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Grant NP, Toy JJ, Funnell-Harris DL, Sattler SE. Deleterious mutations predicted in the sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Maturity (Ma) and Dwarf (Dw) genes from whole-genome resequencing. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16638. [PMID: 37789045 PMCID: PMC10547693 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42306-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] the Maturity (Ma1, Ma2, Ma3, Ma4, Ma5, Ma6) and Dwarf (Dw1, Dw2, Dw3, Dw4) loci, encode genes controlling flowering time and plant height, respectively, which are critical for designing sorghum ideotypes for a maturity timeframe and a harvest method. Publicly available whole-genome resequencing data from 860 sorghum accessions was analyzed in silico to identify genomic variants at 8 of these loci (Ma1, Ma2, Ma3, Ma5, Ma6, Dw1, Dw2, Dw3) to identify novel loss of function alleles and previously characterized ones in sorghum germplasm. From ~ 33 million SNPs and ~ 4.4 million InDels, 1445 gene variants were identified within these 8 genes then evaluated for predicted effect on the corresponding encoded proteins, which included newly identified mutations (4 nonsense, 15 frameshift, 28 missense). Likewise, most accessions analyzed contained predicted loss of function alleles (425 ma1, 22 ma2, 40 ma3, 74 ma5, 414 ma6, 289 dw1, 268 dw2 and 45 dw3) at multiple loci, but 146 and 463 accessions had no predicted ma or dw mutant alleles, respectively. The ma and dw alleles within these sorghum accessions represent a valuable source for manipulating flowering time and plant height to develop the full range of sorghum types: grain, sweet and forage/biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P Grant
- Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Lincoln, NE, USA
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - John J Toy
- Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Lincoln, NE, USA
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Deanna L Funnell-Harris
- Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Lincoln, NE, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Scott E Sattler
- Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Lincoln, NE, USA.
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
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2
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Ge F, Xie P, Wu Y, Xie Q. Genetic architecture and molecular regulation of sorghum domestication. ABIOTECH 2023; 4:57-71. [PMID: 37220542 PMCID: PMC10199992 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-022-00089-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Over time, wild crops have been domesticated by humans, and the knowledge gained from parallel selection and convergent domestication-related studies in cereals has contributed to current techniques used in molecular plant breeding. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is the world's fifth-most popular cereal crop and was one of the first crops cultivated by ancient farmers. In recent years, genetic and genomic studies have provided a better understanding of sorghum domestication and improvements. Here, we discuss the origin, diversification, and domestication processes of sorghum based on archeological discoveries and genomic analyses. This review also comprehensively summarized the genetic basis of key genes related to sorghum domestication and outlined their molecular mechanisms. It highlights that the absence of a domestication bottleneck in sorghum is the result of both evolution and human selection. Additionally, understanding beneficial alleles and their molecular interactions will allow us to quickly design new varieties by further de novo domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyong Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Peng Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yaorong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Qi Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
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3
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Chirivì D, Betti C. Molecular Links between Flowering and Abiotic Stress Response: A Focus on Poaceae. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:331. [PMID: 36679044 PMCID: PMC9866591 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Extreme temperatures, drought, salinity and soil pollution are the most common types of abiotic stresses crops can encounter in fields; these variations represent a general warning to plant productivity and survival, being more harmful when in combination. Plant response to such conditions involves the activation of several molecular mechanisms, starting from perception to signaling, transcriptional reprogramming and protein modifications. This can influence the plant's life cycle and development to different extents. Flowering developmental transition is very sensitive to environmental stresses, being critical to reproduction and to agricultural profitability for crops. The Poacee family contains some of the most widespread domesticated plants, such as wheat, barley and rice, which are commonly referred to as cereals and represent a primary food source. In cultivated Poaceae, stress-induced modifications of flowering time and development cause important yield losses by directly affecting seed production. At the molecular level, this reflects important changes in gene expression and protein activity. Here, we present a comprehensive overview on the latest research investigating the molecular pathways linking flowering control to osmotic and temperature extreme conditions in agronomically relevant monocotyledons. This aims to provide hints for biotechnological strategies that can ensure agricultural stability in ever-changing climatic conditions.
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4
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Muleta KT, Felderhoff T, Winans N, Walstead R, Charles JR, Armstrong JS, Mamidi S, Plott C, Vogel JP, Lemaux PG, Mockler TC, Grimwood J, Schmutz J, Pressoir G, Morris GP. The recent evolutionary rescue of a staple crop depended on over half a century of global germplasm exchange. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabj4633. [PMID: 35138897 PMCID: PMC8827733 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj4633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Rapid environmental change can lead to population extinction or evolutionary rescue. The global staple crop sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) has recently been threatened by a global outbreak of an aggressive new biotype of sugarcane aphid (SCA; Melanaphis sacchari). We characterized genomic signatures of adaptation in a Haitian breeding population that had rapidly adapted to SCA infestation, conducting evolutionary population genomics analyses on 296 Haitian lines versus 767 global accessions. Genome scans and geographic analyses suggest that SCA adaptation has been conferred by a globally rare East African allele of RMES1, which spread to breeding programs in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. De novo genome sequencing revealed potential causative variants at RMES1. Markers developed from the RMES1 sweep predicted resistance in eight independent commercial and public breeding programs. These findings demonstrate the value of evolutionary genomics to develop adaptive trait technology and highlight the benefits of global germplasm exchange to facilitate evolutionary rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kebede T. Muleta
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Terry Felderhoff
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Noah Winans
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Rachel Walstead
- Genome Sequencing Center, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
| | - Jean Rigaud Charles
- Chibas and Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Quisqueya University, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - J. Scott Armstrong
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Wheat, Peanut and Other Field Crops Research Unit, 1301 North Western Rd., Stillwater, OK 74075, USA
| | - Sujan Mamidi
- Genome Sequencing Center, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
| | - Chris Plott
- Genome Sequencing Center, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
| | - John P. Vogel
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Peggy G. Lemaux
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Todd C. Mockler
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA
| | - Jane Grimwood
- Genome Sequencing Center, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
| | - Jeremy Schmutz
- Genome Sequencing Center, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Gael Pressoir
- Chibas and Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Quisqueya University, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Geoffrey P. Morris
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
- Department of Soil and Crop Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
- Corresponding author.
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5
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Li FF, Niu JH, Yu X, Kong QH, Wang RF, Qin L, Chen EY, Yang YB, Liu ZY, Lang LN, Zhang HW, Wang HL, Guan YA. Isolation and identification of SiCOL5, which is involved in photoperiod response, based on the quantitative trait locus mapping of Setaria italica. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:969604. [PMID: 36204051 PMCID: PMC9530826 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.969604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is a versatile grain and fodder crop grown in arid and semi-arid regions. It is an especially important crop for combating malnutrition in certain poverty-stricken areas of the world. Photoperiod sensitivity is a major constraint to the distribution and utilization of foxtail millet germplasm resources. Foxtail millet may be suitable as a model species for studying the photoperiod sensitivity of C4 crops. However, the genetic basis of the photoperiod response of foxtail millet remains poorly studied. To detect the genetic basis of photoperiod sensitivity-related traits, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consisting of 313 lines derived from a cross between the spring-sown cultivar "Longgu 3" and the summer-sown cultivar "Canggu 3" was established. The RIL population was genotyped using whole-genome re-sequencing and was phenotyped in four environments. A high-density genetic linkage map was constructed with an average distance between adjacent markers of 0.69 cM. A total of 21 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified by composite interval mapping, and 116 candidate genes were predicted according to gene annotations and variations between parents, among which three genes were considered important candidate genes by the integration and overall consideration of the results from gene annotation, SNP and indel analysis, cis-element analysis, and the expression pattern of different genes in different varieties, which have different photoperiod sensitivities. A putative candidate gene, SiCOL5, was isolated based on QTL mapping analysis. The expression of SiCOL5 was sensitive to photoperiod and was regulated by biological rhythm-related genes. Function analysis suggested that SiCOL5 positively regulated flowering time. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed that SiCOL5 was capable of interacting with SiNF-YA1 in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-fei Li
- Featured Crops Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, National Engineering Research Center of Wheat and Maize, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Wheat, Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Jia-hong Niu
- College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Qing-hua Kong
- College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Run-feng Wang
- Featured Crops Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, National Engineering Research Center of Wheat and Maize, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Wheat, Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Ling Qin
- Featured Crops Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, National Engineering Research Center of Wheat and Maize, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Wheat, Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Er-ying Chen
- Featured Crops Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, National Engineering Research Center of Wheat and Maize, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Wheat, Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yan-bing Yang
- Featured Crops Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, National Engineering Research Center of Wheat and Maize, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Wheat, Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen-yu Liu
- Featured Crops Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, National Engineering Research Center of Wheat and Maize, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Wheat, Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Li-na Lang
- Shandong Seed Administration Station, Jinan, China
| | - Hua-wen Zhang
- Featured Crops Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, National Engineering Research Center of Wheat and Maize, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Wheat, Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Hai-lian Wang
- Featured Crops Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, National Engineering Research Center of Wheat and Maize, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Wheat, Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yan-an Guan
- Featured Crops Engineering Laboratory of Shandong Province, National Engineering Research Center of Wheat and Maize, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Wheat, Crop Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Yan-an Guan,
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6
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Boatwright JL, Brenton ZW, Boyles RE, Sapkota S, Myers MT, Jordan KE, Dale SM, Shakoor N, Cooper EA, Morris GP, Kresovich S. Genetic characterization of a Sorghum bicolor multiparent mapping population emphasizing carbon-partitioning dynamics. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6157831. [PMID: 33681979 PMCID: PMC8759819 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Sorghum bicolor, a photosynthetically efficient C4 grass, represents an important source of grain, forage, fermentable sugars, and cellulosic fibers that can be utilized in myriad applications ranging from bioenergy to bioindustrial feedstocks. Sorghum’s efficient fixation of carbon per unit time per unit area per unit input has led to its classification as a preferred biomass crop highlighted by its designation as an advanced biofuel by the U.S. Department of Energy. Due to its extensive genetic diversity and worldwide colonization, sorghum has considerable diversity for a range of phenotypes influencing productivity, composition, and sink/source dynamics. To dissect the genetic basis of these key traits, we present a sorghum carbon-partitioning nested association mapping (NAM) population generated by crossing 11 diverse founder lines with Grassl as the single recurrent female. By exploiting existing variation among cellulosic, forage, sweet, and grain sorghum carbon partitioning regimes, the sorghum carbon-partitioning NAM population will allow the identification of important biomass-associated traits, elucidate the genetic architecture underlying carbon partitioning and improve our understanding of the genetic determinants affecting unique phenotypes within Poaceae. We contrast this NAM population with an existing grain population generated using Tx430 as the recurrent female. Genotypic data are assessed for quality by examining variant density, nucleotide diversity, linkage decay, and are validated using pericarp and testa phenotypes to map known genes affecting these phenotypes. We release the 11-family NAM population along with corresponding genomic data for use in genetic, genomic, and agronomic studies with a focus on carbon-partitioning regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lucas Boatwright
- Advanced Plant Technology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.,Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Zachary W Brenton
- Advanced Plant Technology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.,Carolina Seed Systems, Darlington, SC 29532, USA
| | - Richard E Boyles
- Advanced Plant Technology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.,Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Sirjan Sapkota
- Advanced Plant Technology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Matthew T Myers
- Advanced Plant Technology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Kathleen E Jordan
- Advanced Plant Technology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Savanah M Dale
- Advanced Plant Technology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Nadia Shakoor
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MI 63132, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Cooper
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 27705, USA
| | - Geoffrey P Morris
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Stephen Kresovich
- Advanced Plant Technology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.,Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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7
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Li C, Wang G, Li H, Wang G, Ma J, Zhao X, Huo L, Zhang L, Jiang Y, Zhang J, Liu G, Liu G, Cheng R, Wei J, Yao L. High-depth resequencing of 312 accessions reveals the local adaptation of foxtail millet. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2021; 134:1303-1317. [PMID: 33566123 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-020-03760-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Based on the high-density variation map, we identified genome-level evidence for local adaptation and demonstrated that Siprr37 with transposon insertion contributes to the fitness of foxtail millet in the northeastern ecoregion. Adaptation is a robust way through which plants are able to overcome environmental constraints. The mechanisms of adaptation in heterogeneous natural environments are largely unknown. Deciphering the genomic basis of local adaptation will contribute to further improvement in domesticated plants. To this end, we describe a high-depth (19.4 ×) haplotype map of 3.02 million single nucleotide polymorphisms in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) from whole-genome resequencing of 312 accessions. In the genome-wide scan, we identified a set of improvement signals (including the homologous gene of OsIPA1, a key gene controlling ideal plant architecture) related to the geographical adaptation to four ecoregions in China. In particular, based on the genome-wide association analysis results, we identified the contribution of a pseudo-response regulator gene, SiPRR37, to heading date adaptation in foxtail millet. We observed the expression changes of SiPRR37 resulted from a key Tc1-Mariner transposon insertion in the first intron. Positive selection analyses revealed that SiPRR37 mainly contributed to the adaptation of northeastern ecoregions. Taken together, foxtail millet adapted to the northeastern region by regulating the function of SiPRR37, which sheds lights on genome-level evidence for adaptive geographical divergence. Besides, our data provide a nearly complete catalog of genomic variation aiding the identification of functionally important variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Li
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Genping Wang
- Institute of Millet Crops, Key Laboratory of Minor Crops in Hebei Province, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Haiquan Li
- Institute of Millet Crops, Key Laboratory of Minor Crops in Hebei Province, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Guoliang Wang
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Beijing Vegetable Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasms Improvement, National Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Linhe Huo
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Liquan Zhang
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yanmiao Jiang
- Institute of Millet Crops, Key Laboratory of Minor Crops in Hebei Province, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Jiewei Zhang
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Guiming Liu
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Guoqing Liu
- Institute of Millet Crops, Key Laboratory of Minor Crops in Hebei Province, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Ruhong Cheng
- Institute of Millet Crops, Key Laboratory of Minor Crops in Hebei Province, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
| | - Jianhua Wei
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China.
| | - Lei Yao
- Beijing Agro-Biotechnology Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China.
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8
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Li C, Li YH, Li Y, Lu H, Hong H, Tian Y, Li H, Zhao T, Zhou X, Liu J, Zhou X, Jackson SA, Liu B, Qiu LJ. A Domestication-Associated Gene GmPRR3b Regulates the Circadian Clock and Flowering Time in Soybean. MOLECULAR PLANT 2020; 13:745-759. [PMID: 32017998 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Improved soybean cultivars have been adapted to grow at a wide range of latitudes, enabling expansion of cultivation worldwide. However, the genetic basis of this broad adaptation is still not clear. Here, we report the identification of GmPRR3b as a major flowering time regulatory gene that has been selected during domestication and genetic improvement for geographic expansion. Through a genome-wide association study of a diverse soybean landrace panel consisting of 279 accessions, we identified 16 candidate quantitative loci associated with flowering time and maturity time. The strongest signal resides in the known flowering gene E2, verifying the effectiveness of our approach. We detected strong signals associated with both flowering and maturity time in a genomic region containing GmPRR3b. Haplotype analysis revealed that GmPRR3bH6 is the major form of GmPRR3b that has been utilized during recent breeding of modern cultivars. mRNA profiling analysis showed that GmPRR3bH6 displays rhythmic and photoperiod-dependent expression and is preferentially induced under long-day conditions. Overexpression of GmPRR3bH6 increased main stem node number and yield, while knockout of GmPRR3bH6 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology delayed growth and the floral transition. GmPRR3bH6 appears to act as a transcriptional repressor of multiple predicted circadian clock genes, including GmCCA1a, which directly upregulates J/GmELF3a to modulate flowering time. The causal SNP (Chr12:5520945) likely endows GmPRR3bH6 a moderate but appropriate level of activity, leading to early flowering and vigorous growth traits preferentially selected during broad adaptation of landraces and improvement of cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Li
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Hui Li
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yanfei Li
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hongfeng Lu
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Huilong Hong
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yu Tian
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hongyu Li
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhao
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Zhou
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xinan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Oil Crop Biology (MOA), Oil Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Scott A Jackson
- Center for Applied Genetic Technologies, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Li-Juan Qiu
- The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.
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9
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Lu S, Dong L, Fang C, Liu S, Kong L, Cheng Q, Chen L, Su T, Nan H, Zhang D, Zhang L, Wang Z, Yang Y, Yu D, Liu X, Yang Q, Lin X, Tang Y, Zhao X, Yang X, Tian C, Xie Q, Li X, Yuan X, Tian Z, Liu B, Weller JL, Kong F. Stepwise selection on homeologous PRR genes controlling flowering and maturity during soybean domestication. Nat Genet 2020; 52:428-436. [PMID: 32231277 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-0604-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive changes in plant phenology are often considered to be a feature of the so-called 'domestication syndrome' that distinguishes modern crops from their wild progenitors, but little detailed evidence supports this idea. In soybean, a major legume crop, flowering time variation is well characterized within domesticated germplasm and is critical for modern production, but its importance during domestication is unclear. Here, we identify sequential contributions of two homeologous pseudo-response-regulator genes, Tof12 and Tof11, to ancient flowering time adaptation, and demonstrate that they act via LHY homologs to promote expression of the legume-specific E1 gene and delay flowering under long photoperiods. We show that Tof12-dependent acceleration of maturity accompanied a reduction in dormancy and seed dispersal during soybean domestication, possibly predisposing the incipient crop to latitudinal expansion. Better understanding of this early phase of crop evolution will help to identify functional variation lost during domestication and exploit its potential for future crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Lu
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Lidong Dong
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Fang
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shulin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingping Kong
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun Cheng
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liyu Chen
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Su
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyang Nan
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Zhijuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongqing Yang
- Root Biology Center, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Deyue Yu
- National Center for Soybean Improvement, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education & College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingyong Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoya Lin
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinquan Yang
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changen Tian
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiguang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohui Yuan
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Zhixi Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Baohui Liu
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, China.
| | - James L Weller
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Fanjiang Kong
- Innovative Center of Molecular Genetics and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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10
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Sorghum as a Novel Crop for Central Europe: Using a Broad Diversity Set to Dissect Temperate-Adaptation. AGRONOMY-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/agronomy9090535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a promising novel crop for Central Europe. However, enhancements in cold tolerance and early maturity are essential for a successful adaptation to cooler climates. We scored a broad sorghum diversity set (n = 338) for early chilling tolerance, high-latitude adaptation, and bioenergy related agronomical traits in multi-environment trials. Our results show a high phenotypic variation and medium to high heritabilities for most traits, indicating that a robust breeding progress is feasible. Several public accessions with a good adaptation to cooler climates were identified, which can serve as valuable base material for sorghum breeding in temperate areas. Genome-wide association studies reveal a polygenic (quantitative) character for most of the traits, confirming previous studies. Hence, for practical breeding, it will be difficult to conduct efficient marker-assisted selection for temperate-adaptation traits in genetically diverse material.
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11
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Li MW, Liu W, Lam HM, Gendron JM. Characterization of Two Growth Period QTLs Reveals Modification of PRR3 Genes During Soybean Domestication. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 60:407-420. [PMID: 30418611 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcy215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Soybean yield is largely dependent on growth period. We characterized two growth period quantitative trait loci, Gp11 and Gp12, from a recombinant inbred population generated from a cross of wild (W05) and cultivated (C08) soybean. Lines carrying Gp11C08 and Gp12C08 tend to have a shorter growth period and higher expression of GmFT2a and GmFT5a. Furthermore, multiple interval mapping suggests that Gp11 and Gp12 may be genetically interacting with the E2 locus. This is consistent with the observation that GmFT2a and GmFT5a are activated by Gp11C08 and Gp12C08 at ZT4 in the recessive e2 but not the dominant E2 background. Gp11 and Gp12 are duplicated genomic regions each containing a copy of the soybean ortholog of PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR 3 (GmPRR3A and GmPRR3B). GmPRR3A and GmPRR3B from C08 carry mutations that delete the CCT domain in the encoded proteins. These mutations were selected during soybean improvement and they alter the subcellular localization of GmPRR3A and GmPRR3B. Furthermore, GmPRR3A and GmPRR3B can interact with TOPLESS-related transcription factors, suggesting that they function in a transcription repressor complex. This study addresses previously unexplored components of the genetic network that probably controls the growth period of soybean and puts these loci into context with the well-characterized growth period-regulating E loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Wah Li
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hon-Ming Lam
- Centre for Soybean Research of the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Joshua M Gendron
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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12
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Burow G, Chopra R, Hughes H, Xin Z, Burke J. Marker Assisted Selection in Sorghum Using KASP Assay for the Detection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism/Insertion Deletion. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1931:75-84. [PMID: 30652284 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9039-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Marker assisted selection (MAS), an advance tool in plant breeding that allows accurate and efficient introgression of important agronomic trait(s) from a germplasm source to desired elite lines, has been applied to sorghum recently. Here, we report the methods for the deployment of MAS for trait introgression using endpoint genotyping technology for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)/insertion deletion (InDel) coupled with an application of KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR]) chemistry allowing for the selection of parents for generational advancement without going through the laborious and time consuming phenotypic selection and additional generations for selection of desired individuals. This MAS-SNP marker assisted backcrossing scheme can be applied to accurately select heterozygotes for use as an allele donor parent in each backcross generation, thus expediting the backcrossing scheme and resulting in time savings of 3 years compared to conventional methods of introgression practiced in sorghum breeding and improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Burow
- Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit, Cropping Systems Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Lubbock, TX, USA.
| | - Ratan Chopra
- Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit, Cropping Systems Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Halee Hughes
- Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit, Cropping Systems Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Zhanguo Xin
- Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit, Cropping Systems Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - John Burke
- Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit, Cropping Systems Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Lubbock, TX, USA
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13
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Li Y, Dong Y, Wu H, Hu B, Zhai H, Yang J, Xia Z. Positional Cloning of the Flowering Time QTL qFT12-1 Reveals the Link Between the Clock Related PRR Homolog With Photoperiodic Response in Soybeans. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1303. [PMID: 31681389 PMCID: PMC6803524 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Flowering time and maturity are important agronomic traits for soybean cultivars to adapt to different latitudes and achieve maximal yield. Genetic studies on genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) that control flowering time and maturity are extensive. In particular, the molecular bases of E1-E4, E6, E9, E10, and J have been deciphered. For a better understanding of regulation of flowering time gene networks, we need to understand if more molecular factors carrying different biological functions are also involved in the regulation of flowering time in soybeans. We developed a population derived from a cross between a landrace Jilincailihua (male) and a Chinese cultivar Chongnong16 (female). Both parents carry the same genotypes of E1e2E3HaE4 at E1, E2, E3, and E4 loci. Nighty-six individuals of the F2 population were genotyped with Illumina SoySNP8k iSelect BeadChip. A total of 2,407 polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to construct a genetic linkage map. One major QTL, qFT12-1, was mapped to an approximately 567-kB region on chromosome 12. Genotyping and phenotyping of recombinant plant whose recombination events were occurring within the QTL region allowed us to narrow down the QTL region to 56.4 kB, in which four genes were annotated. Allelism and association analysis indicated Glyma.12G073900, a PRR7 homolog, is the strongest candidate gene for qFT12-1. The findings of this study disclosed the possible involvement of circadian clock gene in flowering time regulation of soybeans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiu Li
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Soybean Research Institute, Jilin Academy Agricultural of Science, Changchun, China
| | - Yingshan Dong
- Soybean Research Institute, Jilin Academy Agricultural of Science, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Jiayin Yang
- Crop Development Center, Huaiyin Institute of Agricultural Sciences in Xuhuai Region of Jiangsu Province, Huaian, China
| | - Zhengjun Xia
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Zheng-jun Xia,
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14
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Genomic and environmental determinants and their interplay underlying phenotypic plasticity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:6679-6684. [PMID: 29891664 PMCID: PMC6042117 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1718326115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Observed phenotypic variation in living organisms is shaped by genomes, environment, and their interactions. Flowering time under natural conditions can showcase the diverse outcome of the gene-environment interplay. However, identifying hidden patterns and specific factors underlying phenotypic plasticity under natural field conditions remains challenging. With a genetic population showing dynamic changes in flowering time, here we show that the integrated analyses of genomic responses to diverse environments is powerful to reveal the underlying genetic architecture. Specifically, the effect continuum of individual genes (Ma1 , Ma6 , FT, and ELF3) was found to vary in size and in direction along an environmental gradient that was quantified by photothermal time, a combination of two environmental factors (photoperiod and temperature). Gene-gene interaction was also contributing to the observed phenotypic plasticity. With the identified environmental index to quantitatively connect environments, a systematic genome-wide performance prediction framework was established through either genotype-specific reaction-norm parameters or genome-wide marker-effect continua. These parallel genome-wide approaches were demonstrated for in-season and on-target performance prediction by simultaneously exploiting genomics, environment profiling, and performance information. Improved understanding of mechanisms for phenotypic plasticity enables a concerted exploration that turns challenge into opportunity.
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15
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Mullet JE. High-biomass C 4 grasses-Filling the yield gap. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 261:10-17. [PMID: 28554689 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A significant increase in agricultural productivity will be required by 2050 to meet the needs of an expanding and rapidly developing world population, without allocating more land and water resources to agriculture, and despite slowing rates of grain yield improvement. This review examines the proposition that high-biomass C4 grasses could help fill the yield gap. High-biomass C4 grasses exhibit high yield due to C4 photosynthesis, long growth duration, and efficient capture and utilization of light, water, and nutrients. These C4 grasses exhibit high levels of drought tolerance during their long vegetative growth phase ideal for crops grown in water-limited regions of agricultural production. The stems of some high-biomass C4 grasses can accumulate high levels of non-structural carbohydrates that could be engineered to enhance biomass yield and utility as feedstocks for animals and biofuels production. The regulatory pathway that delays flowering of high-biomass C4 grasses in long days has been elucidated enabling production and deployment of hybrids. Crop and landscape-scale modeling predict that utilization of high-biomass C4 grass crops on land and in regions where water resources limit grain crop yield could increase agricultural productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Mullet
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States.
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