Background
This project aims to support the integration of long coleoptile wheat varieties into Australian farming systems, improving establishment and adaptability in dry-sowing conditions.
What is the coleoptile?
The coleoptile is the protective sheath that encloses the emerging shoot, and its length determines the depth from which a seed can successfully emerge. Long coleoptile wheat varieties, including those with the RHT 13/18 gene, offer advantages in deep-sowing scenarios, allowing farmers to access subsoil moisture and improve crop establishment in challenging environments.
Outcomes
The project will examine a range of environmental, genetic, and management factors influencing coleoptile length and wheat performance. A key outcome of this work is the development of an industry standard for measuring coleoptile length, providing a consistent framework for variety selection and agronomic decision-making.
