The detection of multiple QTLs for different traits may facilitate an improved strategy for developing lines with increased lodging resistance.
In contrast, a SNP in the 3'UTR of the SPL14 gene in rice perturbed osa-miR156-associated translational regulation which led to an improved rice plant with reduced tiller number, better gain yield and enhanced lodging resistance [ 21].
The introduction of the Rht dwarfing alleles during the Green Revolution had a major impact on global wheat productivity because of a reduced incidence of lodging and improved assimilate partitioning [ 59].
To investigate whether stem strength in barley and hence resistance to lodging might be improved through increasing cellulose levels in cell walls, barley was transformed with individual PCW (HvCesA1, HvCesA2, HvCesA6) and SCW (HvCesA4 and HvCesA8) cellulose synthase cDNAs from barley (Burton et al., [ 15]), driven by the constitutive CaMV 35S promoter.
This provides a theoretical basis for how to enhance the mechanical strength of the stem to prevent japonica rice lodging and improve grain yield and quality.
Semi-dwarf and dwarf cultivars have been developed worldwide to reduce lodging and to improve the harvest index.
Rice varieties with the sd1 gene have a shortened culm with improved lodging resistance and a greater harvest index, allowing for the increased use of nitrogen fertilizers (Jennings [1964]).
For example, both designs focused on large panicle size, reduced tillering capacity, and improved lodging resistance.
Improved lodging resistance has contributed significantly to the dramatic increase in cereal yields observed in many countries during recent decades.
These would be combined with improved lodging resistance.
The present study indicates that root lodging should be targeted as a priority to improve crop lodging resistance through breeding selection for a root system with high anchorage strength, especially when the crop plants are expected to encounter inevitable high temperature stress.
