DEGENERATED LEMMA (DEL) regulates lemma development and affects rice grain yield.

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Genetics
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• The lemma, a floral organ in grasses, is vital for grain size and yield.
• While glume cell research is extensive, the role of normal glume development in grain formation is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the function of the degenerated lemma (del) gene in rice.
• Determine the impact of DEL gene mutation on rice grain development and yield.

Main Methods:

• Studied a rice spikelet mutant (del) with degenerated lemmas.
• Employed map-based cloning to identify the causal mutation in the DEL gene (Os01g0527600/OsRDR6).
• Analyzed gene expression using RT-qPCR.

Main Results:

• The del mutant exhibited reduced grain size, seed setting rate, and 1000-grain weight, leading to lower yield.
• A single-nucleotide substitution in DEL caused a Leu-34 to His-34 amino acid change.
• DEL gene expression was significantly reduced in the del mutant, impacting tasiR-ARF levels and floral organ identity genes.

Conclusions:

• Normal DEL gene expression is essential for proper lemma formation in rice.
• The DEL gene plays a critical role in regulating grain morphology and yield.
• Understanding DEL function can inform strategies to improve rice production.