University of California-Davis Researcher Jorge Dubcovsky and his team have identified one of the genes in wheat that increases yield. The gene Dubcovsky and his team discovered controls the maximum number of grains the plant produces. They estimate the discovery could eventually increase yields by as much as 5%. Breeders devote most of their efforts to pursuing yield. Yield has been “a very difficult trait to crack.” The reason is many variables impact wheat yields. One year, the varieties that don’t shatter in the wind will yield more. The next year, there could be a disease. Another year, too much heat. It’s difficult to pinpoint whether a variety’s overall performance is due to genes or other factors.