A synthetic molecule developed by Oxford University and Rothamsted Research Institute could increase the size and starch content of wheat crops by 20%.

The researchers reported their findings in Nature this week. The molecule in question is a synthetic ‘precursor’ to a certain type of sugar.

Rothamsted first identified the sugar (trehalose 6-phosphate) as playing a key role in how wheat plants use sucrose (the fuel generated by photosynthesis). Then, Oxford’s Chemical Research Laboratory developed a modified version of the sugar precursor that could be taken up by the plant and released within it in sunlight.

In an experiment using the modified molecule, wheat was grown until flowering then sprayed with varying amounts of solution containing the sugar, either on the ears or the whole plant. One application was enough to increase yield, according to the scientists. Further tests found that the solution could help plants recover from drought.  

The scientists believe their discovery has the potential to increase yields for a wider number of crops, as the sugar performs the same function in other plants.

Professor Ben Davis, Department of Chemistry, Oxford University said, “The tests we conducted in the lab show real promise for a technique that, in the future, could radically alter how we farm not just wheat but many different crops.

“The ‘Green Revolution’ in the 20th century was a period where more resilient, high-yield wheat varieties were created, an innovation that has been claimed to have helped save one billion lives. By now developing new chemical methods based on an understanding of biology, we can secure our food sources and add to this legacy. That way we can make sure as many people have access to enough food as possible and that the less fortunate can be rescued from unexpected hardship.”

Rothamsted scientist Dr Matthew Paul added, “This study is a proof of concept, showing us that it is possible to influence how plants use the fuel they produce for agricultural benefit, both in terms of yield and also resilience to drier conditions. The next stage of work is to replicate this experiment as much as possible in the field in different environments, for which we’ll need to understand how to scale up production of the T6P precursor and determine the effect that more variable conditions may have on results.”