A Novel Gene, OsRLCK191, Involved in Culm Strength Improving Lodging Resistance in Rice

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics and molecular biology
• Agricultural science
• Crop improvement

Background:

• Lodging, or stem collapse, is a major challenge in temperate japonica rice production.
• Limited genetic factors influencing culm strength have been identified in this subspecies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify genes responsible for culm strength in temperate japonica rice.
• To investigate the role of OsRLCK191 in rice lodging resistance and yield traits.

Main Methods:

• CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing was used to create OsRLCK191 mutants.
• Phenotypic analysis of culm strength (bending moment, section modulus) and internode length.
• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze gene expression in shoot apex during panicle differentiation.

Main Results:

• OsRLCK191 mutants exhibited significantly reduced culm strength (bending moment, section modulus) compared to wild types.
• Mutants showed altered internode lengths and significant decreases in yield traits (panicle length, thousand-seed weight, seed setting rate).
• RNA-seq identified differentially expressed genes related to cell wall biogenesis, polysaccharide metabolism, and transcription factors.

Conclusions:

• OsRLCK191 plays a critical role in maintaining rice culm strength and influencing yield.
• Genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis and hormone signaling (cytokinin, ethylene) are associated with culm strength.
• Findings provide a theoretical basis for enhancing lodging resistance in temperate japonica rice breeding.