DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulatory mechanism,it regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor(s)to DNA.In this stu...DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulatory mechanism,it regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor(s)to DNA.In this study,a novel methyltransferase 2a gene(Zmet2a)was cloned in maize and identified by polymerase chain reaction-base(PCR-base)using a bioinformatics strategy.The Zmet2a cDNA sequence is 2739 bp long and translates to 912 amino acid peptides.The Zmet2a protein revealed that it contains BAH and CHROMO structural domains,is a non-transmembrane protein that is hydrophilically unstable,and has no signal peptide structure.Meanwhile,we verified the biological roles of Zmet2a using transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing Zmet2a and Zmet2a-knockout maize.Transgenic Zmet2a Arabidopsis thaliana showed highly significant advancement inflowering time,and Zmet2a-knockout maize showed advancement inflowering time,with significant changes in several traits.Altogether,these report the role of Zmet2a in the regulation offlowering time,which will lay a foundation for revealing the biological function and epigenetic regulation mechanism of Zmet2a in the growth,development andflowering of maize.展开更多
GTs(Glycosyltransferases)are important in plant growth and abiotic stresses.However,its role in maize heat response is far from clear.Here,we describe the constitutively expressed UDP-glycosyltransferase ZmUGT92A1,whi...GTs(Glycosyltransferases)are important in plant growth and abiotic stresses.However,its role in maize heat response is far from clear.Here,we describe the constitutively expressed UDP-glycosyltransferase ZmUGT92A1,which has a highly conserved PSPG box and is localized in chloroplasts,is induced under heat stress.Functional disruption of ZmUGT92A1 leads to heat sensitivity and reactive oxygen species accumulation in maize.Metabolomics analysis revealed that ZmUGT92A1 affected multiple metabolic pathways and altered the metabolic homeostasis of flavonoids under heat stress.In vitro assay showed ZmUGT92A1 exhibits glycosyltransferase activity on flavonoids and hormones.Additionally,we identified a rapidly heat-induced transcription factor,ZmHSF08,which can directly bind and repress the promoter region of ZmUGT92A1.The ZmHSF08 overexpression line exhibits heat sensitivity and reactive oxygen species accumulation.These findings reveal that the ZmHSF08-ZmUGT92A1 module plays a role in heat tolerance in maize and provide candidate strategies for the development of heat-tolerant varieties.展开更多
Maize growth and development are regulated by light quality,intensity and photoperiod.Cryptochromes are blue/ultraviolet-A light receptors involved in stem elongation,shade avoidance,and photoperiodic flowering.To inv...Maize growth and development are regulated by light quality,intensity and photoperiod.Cryptochromes are blue/ultraviolet-A light receptors involved in stem elongation,shade avoidance,and photoperiodic flowering.To investigate the function of cryptochrome 1(CRY1) in maize,where it is encoded by Zm CRY1,we obtained two Zm CRY1a genes(Zm CRY1a1 and Zm CRY1a2),both of which share the highest similarity with other gramineous plants,in particular rice CRY1a by phylogenetic analysis.In Arabidopsis,overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes promoted seedling de-etiolation under blue and white light,resulting in dwarfing of mature plants.In seedlings of the maize inbred line Zong 31(Zm CRY1aOE),overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes caused a reduction in the mesocotyl and first leaf sheath lengths due to down-regulation of genes influencing cell elongation.In mature transgenic maize plants,plant height,ear height,and internode length decreased in response to overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes.Expression of Zm CRY1a were insensitive to low blue light(LBL)-induced shade avoidance syndrome(SAS) in Arabidopsis and maize.This prompted us to investigate the regulatory role of the gibberellin and auxin metabolic pathways in the response of Zm CRY1a genes to LBL treatment.We confirmed a link between Zm CRY1a expression and hormonal influence on the growth and development of maize under LBL-induced SAS.These results reveal that Zm CRY1a has a relatively conservative function in regulating maize photomorphogenesis and may guide new strategies for breeding high density-tolerant maize cultivars.展开更多
Maize is susceptible to a number of diseases that can infect all plant organs and serve as a constraint on cereal production. The reduction in cereal production caused by disease is estimated at an average of 9.4%. Co...Maize is susceptible to a number of diseases that can infect all plant organs and serve as a constraint on cereal production. The reduction in cereal production caused by disease is estimated at an average of 9.4%. Corn root rot contributes greatly to the reduction in grain production and quality. The main objective of this work was to review the research on root rot in maize to determine the susceptibility of genotypes to root rot and to quantify the inheritance of resistance to root rot in maize. The methodology used was a complete 8 × 8 diallel design planted during the year 1999/2000. Root discoloration, plant length, root volume, effective volume and yield were the evaluated parameters. To analyze the data and determine the combinatorial abilities, genetic correlations, heritability and correlated response, diallel analysis was used. Eight parental lines;P28, I137TN, MP706, E739, MO17, B37, B73, and B14 were planted. The lines were crossed into each other, all combinations according to the complete diallel model (Model 1). The F1 was harvested after maturation. For statistical analysis, the version of the Agrobase program (2016) was used. Results show that F1 hybrids showed significant differences in root rot discoloration, plant height, root volume, effective root volume and yield. The P28 line and the B73XE739 cross had, respectively, the highest general and specific combinations. Root discoloration had the highest genetic correlation (r<sub>A</sub> = 0.47) with plant length. Broad and narrow heritability for root rot discoloration were, respectively, h<sup>2</sup> = 0.81 and h<sub>2</sub><sub> </sub>= 0.51. Root rot discoloration showed the highest correlated response (C<sub>R</sub> = 0.14) on plant length.展开更多
Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae ...Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the production and uptake of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium of maize (Zea mays L.) plants in central Benin. The trials were set up in a farming environment with thirty-four producers. The experimental design was composed of three treatments installed at 34 producers. Three growth parameters were evaluated on 60 ème days after sowing. Grain yield, nutritional status of maize plants and mycorrhization parameters were determined at harvest. The results showed that the Glomeraceae + 50% NPK (NPK: azote-phosphore-potassium)_Urea treatment improved the height, the crown diameter and the leaf area by 17.85%, 21.79% and 28.32% compared to the absolute control and by 0.41%, 1.11% and 1.46% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment, respectively. Similarly, grain yield improved by 45.87% with the use of Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea compared to the absolute control and by 3.96% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment. The Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea significantly improved the phosphorus and potassium uptake of maize plants. With respect to nitrogen uptake, no statistical difference was observed between treatments. The mycorrhizae strains used improved root infection in the maize plants. We recorded 66% frequency and 40.5% intensity of mycorrhization. The biostimulant based on indigenous Glomeraceae combined with 50% NPK_Urea can be used as a strategy to restore soil health and improve maize productivity in Benin.展开更多
The introduction of alleles into commercial crop breeding pipelines is both time consuming and costly.Two technologies that are disrupting traditional breeding processes are doubled haploid(DH)breeding and genome edit...The introduction of alleles into commercial crop breeding pipelines is both time consuming and costly.Two technologies that are disrupting traditional breeding processes are doubled haploid(DH)breeding and genome editing(GE).Recently,these techniques were combined into a GE trait delivery system called HI-Edit(Haploid Inducer-Edit).In HI-Edit,the pollen of a haploid inducer line is reprogrammed to deliver GE traits to any variety,obviating recurrent selection.For HI-Edit to operate at scale,an efficient transformable HI line is needed,but most maize varieties are recalcitrant to transformation,and haploid inducers are especially difficult to transform given their aberrant reproductive behaviors.Leveraging marker assisted selection and a three-tiered testing scheme,we report the development of new Iodent and Stiff Stalk maize germplasm that are transformable,have high haploid induction rates,and exhibit a robust,genetically-dominant anthocyanin native trait that may be used for rapid haploid identification.We show that transformation of these elite‘‘HI-Edit”lines is enhanced using the BABYBOOM and WUSCHEL morphogenetic factors.Finally,we evaluate the HI-Edit performance of one of the lines against both Stiff Stalk and non-Stiff Stalk testers.The strategy and results of this study should facilitate the development of commercially scalable HI-Edit systems in diverse crops.展开更多
Internode number and length are the foundation to constitute plant height, ear height and the above-ground spatial structure of maize plant. In this study, segregating populations were constructed between EHel with ex...Internode number and length are the foundation to constitute plant height, ear height and the above-ground spatial structure of maize plant. In this study, segregating populations were constructed between EHel with extremely low ear height and B73. Through the SNP-based genotyping and phenotypic characterization, 13 QTL distributed on the chromosomes (Chrs) of Chr1, Chr2, Chr5-Chr8 were detected for four traits of internode no. above ear (INa), average internode length above ear (ILaa), internode no. below ear (INb), and average internode length below ear (ILab). Phenotypic variation explained (PVE) by a single QTL ranged from 6.82% (qILab2-2) to 12.99% (qILaa5). Zm00001d016823 within the physical region of qILaa5, the major QTL for ILaa with the largest PVE was determined as the candidate through the genomic annotation and sequence alignment between EHel and B73. Product of Zm00001d016823 was annotated as a WEB family protein homogenous to At1g75720. qRT-PCR assay showed that Zm00001d016823 highly expressed within the tissue of internode, exhibiting statistically higher expression levels among internodes of IN4 to IN7 in EHel than those in B73 (P Zm00001d016823 might provide novel insight into molecular mechanism beyond phytohormones controlling internode development in maize.展开更多
Waterlogging strongly affects agronomic performance of maize （Zea mays L.）. In order to investigate the suitable selection criteria of waterflooding tolerant genotypes, and identify the most susceptible stage and th...Waterlogging strongly affects agronomic performance of maize （Zea mays L.）. In order to investigate the suitable selection criteria of waterflooding tolerant genotypes, and identify the most susceptible stage and the best continuous treatment time to waterlogging, 20 common maize inbred lines were subjected to successive artificial waterflooding at seedling stage, and waterlogging tolerance coefficient （WTC） was used to screen waterflooding tolerant genotypes. In addition, peroxidase （POD） activities and malondialdehyde （MDA） contents were measured for 6 of 20 lines. The results showed that the second leaf stage （V2） was the most susceptible stage, and 6 d after waterflooding was the best continuous treatment time. Dry weight （DW） of both shoots and roots of all lines were significantly reduced at 6 d time-point of waterlogging, compared to control. POD activities and MDA contents were negatively and significantly correlated, and the correlation coefficient was -0.9686 （P 〈 0.0001）. According to the results, WTC of shoot DW can be used for practical screening as a suitable index, which is significantly different from control and waterlogged plants happened 6 d earlier. Furthermore, leaf chlorosis, MDA content and POD activities could also be used as reference index for material screening. The implications of the results for waterlogging-tolerant material screening and waterlogging-tolerant breeding have been discussed in maize.展开更多
A reliable system was developed for regeneration from mature embryos derived from callus of four maize inbred lines （Liao 7980, Dan 9818, Dan 340, and Dan 5026）. The protocol was mainly based on a series of experime...A reliable system was developed for regeneration from mature embryos derived from callus of four maize inbred lines （Liao 7980, Dan 9818, Dan 340, and Dan 5026）. The protocol was mainly based on a series of experiments involving the composition of culture medium. We found that 9 pM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in MS medium was optimum for the induction of callus. The induction frequency of primary calli was over 85% for four inbred lines tested. The addition of L- proline （12 mM） in subculture medium significantly promoted the formation of embryogenic callus but it did not significantly enhance growth rate of callus. Efficient shoot regeneration was obtained on regeneration medium containing 2.22 μM 6- benzylaminopurine in combinations with 4.64 μM Kinetin. Regenerated shoots were rooted on half-strength MS medium containing 2.85 μM indole-3-butyric acid. This plant regeneration system provides a foundation for genetic transformation of maize.展开更多
common maize synthetic rate（ Photosynthetic characteristics were probed by sweet maize, waxy maize, high starch maize and The results revealed that leaf area index （LAI）, chlorophyll a content, chlorophyll b cont...common maize synthetic rate（ Photosynthetic characteristics were probed by sweet maize, waxy maize, high starch maize and The results revealed that leaf area index （LAI）, chlorophyll a content, chlorophyll b content,photo-PR） showed single peak curve at the whole growth stage. The stages of peak were different according to different varieties. NEAUS4 had the lowest peak and while SIDAN 19 had the highest among all stages. Ratio of chlorophyll a to b was low at seedling stage, reached the peak atjointing stage and then declined. SIDAN 19 had the lower level at the last stages.展开更多
As the most important organ in plant photosynthesis, the leaf plays an important role in plant growth and development. Leaf senescence is associated with fundamental changes in the proteome. To research the molecular ...As the most important organ in plant photosynthesis, the leaf plays an important role in plant growth and development. Leaf senescence is associated with fundamental changes in the proteome. To research the molecular mechanisms of leaf senescence, protein expression in senescing maize ear leaves grown under field conditions was analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry（MALDI-TOF/TOF MS）. A total of 60 senescence-associated proteins were identified. The identified proteins are involved in many biological processes, especially energy, metabolism and protein synthesis. Several of the identified proteins have not been previously reported as senescence-associated, including glycine-rich RNA-binding protein.展开更多
The pollen tube pathway method of transformation has been reported to be successful in most crops, but less successfu in maizc. DNA can be transferred by cutting the stigma following pollination and applying the DNA s...The pollen tube pathway method of transformation has been reported to be successful in most crops, but less successfu in maizc. DNA can be transferred by cutting the stigma following pollination and applying the DNA solution in a suitable period DNA presumably reaches the ovary by flowing down the pollen tube and then integrates into the just fertilized but undivided zygotic cells. To provide the molecular evidence for this procedure, the plasmids pGBIRC carrying a CaMV35S promoter-PPT acetyle transferase （bar） gene-nos terminator genc fusion construct were used. Total 3 276 seeds were produced from the ears trcated with DNA. It was found that 35 scedlings were GUS assay positive, but less intense than that of the positive controls, of which 17 were PCR amplification positive. But, only 13 of the seeds from the plants treated with DNA containing the bar gene were found to be resistant compared with the negative control. Less than 1.07% of progeny seedlings tested cxpressed a herbicide positive reaction and polymerase chain reaction （PCR） with seedling DNA did detect the bar genc. Morphological variation was observed in six plants. We succeed in obtain PPT-resistant maize inbred lines via pollen tube pathway展开更多
: The effects of ultradry storage on the starch mobilization in maize (Zea mays L.) seed after aging were investigated. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in the content of ATP, starch, a...: The effects of ultradry storage on the starch mobilization in maize (Zea mays L.) seed after aging were investigated. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in the content of ATP, starch, and soluble sugar, as well as the activity of amylase, between ultradried seeds and seeds stored at ?20 °C during germination. These results were consistent with the higher level of vigor of the ultradried seed. Sieve tube introduction of a fluorescence dye (carboxyl fluoresceindiacetate) and laser confocal microscopy were used to study the development of plasmodesmata in the ultradried seeds. The results indicated that plasmodesmata developed well in ultradried seeds. Fluorescence analysis also showed that the fluorescence intensity in the radicle of ultradried seeds was stronger than that in seeds with a higher moisture content. This suggests that ultradry treatment has no adverse effects on the seeds. After seed imbibition, cell orgaelles could be resumed. It is concluded that ultradry seed storage is beneficial for maintaining seed vigor and that starchy mobilization proceeds regularly during germination.展开更多
Maize genotypes vary significantly in their nitrogen use efficiencies（NUEs）.Better understanding of early grain filling characteristics of maize is important,especially for maize with different NUEs.The objectives o...Maize genotypes vary significantly in their nitrogen use efficiencies（NUEs）.Better understanding of early grain filling characteristics of maize is important,especially for maize with different NUEs.The objectives of this research were（i）to investigate the difference in apical kernel development of maize with different NUEs,（ii）to determine the reaction of apical kernel development to N application levels,and（iii）to evaluate the relationship between apical kernel development and grain yield（GY）for different genotypes of maize.Three maize hybrid varieties with different NUEs were cultivated in a field with different levels of N fertilizer arranged during two growing seasons.Kernel fresh weight（KFW）,volume（KV）and dry weight（KDW）of apical kernel were evaluated at an early grain filling stage.Ear characteristics,GY and its components were determined at maturity stage.Apical kernel of the high N and high efficiency（HN-HE）type（under low N,the yield is lower,and under higher N,the yield is higher）developed better under high N（N210 and N240,pure N of 210 and 240 kg ha^–1）than at low N（N120 and N140,pure N of 120 and 140 kg ha^–1）.The low N and high efficiency（LN-HE）type（under low N,the yield is higher,while under higher N,the yield is not significantly higher）developed better under low N than at high N.The double high efficiency（D-HE）type（for both low and high N,the yield is higher）performed well under both high and low N.Apical kernel reacted differently to the N supply.Apical kernel developed well at an early grain filling stage and resulted in a higher kernel number（KN）,kernel weight（KW）and GY with better ear characteristics at maturity.展开更多
Study on relative sensitivity of maize (Zea mays L.) Nongda108 and Nongda3138 to sulfony-lurea herbicide chlorsulfuron and tribenuron-methyl using maize taproot length by sand bioassy indicated that, Nongda3138 had hi...Study on relative sensitivity of maize (Zea mays L.) Nongda108 and Nongda3138 to sulfony-lurea herbicide chlorsulfuron and tribenuron-methyl using maize taproot length by sand bioassy indicated that, Nongda3138 had higher tolerance to chlorsulfuron and tribenuron-methyl than Nongda108 did. Chlorsulfuron had stronger growth inhibition to maize Nongda108 and Nongda3138 than tribenuron-methyl did. Study on target enzyme of sulfonylurea herbicide acetolactate synthase (ALS) showed that, chlorsulfuron and tribenuron-methyl inhibited ALS in vitro strongly, and non-competitively. In the same concentration of inhibitors, chlorsulfuron had stronger ALS activity inhibition than tribenuron-methyl did. Lower level of chlorsulfuron and tribenuron-methyl has no ALS activity inhibition in vivo, the ALS inhibition only occurred in the condition of high concentration of chlorsulfuron and tribenuron-methyl in vivo.展开更多
A field experiment was conducted during spring 2011 at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to evaluate the comparative efficacy of Zn uptake and grain yield in three maize hybrids ...A field experiment was conducted during spring 2011 at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to evaluate the comparative efficacy of Zn uptake and grain yield in three maize hybrids namely Pioneer-32F 10, Monsanto-6525 and Hycorn-8288 through the application of Zn in the form of ZnSO4. The ZnSO4 treatments comprised;soil application at the time of sowing @ 12 kg·ha-1 (Zn1), foliar application at vegetative stage (9 leaf stage) @ 1% ZnSO4 solution (Zn2) and foliar application at reproductive stage (anthesis) @ 1% ZnSO4 solution (Zn3) and one treatment was kept as a control, where zinc was not applied (Zn0). The experimental results showed substantial difference in all physiological and yield parameters except plant height and stem diameter. Statistically maximum grain yield (8.76 t·ha-1) was obtained with foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 9 leaf stage (Zn2) in case of Monsanto-6525. As regard to quality parameters, Pioneer-32F 10 and Hycorn-8288 accumulated more zinc contents in grains but Monsanto-6525 attained more zinc concentration in straw. Foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 9 leaf stage produced 19.42% more zinc contents in grains as compared to other ZnSO4 treatments. Foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 9 leaf stage in Monsanto-6525 hybrid produced higher grain yield.展开更多
Cell wall architecture plays a key role in stalk strength and forage digestibility.Lignin,cellulose,and hemicellulose are the three main components of plant cell walls,and they can impact stalk quality by affecting th...Cell wall architecture plays a key role in stalk strength and forage digestibility.Lignin,cellulose,and hemicellulose are the three main components of plant cell walls,and they can impact stalk quality by affecting the structure and strength of the cell wall.To explore cell wall development during secondary cell wall lignification in maize stalks,conventional and conditional genetic mapping were used to identify the dynamic quantitative trait loci(QTLs)of the cell wall components and digestibility traits during five growth stages after silking.Acid detergent lignin(ADL),cellulose(CEL),acid detergent fiber(ADF),neutral detergent fiber(NDF),and in vitro dry matter digestibility(IVDMD)were evaluated in a maize recombinant inbred line(RIL)population.ADL,CEL,ADF,and NDF gradually increased from 10 to 40 days after silking(DAS),and then they decreased.IVDMD initially decreased until 40 DAS,and then it increased slightly.Seventytwo QTLs were identified for the five traits,and each accounted for 3.48–24.04%of the phenotypic variation.Six QTL hotspots were found,and they were localized in the 1.08,2.04,2.07,7.03,8.05,and 9.03 bins of the maize genome.Within the interval of the pleiotropic QTL identified in bin 1.08 of the maize genome,six genes associated with cell wall component biosynthesis were identified as potential candidate genes for stalk strength as well as cell wall-related traits.In addition,26 conditional QTLs were detected in the five stages for all of the investigated traits.Twenty-two of the 26 conditional QTLs were found at 30 DAS conditioned using the values of 20 DAS,and at 50 DAS conditioned using the values of 40 DAS.These results indicated that cell wall-related traits are regulated by many genes,which are specifically expressed at different stages after silking.Simultaneous improvements in both forage digestibility and lodging resistance could be achieved by pyramiding multiple beneficial QTL alleles identified in this study.展开更多
Postemergence application of nicosulfuron for weed control in maize fields can cause great damage to certain maize inbred lines and hybrids. Two maize genotypes, tolerant inbred(HBR) and sensitive inbred(HBS), were fo...Postemergence application of nicosulfuron for weed control in maize fields can cause great damage to certain maize inbred lines and hybrids. Two maize genotypes, tolerant inbred(HBR) and sensitive inbred(HBS), were found to significantly differ in their phenotypic responses to nicosulfuron, with the EC50(50% effective concentration) values differed statistically(763.6 and 5.9 g a.i. ha–1, respectively). Pre-treatment with malathion, a known cytochrome P450 inhibitor, increased nicosulfuron injury in both HBR and HBS. Our results support the hypothesis that nicosulfuron selectivity in maize is associated with cytochrome P450 metabolism. Further analysis of the maize genome resulted in the identification of 314 full length cytochrome P450 monooxygenase(CYP) genes. These genes were classified into 2 types, 10 clans and 44 families. The CYP71 clan was represented by all A-type genes(168) belonging to 17 families. Nine clans possessed 27 families containing 146 non-A-type genes. The consensus sequences of the heme-binding regions of A-type and non-A-type CYP proteins are ‘PFGXGRRXCPG’ and ‘FXXGPRXCXG’, respectively. Illumina transcriptome sequence results showed that there were 53 differentially expressed CYP genes on the basis of high variation in expression between HBS and HBR, nicosulfuron-treated and untreated samples. These genes may contribute to nicosulfuron tolerance in maize. A hierarchical clustering analysis obtained four main clusters named C1 to C4 in which 4, 15, 21, and 13 CYP genes were found in each respective cluster. The expression patterns of some CYP genes were confirmed by RT-q PCR analysis. The research will improve our understanding of the function of maize cytochrome P450 in herbicide metabolism.展开更多
Improvement in seed vigor under adverse condition is an important object in maize breeding nowadays. Because the higher sowing quality of seeds is necessary for the development of the agriculture production and better...Improvement in seed vigor under adverse condition is an important object in maize breeding nowadays. Because the higher sowing quality of seeds is necessary for the development of the agriculture production and better able to resist all kinds of adversity in the seeds storage. So it is helpful for long-term preservation of germplasm resource. In our study, two connected recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, which derived from the crosses Yu82 × Shen137 and Yu537A × Shen137 respectively, were evaluated for four related traits of seed vigor under three aging treatments. Meta-analysis was used to integrate genetic maps and detected QTL across two populations. In total, 74 QTL and 20 meta-QTL (mQTL) were detected. All QTLs with contributions (R2) over 10% were consistently detected in at least one of aging treatments and integrated in mQTL. Four key mQTLs (mQTL2-2, mQTL5-3, mQTL6 and mQTL8) with R2 of some initial QTLs > 10% included 5-9 initial QTLs associated with 2-4 traits. Therefore, the chromosome regions for four mQTLs with high QTL co-localization might be hot spots of the important QTLs for the associated traits. Twenty-two key candidate genes regulating four related traits of seed vigor mapped in 14 corresponding mQTLs. In particular, At5g67360, 45238345/At1g70730/At1g09640 and 298201206 were mapped within the important mQTL5-3, mQTL6 and mQTL8 regions, respectively. Fine mapping or construction of single chromosome segment lines for genetic regions of the three mQTLs is worth further study and could be put to use molecular marker-assisted breeding and pyramiding QTLs in maize.展开更多
Drought, like many other environmental stresses, has adverse effects on crop yield including maize (Zea mays L.). Low water availability is one of the major causes for maize yield reductions affecting the majority of ...Drought, like many other environmental stresses, has adverse effects on crop yield including maize (Zea mays L.). Low water availability is one of the major causes for maize yield reductions affecting the majority of the farmed regions around the world. Therefore, the development of drought-tolerant lines becomes increasingly more important. In maize, a major effect of water stress is a delay in silking, resulting in an increase in the anthesis-silking interval, which is an important cause of yield failures. Diverse strategies are used by breeding programs to improve drought tolerance. Conventional breeding has improved the drought tolerance of temperate maize hybrids and the use of managed drought environments, accurate phenotyping, and the identification and deployment of secondary traits has been effective in improving the drought tolerance of tropical maize populations and hybrids as well. The contribution of molecular biology will be potential to identify key genes involved in metabolic pathways related to the stress response. Functional genomics, reverse and forward genetics, and comparative genomics are all being deployed with a view to achieving these goals. However, a multidisciplinary approach, which ties together breeding, physiology and molecular genetics, can bring a synergistic understanding to the response of maize to water deficit and improve the breeding efficiency.展开更多
基金supported by Jilin Province Science and Technology Development Program(20220202014NC)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(#31471565 and#31170259).
文摘DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulatory mechanism,it regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor(s)to DNA.In this study,a novel methyltransferase 2a gene(Zmet2a)was cloned in maize and identified by polymerase chain reaction-base(PCR-base)using a bioinformatics strategy.The Zmet2a cDNA sequence is 2739 bp long and translates to 912 amino acid peptides.The Zmet2a protein revealed that it contains BAH and CHROMO structural domains,is a non-transmembrane protein that is hydrophilically unstable,and has no signal peptide structure.Meanwhile,we verified the biological roles of Zmet2a using transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing Zmet2a and Zmet2a-knockout maize.Transgenic Zmet2a Arabidopsis thaliana showed highly significant advancement inflowering time,and Zmet2a-knockout maize showed advancement inflowering time,with significant changes in several traits.Altogether,these report the role of Zmet2a in the regulation offlowering time,which will lay a foundation for revealing the biological function and epigenetic regulation mechanism of Zmet2a in the growth,development andflowering of maize.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFF1000301)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31771805)。
文摘GTs(Glycosyltransferases)are important in plant growth and abiotic stresses.However,its role in maize heat response is far from clear.Here,we describe the constitutively expressed UDP-glycosyltransferase ZmUGT92A1,which has a highly conserved PSPG box and is localized in chloroplasts,is induced under heat stress.Functional disruption of ZmUGT92A1 leads to heat sensitivity and reactive oxygen species accumulation in maize.Metabolomics analysis revealed that ZmUGT92A1 affected multiple metabolic pathways and altered the metabolic homeostasis of flavonoids under heat stress.In vitro assay showed ZmUGT92A1 exhibits glycosyltransferase activity on flavonoids and hormones.Additionally,we identified a rapidly heat-induced transcription factor,ZmHSF08,which can directly bind and repress the promoter region of ZmUGT92A1.The ZmHSF08 overexpression line exhibits heat sensitivity and reactive oxygen species accumulation.These findings reveal that the ZmHSF08-ZmUGT92A1 module plays a role in heat tolerance in maize and provide candidate strategies for the development of heat-tolerant varieties.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31871709)the Construction of Support System for National Agricultural Green Development Advance Region of Qushui County,Tibet,China (QYXTZX-LS2022-01)+1 种基金the Key Project of Beijing Natural Science Foundation (6151002)the Startup Grants of Henan Agricultural University (30501038,30500823)。
文摘Maize growth and development are regulated by light quality,intensity and photoperiod.Cryptochromes are blue/ultraviolet-A light receptors involved in stem elongation,shade avoidance,and photoperiodic flowering.To investigate the function of cryptochrome 1(CRY1) in maize,where it is encoded by Zm CRY1,we obtained two Zm CRY1a genes(Zm CRY1a1 and Zm CRY1a2),both of which share the highest similarity with other gramineous plants,in particular rice CRY1a by phylogenetic analysis.In Arabidopsis,overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes promoted seedling de-etiolation under blue and white light,resulting in dwarfing of mature plants.In seedlings of the maize inbred line Zong 31(Zm CRY1aOE),overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes caused a reduction in the mesocotyl and first leaf sheath lengths due to down-regulation of genes influencing cell elongation.In mature transgenic maize plants,plant height,ear height,and internode length decreased in response to overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes.Expression of Zm CRY1a were insensitive to low blue light(LBL)-induced shade avoidance syndrome(SAS) in Arabidopsis and maize.This prompted us to investigate the regulatory role of the gibberellin and auxin metabolic pathways in the response of Zm CRY1a genes to LBL treatment.We confirmed a link between Zm CRY1a expression and hormonal influence on the growth and development of maize under LBL-induced SAS.These results reveal that Zm CRY1a has a relatively conservative function in regulating maize photomorphogenesis and may guide new strategies for breeding high density-tolerant maize cultivars.
文摘Maize is susceptible to a number of diseases that can infect all plant organs and serve as a constraint on cereal production. The reduction in cereal production caused by disease is estimated at an average of 9.4%. Corn root rot contributes greatly to the reduction in grain production and quality. The main objective of this work was to review the research on root rot in maize to determine the susceptibility of genotypes to root rot and to quantify the inheritance of resistance to root rot in maize. The methodology used was a complete 8 × 8 diallel design planted during the year 1999/2000. Root discoloration, plant length, root volume, effective volume and yield were the evaluated parameters. To analyze the data and determine the combinatorial abilities, genetic correlations, heritability and correlated response, diallel analysis was used. Eight parental lines;P28, I137TN, MP706, E739, MO17, B37, B73, and B14 were planted. The lines were crossed into each other, all combinations according to the complete diallel model (Model 1). The F1 was harvested after maturation. For statistical analysis, the version of the Agrobase program (2016) was used. Results show that F1 hybrids showed significant differences in root rot discoloration, plant height, root volume, effective root volume and yield. The P28 line and the B73XE739 cross had, respectively, the highest general and specific combinations. Root discoloration had the highest genetic correlation (r<sub>A</sub> = 0.47) with plant length. Broad and narrow heritability for root rot discoloration were, respectively, h<sup>2</sup> = 0.81 and h<sub>2</sub><sub> </sub>= 0.51. Root rot discoloration showed the highest correlated response (C<sub>R</sub> = 0.14) on plant length.
文摘Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the production and uptake of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium of maize (Zea mays L.) plants in central Benin. The trials were set up in a farming environment with thirty-four producers. The experimental design was composed of three treatments installed at 34 producers. Three growth parameters were evaluated on 60 ème days after sowing. Grain yield, nutritional status of maize plants and mycorrhization parameters were determined at harvest. The results showed that the Glomeraceae + 50% NPK (NPK: azote-phosphore-potassium)_Urea treatment improved the height, the crown diameter and the leaf area by 17.85%, 21.79% and 28.32% compared to the absolute control and by 0.41%, 1.11% and 1.46% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment, respectively. Similarly, grain yield improved by 45.87% with the use of Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea compared to the absolute control and by 3.96% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment. The Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea significantly improved the phosphorus and potassium uptake of maize plants. With respect to nitrogen uptake, no statistical difference was observed between treatments. The mycorrhizae strains used improved root infection in the maize plants. We recorded 66% frequency and 40.5% intensity of mycorrhization. The biostimulant based on indigenous Glomeraceae combined with 50% NPK_Urea can be used as a strategy to restore soil health and improve maize productivity in Benin.
文摘The introduction of alleles into commercial crop breeding pipelines is both time consuming and costly.Two technologies that are disrupting traditional breeding processes are doubled haploid(DH)breeding and genome editing(GE).Recently,these techniques were combined into a GE trait delivery system called HI-Edit(Haploid Inducer-Edit).In HI-Edit,the pollen of a haploid inducer line is reprogrammed to deliver GE traits to any variety,obviating recurrent selection.For HI-Edit to operate at scale,an efficient transformable HI line is needed,but most maize varieties are recalcitrant to transformation,and haploid inducers are especially difficult to transform given their aberrant reproductive behaviors.Leveraging marker assisted selection and a three-tiered testing scheme,we report the development of new Iodent and Stiff Stalk maize germplasm that are transformable,have high haploid induction rates,and exhibit a robust,genetically-dominant anthocyanin native trait that may be used for rapid haploid identification.We show that transformation of these elite‘‘HI-Edit”lines is enhanced using the BABYBOOM and WUSCHEL morphogenetic factors.Finally,we evaluate the HI-Edit performance of one of the lines against both Stiff Stalk and non-Stiff Stalk testers.The strategy and results of this study should facilitate the development of commercially scalable HI-Edit systems in diverse crops.
文摘Internode number and length are the foundation to constitute plant height, ear height and the above-ground spatial structure of maize plant. In this study, segregating populations were constructed between EHel with extremely low ear height and B73. Through the SNP-based genotyping and phenotypic characterization, 13 QTL distributed on the chromosomes (Chrs) of Chr1, Chr2, Chr5-Chr8 were detected for four traits of internode no. above ear (INa), average internode length above ear (ILaa), internode no. below ear (INb), and average internode length below ear (ILab). Phenotypic variation explained (PVE) by a single QTL ranged from 6.82% (qILab2-2) to 12.99% (qILaa5). Zm00001d016823 within the physical region of qILaa5, the major QTL for ILaa with the largest PVE was determined as the candidate through the genomic annotation and sequence alignment between EHel and B73. Product of Zm00001d016823 was annotated as a WEB family protein homogenous to At1g75720. qRT-PCR assay showed that Zm00001d016823 highly expressed within the tissue of internode, exhibiting statistically higher expression levels among internodes of IN4 to IN7 in EHel than those in B73 (P Zm00001d016823 might provide novel insight into molecular mechanism beyond phytohormones controlling internode development in maize.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province, China (2008CDB079)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program,2006AA100103)
文摘Waterlogging strongly affects agronomic performance of maize （Zea mays L.）. In order to investigate the suitable selection criteria of waterflooding tolerant genotypes, and identify the most susceptible stage and the best continuous treatment time to waterlogging, 20 common maize inbred lines were subjected to successive artificial waterflooding at seedling stage, and waterlogging tolerance coefficient （WTC） was used to screen waterflooding tolerant genotypes. In addition, peroxidase （POD） activities and malondialdehyde （MDA） contents were measured for 6 of 20 lines. The results showed that the second leaf stage （V2） was the most susceptible stage, and 6 d after waterflooding was the best continuous treatment time. Dry weight （DW） of both shoots and roots of all lines were significantly reduced at 6 d time-point of waterlogging, compared to control. POD activities and MDA contents were negatively and significantly correlated, and the correlation coefficient was -0.9686 （P 〈 0.0001）. According to the results, WTC of shoot DW can be used for practical screening as a suitable index, which is significantly different from control and waterlogged plants happened 6 d earlier. Furthermore, leaf chlorosis, MDA content and POD activities could also be used as reference index for material screening. The implications of the results for waterlogging-tolerant material screening and waterlogging-tolerant breeding have been discussed in maize.
文摘A reliable system was developed for regeneration from mature embryos derived from callus of four maize inbred lines （Liao 7980, Dan 9818, Dan 340, and Dan 5026）. The protocol was mainly based on a series of experiments involving the composition of culture medium. We found that 9 pM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in MS medium was optimum for the induction of callus. The induction frequency of primary calli was over 85% for four inbred lines tested. The addition of L- proline （12 mM） in subculture medium significantly promoted the formation of embryogenic callus but it did not significantly enhance growth rate of callus. Efficient shoot regeneration was obtained on regeneration medium containing 2.22 μM 6- benzylaminopurine in combinations with 4.64 μM Kinetin. Regenerated shoots were rooted on half-strength MS medium containing 2.85 μM indole-3-butyric acid. This plant regeneration system provides a foundation for genetic transformation of maize.
文摘common maize synthetic rate（ Photosynthetic characteristics were probed by sweet maize, waxy maize, high starch maize and The results revealed that leaf area index （LAI）, chlorophyll a content, chlorophyll b content,photo-PR） showed single peak curve at the whole growth stage. The stages of peak were different according to different varieties. NEAUS4 had the lowest peak and while SIDAN 19 had the highest among all stages. Ratio of chlorophyll a to b was low at seedling stage, reached the peak atjointing stage and then declined. SIDAN 19 had the lower level at the last stages.
基金supports from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31171497)the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program, 2011CB100105)+1 种基金the Corn Industry Technology System, Ministry of Agriculture, China (CARS-02)the Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest, China (201203096, 201203100)
文摘As the most important organ in plant photosynthesis, the leaf plays an important role in plant growth and development. Leaf senescence is associated with fundamental changes in the proteome. To research the molecular mechanisms of leaf senescence, protein expression in senescing maize ear leaves grown under field conditions was analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry（MALDI-TOF/TOF MS）. A total of 60 senescence-associated proteins were identified. The identified proteins are involved in many biological processes, especially energy, metabolism and protein synthesis. Several of the identified proteins have not been previously reported as senescence-associated, including glycine-rich RNA-binding protein.
文摘The pollen tube pathway method of transformation has been reported to be successful in most crops, but less successfu in maizc. DNA can be transferred by cutting the stigma following pollination and applying the DNA solution in a suitable period DNA presumably reaches the ovary by flowing down the pollen tube and then integrates into the just fertilized but undivided zygotic cells. To provide the molecular evidence for this procedure, the plasmids pGBIRC carrying a CaMV35S promoter-PPT acetyle transferase （bar） gene-nos terminator genc fusion construct were used. Total 3 276 seeds were produced from the ears trcated with DNA. It was found that 35 scedlings were GUS assay positive, but less intense than that of the positive controls, of which 17 were PCR amplification positive. But, only 13 of the seeds from the plants treated with DNA containing the bar gene were found to be resistant compared with the negative control. Less than 1.07% of progeny seedlings tested cxpressed a herbicide positive reaction and polymerase chain reaction （PCR） with seedling DNA did detect the bar genc. Morphological variation was observed in six plants. We succeed in obtain PPT-resistant maize inbred lines via pollen tube pathway
基金Basic Research and Development Plan of China，中国科学院资助项目，Life Science Special Fund of the Chinese Academy of Sciences by the Ministry of Finance
文摘: The effects of ultradry storage on the starch mobilization in maize (Zea mays L.) seed after aging were investigated. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in the content of ATP, starch, and soluble sugar, as well as the activity of amylase, between ultradried seeds and seeds stored at ?20 °C during germination. These results were consistent with the higher level of vigor of the ultradried seed. Sieve tube introduction of a fluorescence dye (carboxyl fluoresceindiacetate) and laser confocal microscopy were used to study the development of plasmodesmata in the ultradried seeds. The results indicated that plasmodesmata developed well in ultradried seeds. Fluorescence analysis also showed that the fluorescence intensity in the radicle of ultradried seeds was stronger than that in seeds with a higher moisture content. This suggests that ultradry treatment has no adverse effects on the seeds. After seed imbibition, cell orgaelles could be resumed. It is concluded that ultradry seed storage is beneficial for maintaining seed vigor and that starchy mobilization proceeds regularly during germination.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31271645)the Agricultural Science and Technology Project of Shanxi Province, China (20140311007-4)
文摘Maize genotypes vary significantly in their nitrogen use efficiencies（NUEs）.Better understanding of early grain filling characteristics of maize is important,especially for maize with different NUEs.The objectives of this research were（i）to investigate the difference in apical kernel development of maize with different NUEs,（ii）to determine the reaction of apical kernel development to N application levels,and（iii）to evaluate the relationship between apical kernel development and grain yield（GY）for different genotypes of maize.Three maize hybrid varieties with different NUEs were cultivated in a field with different levels of N fertilizer arranged during two growing seasons.Kernel fresh weight（KFW）,volume（KV）and dry weight（KDW）of apical kernel were evaluated at an early grain filling stage.Ear characteristics,GY and its components were determined at maturity stage.Apical kernel of the high N and high efficiency（HN-HE）type（under low N,the yield is lower,and under higher N,the yield is higher）developed better under high N（N210 and N240,pure N of 210 and 240 kg ha^–1）than at low N（N120 and N140,pure N of 120 and 140 kg ha^–1）.The low N and high efficiency（LN-HE）type（under low N,the yield is higher,while under higher N,the yield is not significantly higher）developed better under low N than at high N.The double high efficiency（D-HE）type（for both low and high N,the yield is higher）performed well under both high and low N.Apical kernel reacted differently to the N supply.Apical kernel developed well at an early grain filling stage and resulted in a higher kernel number（KN）,kernel weight（KW）and GY with better ear characteristics at maturity.
文摘Study on relative sensitivity of maize (Zea mays L.) Nongda108 and Nongda3138 to sulfony-lurea herbicide chlorsulfuron and tribenuron-methyl using maize taproot length by sand bioassy indicated that, Nongda3138 had higher tolerance to chlorsulfuron and tribenuron-methyl than Nongda108 did. Chlorsulfuron had stronger growth inhibition to maize Nongda108 and Nongda3138 than tribenuron-methyl did. Study on target enzyme of sulfonylurea herbicide acetolactate synthase (ALS) showed that, chlorsulfuron and tribenuron-methyl inhibited ALS in vitro strongly, and non-competitively. In the same concentration of inhibitors, chlorsulfuron had stronger ALS activity inhibition than tribenuron-methyl did. Lower level of chlorsulfuron and tribenuron-methyl has no ALS activity inhibition in vivo, the ALS inhibition only occurred in the condition of high concentration of chlorsulfuron and tribenuron-methyl in vivo.
文摘A field experiment was conducted during spring 2011 at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to evaluate the comparative efficacy of Zn uptake and grain yield in three maize hybrids namely Pioneer-32F 10, Monsanto-6525 and Hycorn-8288 through the application of Zn in the form of ZnSO4. The ZnSO4 treatments comprised;soil application at the time of sowing @ 12 kg·ha-1 (Zn1), foliar application at vegetative stage (9 leaf stage) @ 1% ZnSO4 solution (Zn2) and foliar application at reproductive stage (anthesis) @ 1% ZnSO4 solution (Zn3) and one treatment was kept as a control, where zinc was not applied (Zn0). The experimental results showed substantial difference in all physiological and yield parameters except plant height and stem diameter. Statistically maximum grain yield (8.76 t·ha-1) was obtained with foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 9 leaf stage (Zn2) in case of Monsanto-6525. As regard to quality parameters, Pioneer-32F 10 and Hycorn-8288 accumulated more zinc contents in grains but Monsanto-6525 attained more zinc concentration in straw. Foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 9 leaf stage produced 19.42% more zinc contents in grains as compared to other ZnSO4 treatments. Foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 9 leaf stage in Monsanto-6525 hybrid produced higher grain yield.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31801367)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0101200)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
文摘Cell wall architecture plays a key role in stalk strength and forage digestibility.Lignin,cellulose,and hemicellulose are the three main components of plant cell walls,and they can impact stalk quality by affecting the structure and strength of the cell wall.To explore cell wall development during secondary cell wall lignification in maize stalks,conventional and conditional genetic mapping were used to identify the dynamic quantitative trait loci(QTLs)of the cell wall components and digestibility traits during five growth stages after silking.Acid detergent lignin(ADL),cellulose(CEL),acid detergent fiber(ADF),neutral detergent fiber(NDF),and in vitro dry matter digestibility(IVDMD)were evaluated in a maize recombinant inbred line(RIL)population.ADL,CEL,ADF,and NDF gradually increased from 10 to 40 days after silking(DAS),and then they decreased.IVDMD initially decreased until 40 DAS,and then it increased slightly.Seventytwo QTLs were identified for the five traits,and each accounted for 3.48–24.04%of the phenotypic variation.Six QTL hotspots were found,and they were localized in the 1.08,2.04,2.07,7.03,8.05,and 9.03 bins of the maize genome.Within the interval of the pleiotropic QTL identified in bin 1.08 of the maize genome,six genes associated with cell wall component biosynthesis were identified as potential candidate genes for stalk strength as well as cell wall-related traits.In addition,26 conditional QTLs were detected in the five stages for all of the investigated traits.Twenty-two of the 26 conditional QTLs were found at 30 DAS conditioned using the values of 20 DAS,and at 50 DAS conditioned using the values of 40 DAS.These results indicated that cell wall-related traits are regulated by many genes,which are specifically expressed at different stages after silking.Simultaneous improvements in both forage digestibility and lodging resistance could be achieved by pyramiding multiple beneficial QTL alleles identified in this study.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31501660)the Technology Research and Development Program of Hebei, China (17226507D)the Foundation of Institute of Cereal and Oil Crops of Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry, China (LYS2015001)
文摘Postemergence application of nicosulfuron for weed control in maize fields can cause great damage to certain maize inbred lines and hybrids. Two maize genotypes, tolerant inbred(HBR) and sensitive inbred(HBS), were found to significantly differ in their phenotypic responses to nicosulfuron, with the EC50(50% effective concentration) values differed statistically(763.6 and 5.9 g a.i. ha–1, respectively). Pre-treatment with malathion, a known cytochrome P450 inhibitor, increased nicosulfuron injury in both HBR and HBS. Our results support the hypothesis that nicosulfuron selectivity in maize is associated with cytochrome P450 metabolism. Further analysis of the maize genome resulted in the identification of 314 full length cytochrome P450 monooxygenase(CYP) genes. These genes were classified into 2 types, 10 clans and 44 families. The CYP71 clan was represented by all A-type genes(168) belonging to 17 families. Nine clans possessed 27 families containing 146 non-A-type genes. The consensus sequences of the heme-binding regions of A-type and non-A-type CYP proteins are ‘PFGXGRRXCPG’ and ‘FXXGPRXCXG’, respectively. Illumina transcriptome sequence results showed that there were 53 differentially expressed CYP genes on the basis of high variation in expression between HBS and HBR, nicosulfuron-treated and untreated samples. These genes may contribute to nicosulfuron tolerance in maize. A hierarchical clustering analysis obtained four main clusters named C1 to C4 in which 4, 15, 21, and 13 CYP genes were found in each respective cluster. The expression patterns of some CYP genes were confirmed by RT-q PCR analysis. The research will improve our understanding of the function of maize cytochrome P450 in herbicide metabolism.
文摘Improvement in seed vigor under adverse condition is an important object in maize breeding nowadays. Because the higher sowing quality of seeds is necessary for the development of the agriculture production and better able to resist all kinds of adversity in the seeds storage. So it is helpful for long-term preservation of germplasm resource. In our study, two connected recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, which derived from the crosses Yu82 × Shen137 and Yu537A × Shen137 respectively, were evaluated for four related traits of seed vigor under three aging treatments. Meta-analysis was used to integrate genetic maps and detected QTL across two populations. In total, 74 QTL and 20 meta-QTL (mQTL) were detected. All QTLs with contributions (R2) over 10% were consistently detected in at least one of aging treatments and integrated in mQTL. Four key mQTLs (mQTL2-2, mQTL5-3, mQTL6 and mQTL8) with R2 of some initial QTLs > 10% included 5-9 initial QTLs associated with 2-4 traits. Therefore, the chromosome regions for four mQTLs with high QTL co-localization might be hot spots of the important QTLs for the associated traits. Twenty-two key candidate genes regulating four related traits of seed vigor mapped in 14 corresponding mQTLs. In particular, At5g67360, 45238345/At1g70730/At1g09640 and 298201206 were mapped within the important mQTL5-3, mQTL6 and mQTL8 regions, respectively. Fine mapping or construction of single chromosome segment lines for genetic regions of the three mQTLs is worth further study and could be put to use molecular marker-assisted breeding and pyramiding QTLs in maize.
文摘Drought, like many other environmental stresses, has adverse effects on crop yield including maize (Zea mays L.). Low water availability is one of the major causes for maize yield reductions affecting the majority of the farmed regions around the world. Therefore, the development of drought-tolerant lines becomes increasingly more important. In maize, a major effect of water stress is a delay in silking, resulting in an increase in the anthesis-silking interval, which is an important cause of yield failures. Diverse strategies are used by breeding programs to improve drought tolerance. Conventional breeding has improved the drought tolerance of temperate maize hybrids and the use of managed drought environments, accurate phenotyping, and the identification and deployment of secondary traits has been effective in improving the drought tolerance of tropical maize populations and hybrids as well. The contribution of molecular biology will be potential to identify key genes involved in metabolic pathways related to the stress response. Functional genomics, reverse and forward genetics, and comparative genomics are all being deployed with a view to achieving these goals. However, a multidisciplinary approach, which ties together breeding, physiology and molecular genetics, can bring a synergistic understanding to the response of maize to water deficit and improve the breeding efficiency.
