Gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors in wheat and rice: architectural regulation, agronomic trade-offs, and emerging opportunities

Abstract

Gibberellins (GAs) are central regulators of plant architecture, and their targeted modulation has played a pivotal role in crop improvement. The introduction of semi-dwarf wheat and rice through mutations in GA metabolism and signaling underpinned the Green Revolution and reshaped global agriculture. Beyond genetic approaches, chemical inhibition of GA biosynthesis offers a reversible, stage-specific, and versatile means of fine-tuning growth. In cereals such as wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rice (Oryza sativa), gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors (GBIs) have been widely employed to enhance lodging resistance, optimize canopy structure, and stabilize yield under high-density planting. Here, we synthesize advances in GA biosynthetic pathways and their chemical regulation, classify major GBIs by structure and mechanism, with emphasis on their roles in regulating growth and yield formation in wheat and rice. Despite demonstrated efficacy, several challenges restrict broader application, including environmental residues, weather-dose-response models, innovation and application, and integration with agronomic management measures. We also emphasized the design of next-generation GBIs, AI-assisted GBIs screening, and the establishment of dose models. By integrating these approaches, GBIs may become a cornerstone of sustainable cereal intensification. This review provides both mechanistic insights and practical guidance for advancing GBI-based regulation of plant architecture, offering new opportunities for yield stability and resource-efficient production in the face of global climate change.