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Gene expression and genetic control to cold tolerance during maize seed germination
Izabel Costa Silva Neta1, Édila Vilela de Resende Von Pinho2, Viviane Maria de Abreu3
1Helix Sementes, Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
BMC Plant Biology
|May 1, 2020
Summary
This study reveals that non-additive genes control cold tolerance in maize germination, with significant heterosis observed. Gene expression analysis identified key enzymes and proteins involved in this crucial trait for early genotype characterization.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics and breeding
- Molecular biology
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Cold tolerance in maize is crucial for early genotype characterization.
- Understanding the genetic control of cold tolerance aids in developing resilient crops.
- Physiological quality assessments and genetic studies are key to identifying tolerant maize varieties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic control of cold tolerance during maize seed germination.
- To identify genes influenced by cold stress in maize.
- To characterize maize genotypes for improved cold tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a partial diallel scheme with reciprocal crosses of six maize lines (three tolerant, three susceptible).
- Analyzed gene expression of catalase (CAT), esterase (EST), heat-resistant proteins, Putative stearoyl-ACP desaturase (SAD), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and ZmMPK5.
- Assessed gene expression in dried and moistened seeds at 10°C over 4 and 7 days.
Main Results:
- Observed heterosis for germination at low temperatures.
- Non-additive genes were found to be more important for cold tolerance.
- Significant reciprocal effects were identified, indicating maternal or non-maternal influences.
Conclusions:
- Catalase (CAT) and esterase (EST) enzymes showed greater expression in moistened seeds after seven days.
- Heat-resistant proteins and the SAD gene exhibited lower expression after seven days of moistening.
- Variations in APX, SOD, and ZmMPK5 gene expression were noted between dried and moistened seeds and across different genotypes.
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