Drough-resistant wheat a step closer

Developing wheat better suited to Australia's hot and dry weather will be the focus of a multimillion dollar research centre at the University of Adelaide.

More than 1000 wheat varieties will be screened at the $11.4 million research hub in an attempt to create a variety able to withstand local conditions.

"Yields in Australia are low, mainly due to water limitation and high temperatures. A single hot day at the wrong time can reduce a yield by up to 50 per cent," director Sigrid Heuer said at the hub's launch on Friday.