An ethylene biosynthesis enzyme controls quantitative variation in maize ear length and kernel yield.
Qiang Ning1, Yinan Jian1, Yanfang Du1
1National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
Nature Communications
|October 6, 2021
Summary
Researchers identified a gene, ACO2, controlling maize ear length and kernel number. Modulating this gene enhances ethylene production, boosting grain yield by 13.4% and improving maize productivity.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Genetics
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Maize ear size and kernel number are crucial for grain yield, but the genetic basis for ear length and its relation to kernel number is poorly understood.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling inflorescence development is key to improving crop productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the quantitative trait locus (qEL7) responsible for maize ear length and its associated traits.
- To elucidate the function of the gene underlying qEL7 in ethylene biosynthesis and its role in inflorescence development and grain yield.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of the quantitative trait locus qEL7 in maize.
- Identification of the gene encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase2 (ACO2) at qEL7.
- Gene editing of ZmACO2 to assess its impact on ethylene production and plant development.
- Analysis of ear length, flower number, fertility, and grain yield in edited maize lines.
Main Results:
- The quantitative trait locus qEL7 was identified and found to encode the maize 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase2 (ACO2) gene.
- ZmACO2 is involved in the final step of ethylene biosynthesis and is expressed in developing inflorescences.
- Gene editing of ZmACO2 reduced ethylene production, promoted meristem and flower development, and increased grain yield per ear by approximately 13.4% in hybrid lines.
Conclusions:
- Ethylene acts as a critical signaling molecule in maize inflorescence development, influencing spikelet number, floral fertility, ear length, and kernel number.
- The ZmACO2 gene provides a valuable target for genetic improvement of grain yield in maize and potentially other cereal crops by optimizing ethylene levels.
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