. However, average yields are generally low and much less than the potential yield when crops are grown with optimal agronomy. One of the important causes of low yields is the occurrence of sterility, which can reduce grain-set by up to 95%. The purpose of this small project is to increase wheat yields in subtropical Asia through reducing sterility via breeding and improved agronomy. The project will combine data available in sub-tropical Asia, identify the factors causing wheat sterility, rank genotypes for sensitivity to sterility, and characterise sterility associated with high temperatures and critical levels of boron. It is expected that the environmental limitations which lead to sterility will be identified, enabling classification of suitable localities for growing current wheat genotypes. Specific genotypes less likely to be sterile in limiting conditions will be identified and included in breeding programs.