U of S team helps decode durum wheat genome

Scientists from the University of Saskatchewan, working with researchers from around the world, have cracked the code that could lead to hardier, healthier durum wheat crops.

The research team of more than 60 scientists from seven countries announced Monday they have successfully mapped the entire genome of durum wheat, a main ingredient used in worldwide pasta production.

The crop’s genome is four times as large as the human genome.

U of S agriculture professor and plant breeder Curtis Pozniak was a corresponding author in the research project.

He told 650 CKOM’s John Gormley that the breakthrough now allows scientists to select and edit genes in the wheat that could prevent diseases and lead to more productivity in crops.

“Now that we have the blueprint, we can start looking at the specific genes that control those traits,” Pozniak said.

He noted researchers will now work on promoting gene resistance to major issues like fusarium headblight, which can rot the wheat crop and lead to lower yields.

“Having access to the sequence will allow us to pin down the very specific genes that are causing that (disease),” he said.

Pozniak’s team is specifically focused on finding ways to reduce the amount of heavy metals that durum wheat absorbs from the soil in Saskatchewan.

His researchers have already pinpointed the gene responsible for allowing the accumulation of cadmium — a toxic heavy metal that can reduce the nutritional value and safety of the crop. The U of S team has already identified how to lower the cadmium levels for future crops.

“In other parts of the world, they’re already using that DNA sequence to develop varieties that do not accumulate the cadmium,” Pozniak said.

He added most of the genetic selection will occur through plant breeding.

Durum wheat is the second-highest planted crop in Saskatchewan behind canola, with more than four million acres planted in 2017.