Unleashing the potential of Restorer-of-fertility proteins for hybrid crops

Hybrid crops offer higher and more stable yields than conventional lines. However, cost-effective systems for hybrid seed production are missing for key crops like wheat or barley. One of the main challenges is identifying and tracking Restorer-of-fertility genes that control self-pollination in breeding material. This project will make this process easier, cheaper, and faster by improving our understanding of how Restorer-of-fertility proteins interact with RNA. This knowledge will also extend the application of these genes as biotechnological tools in agriculture, synthetic biology, and medicine.