Enhancement of nitrogen use efficiency in wheat and other plants

摘要

Genes associated with nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in plants are provided. The gene VRN1^N was identified as TaNUE1 in chromosome 5A of the wheat cultivar Jagger and is encompassed by quantitative trait locus Qnue.osu-5A. VRN1^N is regulated by nitrogen is associated with enhanced NUE by plants which contain the gene. In addition, the gene ANR1 from wheat cultivar Jagger has also been identified as involved in nitrogen metabolism. Methods for genetically engineering plants to contain and express one or both of VRN1^N and ANR1 are also provided, as are genetically modified plants that have been transformed with one or both of the genes, and plants that have been bred conventionally and selected for the presence of one or both genes.