Quantitative variation in maize kernel row number is controlled by the FASCIATED EAR2 locus

Area of Science:

• Plant biology
• Genetics
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Crop domestication dramatically improved agricultural output, notably by increasing seed number per inflorescence.
• Maize, domesticated from teosinte, shows a significant increase in kernel rows, from 2 in its ancestor to 8-20 in modern varieties.
• Kernel row number (KRN) is determined by the inflorescence shoot meristem, regulated by the CLAVATA signaling pathway and WUSCHEL transcription factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that inflorescence meristem size variation influences kernel row number (KRN) and crop yield.
• To explore the role of the CLAVATA receptor-like protein FASCIATED EAR2 in regulating inflorescence meristem size and KRN.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the relationship between inflorescence meristem size and KRN.
• Investigating the function of the FASCIATED EAR2 gene in maize development.

Main Results:

• Variation in inflorescence meristem size was found to correlate with KRN, suggesting a mechanism for yield enhancement.
• Specific variations in FASCIATED EAR2 were shown to increase inflorescence meristem size and consequently, KRN.
• The study highlights the role of stem cell proliferation pathways in determining crop yield potential.

Conclusions:

• Modulating fundamental stem cell proliferation pathways offers a promising strategy for enhancing crop yields.
• Targeting genes like FASCIATED EAR2 could lead to improved maize varieties with higher productivity.