Challenge Global demand for wheat is rising rapidly due to population growth, yet heat stress threatens yield and grain quality, posing a major challenge for sustainable production. While stomatal regulation is known to influence crop productivity and stress tolerance, its relationship with grain quality traits like gluten and sugar content is not well understood in wheat.
Solution This project investigates the link between stomatal traits, grain yield, and quality to determine how source-sink relationships contribute to heat tolerance in wheat. Through field and laboratory research, it is identifying heat-tolerant genotypes with superior stomatal function and grain quality. The research aims to generate insights into the physiological mechanisms underlying heat resilience and deliver new selection tools and germplasm for wheat breeders.
Impact The project will advance scientific understanding of heat tolerance mechanisms in one of the world’s most vital staple crops. For Australian growers and breeders, it will offer practical breeding resources to improve wheat productivity under climate stress, supporting the sustainability and resilience of future food systems.
