Femaleness for improving grain yield potential and hybrid production in barley

Homeotic genes have been known for decades to affect floral organ identity. Studying their functions in cereal crops is of particular importance because it is directly relevant for grain yield formation. Selva et al. (2023) identified two homeotic genes in barley whose mutations give rise to multiple ovary phenotypes due to homeotic conversions of stamens into carpels, one encodes a C2H2 zinc-finger protein (HvSL1) and the other encodes a B-class MADS-box protein (HvMADS16). Importantly, the supernumerary carpels in the hvsl1 mutants remain fertile when cross-pollinated, representing a promising gateway for hybrid grain production and increased grain yield.

Automated summary

Homeotic genes in barley, HvSL1 and HvMADS16, have been identified to cause stamen-to-carpel conversions, resulting in multiple ovary phenotypes. The presence of fertile supernumerary carpels in the hvsl1 mutants offers potential for hybrid grain production and increased grain yield.