Genes in wheat varieties mapped

News:The Pune-based Agharkar Research Institute(ARI) has mapped two alternative dwarfing genes Rht14 and Rht18 in wheat. 

Facts:

• Rht14 and Rht18: These are two alternative dwarfing genes in wheat associated with better seedling vigour and longer coleoptiles (sheath protecting the young shoot tip).
• Significance: They can reduce crop residue burning and can also allow deeper sowing of wheat seeds to avail advantage of residual moisture in the soil under dry environments.