della : Rht gene in wheat
The Rht (Reduced Height) genes are a group of genes found in wheat that significantly impact plant height. Their introduction in the 1960s, during the Green Revolution, played a pivotal role in increasing wheat yields. Shorter wheat plants achieved through these genes were less susceptible to lodging (falling over due to wind or rain) and allowed for the application of higher fertilizer inputs without compromising yield.  However, the Rht genes also have some drawbacks. Certain Rht alleles (variants) can be associated with negative effects like reduced seedling vigor, shorter coleoptiles (protective shoots), and potentially lower grain micronutrient content.  Understanding the trade-offs associated with different Rht alleles is crucial for wheat breeders. Modern breeding strategies often involve combining beneficial Rht alleles with genes for other desirable traits to achieve optimal plant height, yield, and overall crop health.