Overexpression of the ABA Synthesis Gene OsABA2 Enhances Seed Storability in Rice
Yongxiang Liao1, Pengfei Jiang1, Mingming Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
Rice (New York, N.Y.)
|July 4, 2025
Summary
Overexpressing the OsABA2 gene in rice significantly improves seed storability and vigor by enhancing abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and reducing oxidative stress, offering a promising strategy for seed quality enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Biotechnology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Seed storability is crucial for agriculture and conservation.
- Abscisic acid (ABA) metabolism is linked to seed longevity.
- Biotechnological enhancement of rice seed storability via ABA genes is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of OsABA2 in rice seed storability.
- To develop and characterize rice lines overexpressing OsABA2.
- To assess the impact of OsABA2 on seed vigor and stress response.
Main Methods:
- Developed OsABA2 overexpression lines (OE) in rice.
- Subjected OE and wild-type (WT) lines to artificial aging.
- Assessed germination rates, leachate conductivity, storage substances, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant activity.
- Performed comparative transcriptome analysis.
Main Results:
- OsABA2 expression increased with artificial aging.
- OsABA2-OE lines showed higher germination rates and lower electrical conductivity post-aging.
- OE lines maintained storage substances better and had reduced ROS levels (lower H2O2, MDA; higher catalase activity, antioxidant capacity).
- Transcriptome analysis indicated modulation of ROS scavenging genes.
Conclusions:
- Overexpression of OsABA2 enhances rice seed storability by regulating ABA biosynthesis and oxidative stress response.
- OsABA2 is a viable molecular target for improving seed storage traits in rice and other crops.
- This approach has significant implications for the seed industry and germplasm conservation.
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