Raising productivity of cereal crops in dry and heat stress environments remains a breeding challenge.

Abstract

Abstract 'Green Revolution' genes have led to the release of input-responsive cultivars, resulting in multifold productivity increases in rice and wheat. Declining precipitation, increased intensity of drought and rising temperature are casting uncertainty over agricultural production. As noted in this mini review, plant genes when over-expressed allow cereals to produce grains in drought- and heat-prone sites.