The transcription factor TaNF-YB4 overexpression in wheat increases plant vigor and yield

Ensuring food security is a priority in developing countries. This study aimed to improve wheat yield by overexpressing the TaNF-YB4 transcription factor, which is involved in carbon assimilation and stress tolerance. An expression cassette for TaNF-YB4 was developed in a modified wheat transformation vector (pSB219) and examined through transient expression in Nicotiana tabacum , followed by Agrobacterium -mediated transformation of wheat variety FSD-2008. T 0 transgenic plants were propagated to obtain T 3 generation PCR-positive plants. Transgene expression was assessed in PCR-verified T 2 plants using RT-PCR and qRT-PCR at six weeks post-germination. qRT-PCR analysis using the ΔΔCT method indicated higher TaNF-YB4 expression in transgenic lines than in the wild-type control plants. Improved agronomic and phenotypic traits were observed with a 6-36% increase in 1000-grain weight in the selected transgenic lines. Root architecture assessments demonstrated enhanced root length, surface area, and projected area in transgenic lines compared with wild-type plants. Additionally, notable variances in total chlorophyll, protein, and sugar content levels were observed between the transgenic lines and control plants, demonstrating statistical significance with a p-value ≤ 0.05. This study indicates that low-level constitutive expression of TaNF-YB4 can enhance wheat yield, presenting a viable strategy for improving wheat productivity. • Overexpression of TaNF-YB4 improved wheat grain weight and root architecture • The events YB4-5 and YB4-8 showed 36.3 and 24.2% higher grain weights, respectively • TaNF-YB4 has the potential to improve wheat yield and agricultural productivity • Future efforts will focus on breeding homozygous lines and conducting field trials