Tiller number: an essential criterion for developing high-yield and stress-resilient cereal crops

Abstract

For cereal crops specifically, tiller number (TN) is a critical factor in determining crop productivity. TN is used to measure plant health, biomass production, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance. Agriculture productivity can be greatly enhanced by comprehending and modifying TN. However, the current use of TN in enhancing crop productivity is still not fully understood. Modulating TN and improving crop yield can be accomplished by using techniques like genetic selection and breeding, molecular and genetic modification, hormonal control, nutrient and canopy management, environmental tampering, and managing stress. The most well-known advantage of TN was managing it for increased crop yield. This study highlights the value of TN in agriculture and the scope for further investigation and development. The development of high-yielding cereal crops and the improvement of tiller management practices will be made possible by developments in molecular approaches, precision agriculture, and data-driven technologies. This review study offers vital information for using tiller numbers to increase cereal production worldwide, which will eventually result in more sustainable farming methods and greater food security.