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Sun M, Jiang C, Gao G, An C, Wu W, Kan J, Zhang J, Li L, Yang P. A novel type of malformed floral organs mutant in barley was conferred by loss-of-function mutations of the MADS-box gene HvAGL6. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39037746 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The advanced model of floral morphogenesis is based largely on data from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice (Oryza sativa), but this process is less well understood in the Triticeae. Here, we investigated a sterile barley (Hordeum vulgare) mutant with malformed floral organs (designated mfo1), of which the paleae, lodicules, and stamens in each floret were all converted into lemma-like organs, and the ovary was abnormally shaped. Combining bulked-segregant analysis, whole-genome resequencing, and TILLING approaches, the mfo1 mutant was attributed to loss-of-function mutations in the MADS-box transcription factor gene HvAGL6, a key regulator in the ABCDE floral morphogenesis model. Through transcriptomic analysis between young inflorescences of wild-type and mfo1 plants, 380 genes were identified as differentially expressed, most of which function in DNA binding, protein dimerization, cell differentiation, or meristem determinacy. Regulatory pathway enrichment showed HvAGL6 associates with transcriptional abundance of many MADS-box genes, including the B-class gene HvMADS4. Mutants with deficiency in HvMADS4 exhibited the conversion of stamens into supernumerary pistils, producing multiple ovaries resembling the completely sterile multiple ovaries 3.h (mov3.h) mutant. These findings demonstrate that the regulatory model of floral morphogenesis is conserved across plant species and provides insights into the interactions between HvAGL6 and other MADS-box regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Sun
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA)/State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, 032699, China
| | - Congcong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA)/State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Guangqi Gao
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA)/State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chaodan An
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA)/State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Wenxue Wu
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA)/State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jinhong Kan
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA)/State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jinpeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA)/State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Lihui Li
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA)/State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA)/State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
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Zhang X, Liu X, Wang L, Zhao Q, Yu Y, Du R, Xu Y, Zhen W, Wang Y. Wheat yield and grain-filling characteristics due to cultivar replacement in the Haihe Plain in China. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1374453. [PMID: 39040512 PMCID: PMC11260742 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1374453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Background The Haihe Plain plays an important role in wheat production and food security in China and has experienced continuous cultivar replacement since the 1950s.This study assessed the evolution of the yield and grain-filling characteristics of the main winter wheat cultivars in the Haihe Plain over the last seven decades (1950s to date). Methods Cultivar characterization indicated that the increase in yield was negatively affected by spike number and positively affected by the number of kernels per spike before the 2000s and kernel weight after the 2000s. Field trials were conducted across two ecological zones over two consecutive wheatgrowing seasons. The results showed that genetic gains in grain yield, spike number, and kernel weight during 1955 to 2021 were 0.629%, 0.574%, and 0.332% year-1 on a relative basis or 39.12 kg ha-1, 24,350 hm-2, and 0.15 g year-1 on an absolute basis, respectively. However, the increase in the kernel number per spike was not significant. Moreover, cultivar replacement explained 25.6%, 12.8%, and 37.5% of the total variance in grain yield, spike number, and kernel weight, respectively. In summary, during the initial grain-filling stage, wheat cultivar replacement led to the shortening of grain-filling duration and rapid grain-filling rate. However, a longer active grain-filling duration was produced by prolonged durations of rapid and late grain-filling. Additionally, the experimental year had a greater effect on the kernel number, which explained 53.2% of the total variance. Ultimately, modern wheat cultivars had a greater kernel weight. Results Although the increase in kernel weight has affected grain yield during cultivar replacements in the Haihe Plain, the potential for further yield increase through kernel weight enhancement alone is limited. Consequently, future breeding efforts and cultivation practices should focus on improving spike traits and canopy architecture to enhance productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuecheng Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of North China Water–saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of North China Water–saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Li Wang
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of North China Water–saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Qiancheng Zhao
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of North China Water–saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of North China Water–saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Ruirui Du
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of North China Water–saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Yadong Xu
- College of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenchao Zhen
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of North China Water–saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Yandong Wang
- College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Key Laboratory of North China Water–saving Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth Regulation of Hebei Province, Baoding, Hebei, China
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Wu L, Xie Z, Li D, Chen Y, Xia C, Kong X, Liu X, Zhang L. TaMYB72 directly activates the expression of TaFT to promote heading and enhance grain yield traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 66:1266-1269. [PMID: 38888244 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Heading date, grain number per spike, and grain weight are crucial traits affecting yield and adaptability in wheat. The transcription factor TaMYB72 is an important regulator of wheat grain yield and its knock-out mutants can be used as germplasm resources for wheat improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Sub-Center for National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Zhencheng Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Danping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yaoyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiuying Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Sub-Center for National Maize Improvement Center, College of Agronomy, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, China
| | - Lichao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Breeding, Institute of Crop Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
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Huang Y, Schnurbusch T. The Birth and Death of Floral Organs in Cereal Crops. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 75:427-458. [PMID: 38424062 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-060223-041716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Florets of cereal crops are the basic reproductive organs that produce grains for food or feed. The birth of a floret progresses through meristem initiation and floral organ identity specification and maintenance. During these processes, both endogenous and external cues can trigger a premature floral organ death, leading to reproductive failure. Recent advances in different cereal crops have identified both conserved and distinct regulators governing the birth of a floret. However, the molecular underpinnings of floral death are just beginning to be understood. In this review, we first provide a general overview of the current findings in the field of floral development in major cereals and outline different forms of floral deaths, particularly in the Triticeae crops. We then highlight the importance of vascular patterning and photosynthesis in floral development and reproductive success and argue for an expanded knowledge of floral birth-death balance in the context of agroecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyu Huang
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany; ,
| | - Thorsten Schnurbusch
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany; ,
- Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Yoshikawa GV, Boden SA. Finding the right balance: The enduring role of florigens during cereal inflorescence development and their influence on fertility. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 79:102539. [PMID: 38599051 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Flowering is a vital process in a plant's lifecycle and variation for flowering-time has helped cereals adapt to diverse environments. Much cereal research has focused on understanding how flowering signals, or florigens, regulate the floral transition and timing of ear emergence. However, flowering genes also perform an enduring role during inflorescence development, with genotypes that elicit a weaker flowering signal producing more elaborately branched inflorescences with extra floret-bearing spikelets. While this outcome indicates that variable expression of flowering genes could boost yield potential, further analysis has shown that dampened florigen levels can compromise fertility, negating the benefit of extra grain-producing sites. Here, we discuss ways that florigens contribute to early and late inflorescence development, including their influence on branch/spikelet architecture and fertility. We propose that a deeper understanding of the role for florigens during inflorescence development could be used to balance the effects of florigens throughout flowering to improve productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme V Yoshikawa
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Scott A Boden
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia.
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Mascher M, Marone MP, Schreiber M, Stein N. Are cereal grasses a single genetic system? NATURE PLANTS 2024; 10:719-731. [PMID: 38605239 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-024-01674-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In 1993, a passionate and provocative call to arms urged cereal researchers to consider the taxon they study as a single genetic system and collaborate with each other. Since then, that group of scientists has seen their discipline blossom. In an attempt to understand what unity of genetic systems means and how the notion was borne out by later research, we survey the progress and prospects of cereal genomics: sequence assemblies, population-scale sequencing, resistance gene cloning and domestication genetics. Gene order may not be as extraordinarily well conserved in the grasses as once thought. Still, several recurring themes have emerged. The same ancestral molecular pathways defining plant architecture have been co-opted in the evolution of different cereal crops. Such genetic convergence as much as cross-fertilization of ideas between cereal geneticists has led to a rich harvest of genes that, it is hoped, will lead to improved varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Mascher
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Gatersleben, Germany.
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Marina Püpke Marone
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Mona Schreiber
- University of Marburg, Department of Biology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nils Stein
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Gatersleben, Germany.
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Guo X, Zhang Z, Li J, Zhang S, Sun W, Xiao X, Sun Z, Xue X, Wang Z, Zhang Y. Phenotypic and transcriptome profiling of spikes reveals the regulation of light regimens on spike growth and fertile floret number in wheat. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:1575-1591. [PMID: 38269615 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The spike growth phase is critical for the establishment of fertile floret (grain) numbers in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Then, how to shorten the spike growth phase and increase grain number synergistically? Here, we showed high-resolution analyses of floret primordia (FP) number, morphology and spike transcriptomes during the spike growth phase under three light regimens. The development of all FP in a spike could be divided into four distinct stages: differentiation (Stage I), differentiation and morphology development concurrently (Stage II), morphology development (Stage III), and polarization (Stage IV). Compared to the short photoperiod, the long photoperiod shortened spike growth and stimulated early flowering by shortening Stage III; however, this reduced assimilate accumulation, resulting in fertile floret loss. Interestingly, long photoperiod supplemented with red light shortened the time required to complete Stages I-II, then raised assimilates supply in the spike and promoted anther development before polarization initiation, thereby increasing fertile FP number during Stage III, and finally maintained fertile FP development during Stage IV until they became fertile florets via a predicted dynamic gene network. Our findings proposed a light regimen, critical stages and candidate regulators that achieved a shorter spike growth phase and a higher fertile floret number in wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Guo
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Research Center of Intelligent Equipment for Agriculture, Beijing, China
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Junyan Li
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Research Center of Intelligent Equipment for Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Research Center of Intelligent Equipment for Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Wan Sun
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuechen Xiao
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhencai Sun
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuzhang Xue
- National Research Center of Intelligent Equipment for Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Zhimin Wang
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinghua Zhang
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Lin X, Xu Y, Wang D, Yang Y, Zhang X, Bie X, Gui L, Chen Z, Ding Y, Mao L, Zhang X, Lu F, Zhang X, Uauy C, Fu X, Xiao J. Systematic identification of wheat spike developmental regulators by integrated multi-omics, transcriptional network, GWAS, and genetic analyses. MOLECULAR PLANT 2024; 17:438-459. [PMID: 38310351 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The spike architecture of wheat plays a crucial role in determining grain number, making it a key trait for optimization in wheat breeding programs. In this study, we used a multi-omic approach to analyze the transcriptome and epigenome profiles of the young spike at eight developmental stages, revealing coordinated changes in chromatin accessibility and H3K27me3 abundance during the flowering transition. We constructed a core transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) that drives wheat spike formation and experimentally validated a multi-layer regulatory module involving TaSPL15, TaAGLG1, and TaFUL2. By integrating the TRN with genome-wide association studies, we identified 227 transcription factors, including 42 with known functions and 185 with unknown functions. Further investigation of 61 novel transcription factors using multiple homozygous mutant lines revealed 36 transcription factors that regulate spike architecture or flowering time, such as TaMYC2-A1, TaMYB30-A1, and TaWRKY37-A1. Of particular interest, TaMYB30-A1, downstream of and repressed by WFZP, was found to regulate fertile spikelet number. Notably, the excellent haplotype of TaMYB30-A1, which contains a C allele at the WFZP binding site, was enriched during wheat breeding improvement in China, leading to improved agronomic traits. Finally, we constructed a free and open access Wheat Spike Multi-Omic Database (http://39.98.48.156:8800/#/). Our study identifies novel and high-confidence regulators and offers an effective strategy for dissecting the genetic basis of wheat spike development, with practical value for wheat breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yongxin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dongzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yiman Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaomin Bie
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Lixuan Gui
- Department of Life Science, Tcuni Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, China
| | - Zhongxu Chen
- Department of Life Science, Tcuni Inc., Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, China
| | - Yiliang Ding
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Long Mao
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xueyong Zhang
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Fei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS-JIC Centre of Excellence for Plant and Microbial Science (CEPAMS), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, CAS, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiansheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Cristobal Uauy
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Xiangdong Fu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS-JIC Centre of Excellence for Plant and Microbial Science (CEPAMS), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, CAS, Beijing 100101, China.
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Ashraf H, Ghouri F, Baloch FS, Nadeem MA, Fu X, Shahid MQ. Hybrid Rice Production: A Worldwide Review of Floral Traits and Breeding Technology, with Special Emphasis on China. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:578. [PMID: 38475425 DOI: 10.3390/plants13050578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Rice is an important diet source for the majority of the world's population, and meeting the growing need for rice requires significant improvements at the production level. Hybrid rice production has been a significant breakthrough in this regard, and the floral traits play a major role in the development of hybrid rice. In grass species, rice has structural units called florets and spikelets and contains different floret organs such as lemma, palea, style length, anther, and stigma exsertion. These floral organs are crucial in enhancing rice production and uplifting rice cultivation at a broader level. Recent advances in breeding techniques also provide knowledge about different floral organs and how they can be improved by using biotechnological techniques for better production of rice. The rice flower holds immense significance and is the primary focal point for researchers working on rice molecular biology. Furthermore, the unique genetics of rice play a significant role in maintaining its floral structure. However, to improve rice varieties further, we need to identify the genomic regions through mapping of QTLs (quantitative trait loci) or by using GWAS (genome-wide association studies) and their validation should be performed by developing user-friendly molecular markers, such as Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP). This review outlines the role of different floral traits and the benefits of using modern biotechnological approaches to improve hybrid rice production. It focuses on how floral traits are interrelated and their possible contribution to hybrid rice production to satisfy future rice demand. We discuss the significance of different floral traits, techniques, and breeding approaches in hybrid rice production. We provide a historical perspective of hybrid rice production and its current status and outline the challenges and opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humera Ashraf
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Fozia Ghouri
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Faheem Shehzad Baloch
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mersin University, Mersin 33100, Türkiye
| | - Muhammad Azhar Nadeem
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Sivas University of Science and Technology, Sivas 58140, Türkiye
| | - Xuelin Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Muhammad Qasim Shahid
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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10
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Kumar S, Sharma N, Sopory SK, Sanan-Mishra N. miRNAs and genes as molecular regulators of rice grain morphology and yield. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 207:108363. [PMID: 38281341 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Rice is one of the most consumed crops worldwide and the genetic and molecular basis of its grain yield attributes are well understood. Various studies have identified different yield-related parameters in rice that are regulated by the microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are endogenous small non-coding RNAs that silence gene expression during or after transcription. They control a variety of biological or genetic activities in plants including growth, development and response to stress. In this review, we have summarized the available information on the genetic control of panicle architecture and grain yield (number and morphology) in rice. The miRNA nodes that are associated with their regulation are also described while focussing on the central role of miR156-SPL node to highlight the co-regulation of two master regulators that determine the fate of panicle development. Since abiotic stresses are known to negatively affect yield, the impact of abiotic stress induced alterations on the levels of these miRNAs are also discussed to highlight the potential of miRNAs for regulating crop yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Kumar
- Plant RNAi Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India.
| | - Neha Sharma
- Plant RNAi Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India.
| | - Sudhir K Sopory
- Plant RNAi Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India.
| | - Neeti Sanan-Mishra
- Plant RNAi Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India.
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11
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Sakuma S, Yamashita Y, Suzuki T, Nasuda S. A Catalog of GNI-A1 Genes That Regulate Floret Fertility in a Diverse Bread Wheat Collection. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:330. [PMID: 38337864 PMCID: PMC10857310 DOI: 10.3390/plants13030330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Modifying inflorescence architecture improves grain number and grain weight in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). Allelic variation in Grain Number Increase 1 (GNI-A1) genes, encoding a homeodomain leucine zipper class I transcription factor, influences grain number and yield. However, allelic information about GNI-A1 in diverse germplasms remains limited. Here, we investigated GNI-A1 alleles in a panel of 252 diverse bread wheat accessions (NBRP core collection and HRO breeder's panel) by target resequencing. Cultivars carrying the reduced-function allele (105Y) were predominant in the NBRP panel, whereas the 105N functional allele was the major type in the HRO panel. Cultivars with the 105Y allele were distributed in Asian landraces but not in European genotypes. Association analysis demonstrated that floret fertility, together with grain size, were improved in cultivars in the NBRP core collection carrying the 105Y allele. These results imply that different alleles of GNI-A1 have been locally selected, with the 105Y allele selected in East Asia and the 105N allele selected in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Sakuma
- Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Yoko Yamashita
- Central Agricultural Experiment Station, Hokkaido Research Organization, Naganuma, Hokkaido 069-1395, Japan; (Y.Y.); (T.S.)
| | - Takako Suzuki
- Central Agricultural Experiment Station, Hokkaido Research Organization, Naganuma, Hokkaido 069-1395, Japan; (Y.Y.); (T.S.)
| | - Shuhei Nasuda
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan;
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12
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Fan C, Xu D, Wang C, Chen Z, Dou T, Qin D, Guo A, Zhao M, Pei H, Zhao M, Zhang R, Wang K, Zhang J, Ni Z, Guo G. Natural variations of HvSRN1 modulate the spike rachis node number in barley. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:100670. [PMID: 37563835 PMCID: PMC10811343 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2023.100670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Grain number, one of the major determinants of yield in Triticeae crops, is largely determined by spikelet number and spike rachis node number (SRN). Here, we identified three quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for SRN using 145 recombinant inbred lines derived from a barley R90/1815D cross. qSRN1, the major-effect QTL, was mapped to chromosome 2H and explained up to 38.77% of SRN variation. Map-based cloning revealed that qSRN1 encodes the RAWUL domain-containing protein HvSRN1. Further analysis revealed that two key SNPs in the HvSRN1 promoter region (∼2 kb upstream of the transcription start site) affect the transcript level of HvSRN1 and contribute to variation in SRN. Similar to its orthologous proteins OsLAX2 and ZmBA2, HvSRN1 showed protein-protein interactions with HvLAX1, suggesting that the LAX2-LAX1 model for spike morphology regulation may be conserved in Poaceae crops. CRISPR-Cas9-induced HvSRN1 mutants showed reduced SRN but increased grain size and weight, demonstrating a trade-off effect. Our results shed light on the role of HvSRN1 variation in regulating the balance between grain number and weight in barley.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofeng Fan
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China; Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Dongdong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Industrial Crops, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Chunchao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhaoyan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tingyu Dou
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Dandan Qin
- Key Laboratory for Crop Molecular Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Food Crops, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Aikui Guo
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Honghong Pei
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Mengwei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Renxu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhongfu Ni
- Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Ganggang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Grain Crop Genetic Resources Evaluation and Utilization (MARA), The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICS-CAAS), Beijing 100081, China.
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13
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Zhang Y, Shen C, Li G, Shi J, Yuan Y, Ye L, Song Q, Shi J, Zhang D. MADS1-regulated lemma and awn development benefits barley yield. Nat Commun 2024; 15:301. [PMID: 38182608 PMCID: PMC10770128 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44457-8] [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] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Floral organ shape and size in cereal crops can affect grain size and yield, so genes that regulate their development are promising breeding targets. The lemma, which protects inner floral organs, can physically constrain grain growth; while the awn, a needle-like extension of the lemma, creates photosynthate to developing grain. Although several genes and modules controlling grain size and awn/lemma growth in rice have been characterized, these processes, and the relationships between them, are not well understood for barley and wheat. Here, we demonstrate that the barley E-class gene HvMADS1 positively regulates awn length and lemma width, affecting grain size and weight. Cytological data indicates that HvMADS1 promotes awn and lemma growth by promoting cell proliferation, while multi-omics data reveals that HvMADS1 target genes are associated with cell cycle, phytohormone signaling, and developmental processes. We define two potential targets of HvMADS1 regulation, HvSHI and HvDL, whose knockout mutants mimic awn and/or lemma phenotypes of mads1 mutants. Additionally, we demonstrate that HvMADS1 interacts with APETALA2 (A-class) to synergistically activate downstream genes in awn/lemma development in barley. Notably, we find that MADS1 function remains conserved in wheat, promoting cell proliferation to increase awn length. These findings extend our understanding of MADS1 function in floral organ development and provide insights for Triticeae crop improvement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueya Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Chaoqun Shen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Adelaide, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Gang Li
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Adelaide, SA, 5064, Australia.
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Jin Shi
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yajing Yuan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lingzhen Ye
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qingfeng Song
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jianxin Shi
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Yazhou Bay Institute of Deepsea Sci-Tech, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya, 572025, China.
| | - Dabing Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Adelaide, SA, 5064, Australia
- Yazhou Bay Institute of Deepsea Sci-Tech, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya, 572025, China
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14
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Zhang Y, Shen C, Shi J, Shi J, Zhang D. Boosting Triticeae crop grain yield by manipulating molecular modules to regulate inflorescence architecture: insights and knowledge from other cereal crops. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:17-35. [PMID: 37935244 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
One of the challenges for global food security is to reliably and sustainably improve the grain yield of cereal crops. One solution is to modify the architecture of the grain-bearing inflorescence to optimize for grain number and size. Cereal inflorescences are complex structures, with determinacy, branching patterns, and spikelet/floret growth patterns that vary by species. Recent decades have witnessed rapid advancements in our understanding of the genetic regulation of inflorescence architecture in rice, maize, wheat, and barley. Here, we summarize current knowledge on key genetic factors underlying the different inflorescence morphologies of these crops and model plants (Arabidopsis and tomato), focusing particularly on the regulation of inflorescence meristem determinacy and spikelet meristem identity and determinacy. We also discuss strategies to identify and utilize these superior alleles to optimize inflorescence architecture and, ultimately, improve crop grain yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueya Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chaoqun Shen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jin Shi
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jianxin Shi
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, China
- Yazhou Bay Institute of Deepsea Sci-Tech, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Dabing Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai 200240, China
- Yazhou Bay Institute of Deepsea Sci-Tech, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sanya 572025, China
- School of Agriculture, Food, and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5064, Australia
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15
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Khodaverdi M, Mullinger MD, Shafer HR, Preston JC. Melica as an emerging model system for comparative studies in temperate Pooideae grasses. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 132:1175-1190. [PMID: 37696761 PMCID: PMC10902897 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pooideae grasses contain some of the world's most important crop and forage species. Although much work has been conducted on understanding the genetic basis of trait diversification within a few annual Pooideae, comparative studies at the subfamily level are limited by a lack of perennial models outside 'core' Pooideae. We argue for development of the perennial non-core genus Melica as an additional model for Pooideae, and provide foundational data regarding the group's biogeography and history of character evolution. METHODS Supplementing available ITS and ndhF sequence data, we built a preliminary Bayesian-based Melica phylogeny, and used it to understand how the genus has diversified in relation to geography, climate and trait variation surveyed from various floras. We also determine biomass accumulation under controlled conditions for Melica species collected across different latitudes and compare inflorescence development across two taxa for which whole genome data are forthcoming. KEY RESULTS Our phylogenetic analyses reveal three strongly supported geographically structured Melica clades that are distinct from previously hypothesized subtribes. Despite less geographical affinity between clades, the two sister 'Ciliata' and 'Imperfecta' clades segregate from the more phylogenetically distant 'Nutans' clade in thermal climate variables and precipitation seasonality, with the 'Imperfecta' clade showing the highest levels of trait variation. Growth rates across Melica are positively correlated with latitude of origin. Variation in inflorescence morphology appears to be explained largely through differences in secondary branch distance, phyllotaxy and number of spikelets per secondary branch. CONCLUSIONS The data presented here and in previous studies suggest that Melica possesses many of the necessary features to be developed as an additional model for Pooideae grasses, including a relatively fast generation time, perenniality, and interesting variation in physiology and morphology. The next step will be to generate a genome-based phylogeny and transformation tools for functional analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Khodaverdi
- Department of Plant Biology, The University of Vermont, 111 Jeffords Hall, 63 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Mark D Mullinger
- Department of Plant Biology, The University of Vermont, 111 Jeffords Hall, 63 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Hannah R Shafer
- Department of Plant Biology, The University of Vermont, 111 Jeffords Hall, 63 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Jill C Preston
- Department of Plant Biology, The University of Vermont, 111 Jeffords Hall, 63 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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16
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Gallagher JP, Man J, Chiaramida A, Rozza IK, Patterson EL, Powell MM, Schrager-Lavelle A, Multani DS, Meeley RB, Bartlett ME. GRASSY TILLERS1 ( GT1) and SIX-ROWED SPIKE1 ( VRS1) homologs share conserved roles in growth repression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2311961120. [PMID: 38096411 PMCID: PMC10742383 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311961120] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Crop engineering and de novo domestication using gene editing are new frontiers in agriculture. However, outside of well-studied crops and model systems, prioritizing engineering targets remains challenging. Evolution can guide us, revealing genes with deeply conserved roles that have repeatedly been selected in the evolution of plant form. Homologs of the transcription factor genes GRASSY TILLERS1 (GT1) and SIX-ROWED SPIKE1 (VRS1) have repeatedly been targets of selection in domestication and evolution, where they repress growth in many developmental contexts. This suggests a conserved role for these genes in regulating growth repression. To test this, we determined the roles of GT1 and VRS1 homologs in maize (Zea mays) and the distantly related grass brachypodium (Brachypodium distachyon) using gene editing and mutant analysis. In maize, gt1; vrs1-like1 (vrl1) mutants have derepressed growth of floral organs. In addition, gt1; vrl1 mutants bore more ears and more branches, indicating broad roles in growth repression. In brachypodium, Bdgt1; Bdvrl1 mutants have more branches, spikelets, and flowers than wild-type plants, indicating conserved roles for GT1 and VRS1 homologs in growth suppression over ca. 59 My of grass evolution. Importantly, many of these traits influence crop productivity. Notably, maize GT1 can suppress growth in arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) floral organs, despite ca. 160 My of evolution separating the grasses and arabidopsis. Thus, GT1 and VRS1 maintain their potency as growth regulators across vast timescales and in distinct developmental contexts. This work highlights the power of evolution to inform gene editing in crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P. Gallagher
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003
- Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Corvallis, OR97331
| | - Jarrett Man
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003
| | | | | | | | - Morgan M. Powell
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003
| | | | - Dilbag S. Multani
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA50131
- Napigen, Inc., Wilmington, DE19803
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17
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Wakeman A, Bennett T. Auxins and grass shoot architecture: how the most important hormone makes the most important plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:6975-6988. [PMID: 37474124 PMCID: PMC10690731 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Cereals are a group of grasses cultivated by humans for their grain. It is from these cereal grains that the majority of all calories consumed by humans are derived. The production of these grains is the result of the development of a series of hierarchical reproductive structures that form the distinct shoot architecture of the grasses. Being spatiotemporally complex, the coordination of grass shoot development is tightly controlled by a network of genes and signals, including the key phytohormone auxin. Hormonal manipulation has therefore been identified as a promising potential approach to increasing cereal crop yields and therefore ultimately global food security. Recent work translating the substantial body of auxin research from model plants into cereal crop species is revealing the contribution of auxin biosynthesis, transport, and signalling to the development of grass shoot architecture. This review discusses this still-maturing knowledge base and examines the possibility that changes in auxin biology could have been a causative agent in the evolution of differences in shoot architecture between key grass species, or could underpin the future selective breeding of cereal crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Wakeman
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Tom Bennett
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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18
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Jabbour Y, Hakim MS, Al-Yossef A, Saleh MM, Shaaban ASAD, Kabbaj H, Zaïm M, Kleinerman C, Bassi FM. Genomic regions involved in the control of 1,000-kernel weight in wild relative-derived populations of durum wheat. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1297131. [PMID: 38098797 PMCID: PMC10720367 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1297131] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Terminal drought is one of the most common and devastating climatic stress factors affecting durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) production worldwide. The wild relatives of this crop are deemed a vast potential source of useful alleles to adapt to this stress. A nested association mapping (NAM) panel was generated using as a recurrent parent the Moroccan variety 'Nachit' derived from Triticum dicoccoides and known for its large grain size. This was recombined to three top-performing lines derived from T. dicoccoides, T. araraticum, and Aegilops speltoides, for a total of 426 inbred progenies. This NAM was evaluated across eight environments (Syria, Lebanon, and Morocco) experiencing different degrees of terminal moisture stress over two crop seasons. Our results showed that drought stress caused on average 41% loss in yield and that 1,000-kernel weight (TKW) was the most important trait for adaptation to it. Genotyping with the 25K TraitGenetics array resulted in a consensus map of 1,678 polymorphic SNPs, spanning 1,723 cM aligned to the reference 'Svevo' genome assembly. Kinship distinguished the progenies in three clades matching the parent of origin. A total of 18 stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified as controlling various traits but independent from flowering time. The most significant genomic regions were named Q.ICD.NAM-04, Q.ICD.NAM-14, and Q.ICD.NAM-16. Allelic investigation in a second germplasm panel confirmed that carrying the positive allele at all three loci produced an average TKW advantage of 25.6% when field-tested under drought conditions. The underlying SNPs were converted to Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers and successfully validated in a third germplasm set, where they explained up to 19% of phenotypic variation for TKW under moisture stress. These findings confirm the identification of critical loci for drought adaptation derived from wild relatives that can now be readily exploited via molecular breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaman Jabbour
- Field Crop Department, Faculty of Agriculture Engineering, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
- General Commission for Scientific Agriculture Research (GCSAR), Field Crop Department, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Mohammad Shafik Hakim
- Field Crop Department, Faculty of Agriculture Engineering, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Abdallah Al-Yossef
- General Commission for Scientific Agriculture Research (GCSAR), Field Crop Department, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Maysoun M. Saleh
- General Commission for Scientific Agriculture Research (GCSAR), Genetic Resources Department, Damascus, Syria
| | - Ahmad Shams Al-Dien Shaaban
- Biotechnology Engineering Department, Faculty of Technological Engineering, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Hafssa Kabbaj
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Biodiversity and Crop Improvement, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Meryem Zaïm
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Biodiversity and Crop Improvement, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Charles Kleinerman
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Biodiversity and Crop Improvement, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Filippo M. Bassi
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Biodiversity and Crop Improvement, Rabat, Morocco
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19
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Luo X, Yang Y, Lin X, Xiao J. Deciphering spike architecture formation towards yield improvement in wheat. J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:835-845. [PMID: 36907353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Wheat is the most widely grown crop globally, providing 20% of the daily consumed calories and protein content around the world. With the growing global population and frequent occurrence of extreme weather caused by climate change, ensuring adequate wheat production is essential for food security. The architecture of the inflorescence plays a crucial role in determining the grain number and size, which is a key trait for improving yield. Recent advances in wheat genomics and gene cloning techniques have improved our understanding of wheat spike development and its applications in breeding practices. Here, we summarize the genetic regulation network governing wheat spike formation, the strategies used for identifying and studying the key factors affecting spike architecture, and the progress made in breeding applications. Additionally, we highlight future directions that will aid in the regulatory mechanistic study of wheat spike determination and targeted breeding for grain yield improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xumei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiman Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Xuelei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Jun Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS-JIC Centre of Excellence for Plant and Microbial Science (CEPAMS), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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20
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Zhang Z, Sun W, Wen L, Liu Y, Guo X, Liu Y, Yao C, Xue Q, Sun Z, Wang Z, Zhang Y. Dynamic gene regulatory networks improving spike fertility through regulation of floret primordia fate in wheat. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:3628-3643. [PMID: 37485926 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The developmental process of spike is critical for spike fertility through affecting floret primordia fate in wheat; however, the genetic regulation of this dynamic and complex developmental process remains unclear. Here, we conducted a high temporal-resolution analysis of spike transcriptomes and monitored the number and morphology of floret primordia within spike. The development of all floret primordia in a spike was clearly separated into three distinct phases: differentiation, pre-dimorphism and dimorphism. Notably, we identified that floret primordia with meiosis ability at the pre-dimorphism phase usually develop into fertile floret primordia in the next dimorphism phase. Compared to control, increasing plant space treatment achieved the maximum increasement range (i.e., 50%) in number of fertile florets by accelerating spike development. The process of spike fertility improvement was directed by a continuous and dynamic regulatory network involved in transcription factor and genes interaction. This was based on the coordination of genes related to heat shock protein and jasmonic acid biosynthesis during differentiation phase, and genes related to lignin, anthocyanin and chlorophyll biosynthesis during dimorphism phase. The multi-dimensional association with high temporal-resolution approach reported here allows rapid identification of genetic resource for future breeding studies to realise the maximum spike fertility potential in more cereal crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wan Sun
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Liangyun Wen
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqun Liu
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolei Guo
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunsheng Yao
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingwu Xue
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Amarillo, Amarillo, Texas, USA
| | - Zhencai Sun
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Agriculture in Low Plain Areas, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhimin Wang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Agriculture in Low Plain Areas, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yinghua Zhang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Agriculture in Low Plain Areas, Hebei Province, China
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21
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Backhaus AE, Griffiths C, Vergara-Cruces A, Simmonds J, Lee R, Morris RJ, Uauy C. Delayed development of basal spikelets in wheat explains their increased floret abortion and rudimentary nature. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:5088-5103. [PMID: 37338600 PMCID: PMC10498016 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Large differences exist in the number of grains per spikelet across an individual wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) spike. The central spikelets produce the highest number of grains, while apical and basal spikelets are less productive, and the most basal spikelets are commonly only developed in rudimentary form. Basal spikelets are delayed in initiation, yet they continue to develop and produce florets. The precise timing or the cause of their abortion remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the underlying causes of basal spikelet abortion using shading applications in the field. We found that basal spikelet abortion is likely to be the consequence of complete floret abortion, as both occur concurrently and have the same response to shading treatments. We detected no differences in assimilate availability across the spike. Instead, we show that the reduced developmental age of basal florets pre-anthesis is strongly associated with their increased abortion. Using the developmental age pre-abortion, we were able to predict final grain set per spikelet across the spike, alongside the characteristic gradient in the number of grains from basal to central spikelets. Future efforts to improve spikelet homogeneity across the spike could thus focus on improving basal spikelet establishment and increasing floret development rates pre-abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cara Griffiths
- Plant Science, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK
| | | | - James Simmonds
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Rebecca Lee
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Richard J Morris
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Cristobal Uauy
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UH, UK
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22
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Taranto F, Esposito S, De Vita P. Genomics for Yield and Yield Components in Durum Wheat. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2571. [PMID: 37447132 DOI: 10.3390/plants12132571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many efforts have been conducted to dissect the genetic basis of yield and yield components in durum wheat thanks to linkage mapping and genome-wide association studies. In this review, starting from the analysis of the genetic bases that regulate the expression of yield for developing new durum wheat varieties, we have highlighted how, currently, the reductionist approach, i.e., dissecting the yield into its individual components, does not seem capable of ensuring significant yield increases due to diminishing resources, land loss, and ongoing climate change. However, despite the identification of genes and/or chromosomal regions, controlling the grain yield in durum wheat is still a challenge, mainly due to the polyploidy level of this species. In the review, we underline that the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies coupled with improved wheat genome assembly and high-throughput genotyping platforms, as well as genome editing technology, will revolutionize plant breeding by providing a great opportunity to capture genetic variation that can be used in breeding programs. To date, genomic selection provides a valuable tool for modeling optimal allelic combinations across the whole genome that maximize the phenotypic potential of an individual under a given environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Taranto
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (CNR-IBBR), 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Esposito
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI), CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Vita
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI), CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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23
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Zhao Y, Islam S, Alhabbar Z, Zhang J, O'Hara G, Anwar M, Ma W. Current Progress and Future Prospect of Wheat Genetics Research towards an Enhanced Nitrogen Use Efficiency. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091753. [PMID: 37176811 PMCID: PMC10180859 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
To improve the yield and quality of wheat is of great importance for food security worldwide. One of the most effective and significant approaches to achieve this goal is to enhance the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in wheat. In this review, a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved in the process of the wheat nitrogen uptake, assimilation and remobilization of nitrogen in wheat were introduced. An appropriate definition of NUE is vital prior to its precise evaluation for the following gene identification and breeding process. Apart from grain yield (GY) and grain protein content (GPC), the commonly recognized major indicators of NUE, grain protein deviation (GPD) could also be considered as a potential trait for NUE evaluation. As a complex quantitative trait, NUE is affected by transporter proteins, kinases, transcription factors (TFs) and micro RNAs (miRNAs), which participate in the nitrogen uptake process, as well as key enzymes, circadian regulators, cross-talks between carbon metabolism, which are associated with nitrogen assimilation and remobilization. A series of quantitative genetic loci (QTLs) and linking markers were compiled in the hope to help discover more efficient and useful genetic resources for breeding program. For future NUE improvement, an exploration for other criteria during selection process that incorporates morphological, physiological and biochemical traits is needed. Applying new technologies from phenomics will allow high-throughput NUE phenotyping and accelerate the breeding process. A combination of multi-omics techniques and the previously verified QTLs and molecular markers will facilitate the NUE QTL-mapping and novel gene identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhao
- Food Futures Institute & College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia
- Institute of Cereal and Oil Crops, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Breeding of Hebei, Shijiazhuang 050035, China
| | - Shahidul Islam
- Food Futures Institute & College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia
- Department of Plant Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Zaid Alhabbar
- Department of Field Crops, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Mosul 41002, Iraq
| | - Jingjuan Zhang
- Food Futures Institute & College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia
| | - Graham O'Hara
- Food Futures Institute & College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia
| | - Masood Anwar
- Food Futures Institute & College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia
| | - Wujun Ma
- Food Futures Institute & College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia
- College of Agronomy, Qingdao Agriculture University, Qingdao 266109, China
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24
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Huang Y, Kamal R, Shanmugaraj N, Rutten T, Thirulogachandar V, Zhao S, Hoffie I, Hensel G, Rajaraman J, Moya YAT, Hajirezaei MR, Himmelbach A, Poursarebani N, Lundqvist U, Kumlehn J, Stein N, von Wirén N, Mascher M, Melzer M, Schnurbusch T. A molecular framework for grain number determination in barley. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd0324. [PMID: 36867700 PMCID: PMC9984178 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add0324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Flowering plants with indeterminate inflorescences often produce more floral structures than they require. We found that floral primordia initiations in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) are molecularly decoupled from their maturation into grains. While initiation is dominated by flowering-time genes, floral growth is specified by light signaling, chloroplast, and vascular developmental programs orchestrated by barley CCT MOTIF FAMILY 4 (HvCMF4), which is expressed in the inflorescence vasculature. Consequently, mutations in HvCMF4 increase primordia death and pollination failure, mainly through reducing rachis greening and limiting plastidial energy supply to developing heterotrophic floral tissues. We propose that HvCMF4 is a sensory factor for light that acts in connection with the vascular-localized circadian clock to coordinate floral initiation and survival. Notably, stacking beneficial alleles for both primordia number and survival provides positive implications on grain production. Our findings provide insights into the molecular underpinnings of grain number determination in cereal crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyu Huang
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Roop Kamal
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Nandhakumar Shanmugaraj
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Twan Rutten
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Venkatasubbu Thirulogachandar
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Shuangshuang Zhao
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Iris Hoffie
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Goetz Hensel
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Jeyaraman Rajaraman
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Yudelsy Antonia Tandron Moya
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Mohammad-Reza Hajirezaei
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Axel Himmelbach
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Naser Poursarebani
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | | | - Jochen Kumlehn
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Nils Stein
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicolaus von Wirén
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Martin Mascher
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Melzer
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schnurbusch
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, 06120 Halle, Germany
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25
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Sakuma S, Koppolu R. Form follows function in Triticeae inflorescences. BREEDING SCIENCE 2023; 73:46-56. [PMID: 37168815 PMCID: PMC10165339 DOI: 10.1270/jsbbs.22085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Grass inflorescences produce grains, which are directly connected to our food. In grass crops, yields are mainly affected by grain number and weight; thus, understanding inflorescence shape is crucially important for cereal crop breeding. In the last two decades, several key genes controlling inflorescence shape have been elucidated, thanks to the availability of rich genetic resources and powerful genomics tools. In this review, we focus on the inflorescence architecture of Triticeae species, including the major cereal crops wheat and barley. We summarize recent advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of spike branching, and spikelet and floret development in the Triticeae. Considering our changing climate and its impacts on cereal crop yields, we also discuss the future orientation of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Sakuma
- Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
- Corresponding authors (e-mail: and )
| | - Ravi Koppolu
- Research Group Plant Architecture, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
- Corresponding authors (e-mail: and )
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26
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McSteen P, Kellogg EA. Molecular, cellular, and developmental foundations of grass diversity. Science 2022; 377:599-602. [PMID: 35926032 DOI: 10.1126/science.abo5035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Humans have cultivated grasses for food, feed, beverages, and construction materials for millennia. Grasses also dominate the landscape in vast parts of the world, where they have adapted morphologically and physiologically, diversifying to form ~12,000 species. Sequences of hundreds of grass genomes show that they are essentially collinear; nonetheless, not all species have the same complement of genes. Here, we focus on the molecular, cellular, and developmental bases of grain yield and dispersal-traits that are essential for domestication. Distinct genes, networks, and pathways were selected in different crop species, reflecting underlying genomic diversity. With increasing genomic resources becoming available in nondomesticated species, we anticipate advances in coming years that illuminate the ecological and economic success of the grasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula McSteen
- Division of Biological Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, 1201 Rollins Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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27
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Kellogg EA. Genetic control of branching patterns in grass inflorescences. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:2518-2533. [PMID: 35258600 PMCID: PMC9252490 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Inflorescence branching in the grasses controls the number of florets and hence the number of seeds. Recent data on the underlying genetics come primarily from rice and maize, although new data are accumulating in other systems as well. This review focuses on a window in developmental time from the production of primary branches by the inflorescence meristem through to the production of glumes, which indicate the transition to producing a spikelet. Several major developmental regulatory modules appear to be conserved among most or all grasses. Placement and development of primary branches are controlled by conserved auxin regulatory genes. Subtending bracts are repressed by a network including TASSELSHEATH4, and axillary branch meristems are regulated largely by signaling centers that are adjacent to but not within the meristems themselves. Gradients of SQUAMOSA-PROMOTER BINDING-like and APETALA2-like proteins and their microRNA regulators extend along the inflorescence axis and the branches, governing the transition from production of branches to production of spikelets. The relative speed of this transition determines the extent of secondary and higher order branching. This inflorescence regulatory network is modified within individual species, particularly as regards formation of secondary branches. Differences between species are caused both by modifications of gene expression and regulators and by presence or absence of critical genes. The unified networks described here may provide tools for investigating orphan crops and grasses other than the well-studied maize and rice.
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28
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Awan MJA, Pervaiz K, Rasheed A, Amin I, Saeed NA, Dhugga KS, Mansoor S. Genome edited wheat- current advances for the second green revolution. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108006. [PMID: 35732256 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Common wheat is a major source of nutrition around the globe, but unlike maize and rice hybrids, no breakthrough has been made to enhance wheat yield since Green Revolution. With the availability of reference genome sequence of wheat and advancement of allied genomics technologies, understanding of genes involved in grain yield components and disease resistance/susceptibility has opened new avenues for crop improvement. Wheat has a huge hexaploidy genome of approximately 17 GB with 85% repetition, and it is a daunting task to induce any mutation across three homeologues that can be helpful for the enhancement of agronomic traits. The CRISPR-Cas9 system provides a promising platform for genome editing in a site-specific manner. In wheat, CRISPR-Cas9 is being used in the improvement of yield, grain quality, biofortification, resistance against diseases, and tolerance against abiotic factors. The promising outcomes of the CRISPR-based multiplexing approach circumvent the constraint of targeting merely one gene at a time. Deployment of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (Cas) 9 endonuclease (CRISPR-Cas9) and Cas9 variant systems such as cytidine base editing, adenosine base editing, and prime editing in wheat has been used to induce point mutations more precisely. Scientists have acquired major events such as induction of male sterility, fertility restoration, and alteration of seed dormancy through Cas9 in wheat that can facilitate breeding programs for elite variety development. Furthermore, a recent discovery in tissue culturing enables scientists to significantly enhance regeneration efficiency in wheat by transforming the GRF4-GIF1 cassette. Rapid generation advancement by speed breeding technology provides the opportunity for the generation advancement of the desired plants to segregate out unwanted transgenes and allows rapid integration of gene-edited wheat into the breeding pipeline. The combination of these novel technologies addresses some of the most important limiting factors for sustainable and climate-smart wheat that should lead to the second "Green Revolution" for global food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Jawad Akbar Awan
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Constituent College of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Komal Pervaiz
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Constituent College of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Awais Rasheed
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) & CIMMYT-China office, 12 Zhongguanccun South Street, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Imran Amin
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Constituent College of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Nasir A Saeed
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Constituent College of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Kanwarpal S Dhugga
- Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA, USA; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), El Batan, Mexico
| | - Shahid Mansoor
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Constituent College of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
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29
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Chen Z, Ke W, He F, Chai L, Cheng X, Xu H, Wang X, Du D, Zhao Y, Chen X, Xing J, Xin M, Guo W, Hu Z, Su Z, Liu J, Peng H, Yao Y, Sun Q, Ni Z. A single nucleotide deletion in the third exon of FT-D1 increases the spikelet number and delays heading date in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:920-933. [PMID: 34978137 PMCID: PMC9055817 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The spikelet number and heading date are two crucial and correlated traits for yield in wheat. Here, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was conducted in F8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from crossing two common wheats with different spikelet numbers. A total of 15 stable QTL influencing total spikelet number (TSN) and heading date (HD) were detected. Notably, FT-D1, a well-known flowering time gene in wheat, was located within the finely mapped interval of a major QTL on 7DS (QTsn/Hd.cau-7D). A causal indel of one G in the third exon of FT-D1 was significantly associated with total spikelet number and heading date. Consistently, CRISPR/Cas9 mutant lines with homozygous mutations in FT-D1 displayed an increase in total spikelet number and heading date when compared with wild type. Moreover, one simple and robust marker developed according to the polymorphic site of FT-D1 revealed that this one G indel had been preferentially selected to adapt to different environments. Collectively, these data provide further insights into the genetic basis of spikelet number and heading date, and the diagnostic marker of FT-D1 will be useful for marker-assisted pyramiding in wheat breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Wensheng Ke
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Fei He
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Lingling Chai
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Xuejiao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm EnhancementJCIC‐MCPCIC‐MCPNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Huanwen Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Dejie Du
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Yidi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Xiyong Chen
- Hebei Crop Genetic Breeding LaboratoryInstitute of Cereal and Oil CropsHebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry SciencesShijiazhuangChina
| | - Jiewen Xing
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Mingming Xin
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Weilong Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Zhaorong Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Zhenqi Su
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Huiru Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Yingyin Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Qixin Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
| | - Zhongfu Ni
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE)Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
- National Plant Gene Research CentreBeijingChina
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30
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Prakash S, Rai R, Zamzam M, Ahmad O, Peesapati R, Vijayraghavan U. OsbZIP47 Is an Integrator for Meristem Regulators During Rice Plant Growth and Development. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:865928. [PMID: 35498659 PMCID: PMC9044032 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.865928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell homeostasis by the WUSCHEL-CLAVATA (WUS-CLV) feedback loop is generally conserved across species; however, its links with other meristem regulators can be species-specific, rice being an example. We characterized the role of rice OsbZIP47 in vegetative and reproductive development. The knockdown (KD) transgenics showed meristem size abnormality and defects in developmental progression. The size of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) in 25-day OsbZIP47KD plants was increased as compared to the wild-type (WT). Inflorescence of KD plants showed reduced rachis length, number of primary branches, and spikelets. Florets had defects in the second and third whorl organs and increased organ number. OsbZIP47KD SAM and panicles had abnormal expression for CLAVATA peptide-like signaling genes, such as FON2-LIKE CLE PROTEIN1 (FCP1), FLORAL ORGAN NUMBER 2 (FON2), and hormone pathway genes, such as cytokinin (CK) ISOPENTEYLTRANSFERASE1 (OsIPT1), ISOPENTEYLTRANSFERASE 8 (OsIPT8), auxin biosynthesis OsYUCCA6, OsYUCCA7 and gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis genes, such as GRAIN NUMBER PER PANICLE1 (GNP1/OsGA20OX1) and SHORTENED BASAL INTERNODE (SBI/OsGA2ox4). The effects on ABBERANT PANICLE ORGANIZATION1 (APO1), OsMADS16, and DROOPING LEAF (DL) relate to the second and third whorl floret phenotypes in OsbZIP47KD. Protein interaction assays showed OsbZIP47 partnerships with RICE HOMEOBOX1 (OSH1), RICE FLORICULA/LEAFY (RFL), and OsMADS1 transcription factors. The meta-analysis of KD panicle transcriptomes in OsbZIP47KD, OsMADS1KD, and RFLKD transgenics, combined with global OSH1 binding sites divulge potential targets coregulated by OsbZIP47, OsMADS1, OSH1, and RFL. Further, we demonstrate that OsbZIP47 redox status affects its DNA binding affinity to a cis element in FCP1, a target locus. Taken together, we provide insights on OsbZIP47 roles in SAM development, inflorescence branching, and floret development.
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Zhang X, Jia H, Li T, Wu J, Nagarajan R, Lei L, Powers C, Kan CC, Hua W, Liu Z, Chen C, Carver BF, Yan L. TaCol-B5 modifies spike architecture and enhances grain yield in wheat. Science 2022; 376:180-183. [PMID: 35389775 DOI: 10.1126/science.abm0717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Spike architecture influences grain yield in wheat. We report the map-based cloning of a gene determining the number of spikelet nodes per spike in common wheat. The cloned gene is named TaCOL-B5 and encodes a CONSTANS-like protein that is orthologous to COL5 in plant species. Constitutive overexpression of the dominant TaCol-B5 allele but without the region encoding B-boxes in a common wheat cultivar increases the number of spikelet nodes per spike and produces more tillers and spikes, thereby enhancing grain yield in transgenic plants under field conditions. Allelic variation in TaCOL-B5 results in amino acid substitutions leading to differential protein phosphorylation by the protein kinase TaK4. The TaCol-B5 allele is present in emmer wheat but is rare in a global collection of modern wheat cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Haiyan Jia
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.,The Applied Plant Genomics Laboratory, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.,Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Resources and Germplasm Enhancement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jizhong Wu
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.,Institute of Germplasm Resources and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ragupathi Nagarajan
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Carol Powers
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Chia-Cheng Kan
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Wei Hua
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Charles Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Brett F Carver
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Liuling Yan
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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32
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Yang H, Nukunya K, Ding Q, Thompson BE. Tissue-specific transcriptomics reveal functional differences in floral development. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:1158-1173. [PMID: 34865134 PMCID: PMC8825454 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Flowers are produced by floral meristems, groups of stem cells that give rise to floral organs. In grasses, including the major cereal crops, flowers (florets) are contained in spikelets, which contain one to many florets, depending on the species. Importantly, not all grass florets are developmentally equivalent, and one or more florets are often sterile or abort in each spikelet. Members of the Andropogoneae tribe, including maize (Zea mays), produce spikelets with two florets; the upper and lower florets are usually dimorphic, and the lower floret is greatly reduced compared to the upper floret. In maize ears, early development appears identical in both florets but the lower floret ultimately aborts. To gain insight into the functional differences between florets with different fates, we used laser capture microdissection coupled with RNA-sequencing to globally examine gene expression in upper and lower floral meristems in maize. Differentially expressed genes were involved in hormone regulation, cell wall, sugar, and energy homeostasis. Furthermore, cell wall modifications and sugar accumulation differed between the upper and lower florets. Finally, we identified a boundary domain between upper and lower florets, which we hypothesize is important for floral meristem activity. We propose a model in which growth is suppressed in the lower floret by limiting sugar availability and upregulating genes involved in growth repression. This growth repression module may also regulate floret fertility in other grasses and potentially be modulated to engineer more productive cereal crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Yang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, USA
| | - Kate Nukunya
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, USA
| | - Queying Ding
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, USA
| | - Beth E Thompson
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, USA
- Author for communication:
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Koppolu R, Jiang G, Milner SG, Muqaddasi QH, Rutten T, Himmelbach A, Guo Y, Stein N, Mascher M, Schnurbusch T. The barley mutant multiflorus2.b reveals quantitative genetic variation for new spikelet architecture. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2022; 135:571-590. [PMID: 34773464 PMCID: PMC8866347 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-021-03986-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Spikelet indeterminacy and supernumerary spikelet phenotypes in barley multiflorus2.b mutant show polygenic inheritance. Genetic analysis of multiflorus2.b revealed major QTLs for spikelet determinacy and supernumerary spikelet phenotypes on 2H and 6H chromosomes. Understanding the genetic basis of yield forming factors in small grain cereals is of extreme importance, especially in the wake of stagnation of further yield gains in these crops. One such yield forming factor in these cereals is the number of grain-bearing florets produced per spikelet. Wild-type barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) spikelets are determinate structures, and the spikelet axis (rachilla) degenerates after producing single floret. In contrast, the rachilla of wheat (Triticum ssp.) spikelets, which are indeterminate, elongates to produce up to 12 florets. In our study, we characterized the barley spikelet determinacy mutant multiflorus2.b (mul2.b) that produced up to three fertile florets on elongated rachillae of lateral spikelets. Apart from the lateral spikelet indeterminacy (LS-IN), we also characterized the supernumerary spikelet phenotype in the central spikelets (CS-SS) of mul2.b. Through our phenotypic and genetic analyses, we identified two major QTLs on chromosomes 2H and 6H, and two minor QTLs on 3H for the LS-IN phenotype. For, the CS-SS phenotype, we identified one major QTL on 6H, and a minor QTL on 5H chromosomes. Notably, the 6H QTLs for CS-SS and LS-IN phenotypes co-located with each other, potentially indicating that a single genetic factor might regulate both phenotypes. Thus, our in-depth phenotyping combined with genetic analyses revealed the quantitative nature of the LS-IN and CS-SS phenotypes in mul2.b, paving the way for cloning the genes underlying these QTLs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Koppolu
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Correns Strasse 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany.
| | - Guojing Jiang
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Correns Strasse 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Sara G Milner
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Correns Strasse 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Quddoos H Muqaddasi
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Correns Strasse 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
- BASF Agricultural Solutions GmbH, Am Schwabeplan 8, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Twan Rutten
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Correns Strasse 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Axel Himmelbach
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Correns Strasse 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Yu Guo
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Correns Strasse 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Nils Stein
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Correns Strasse 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
- Department of Crop Sciences, Center of Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Georg-August-University, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin Mascher
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Correns Strasse 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schnurbusch
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Correns Strasse 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany.
- Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle, Germany.
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Klein H, Gallagher J, Demesa-Arevalo E, Abraham-Juárez MJ, Heeney M, Feil R, Lunn JE, Xiao Y, Chuck G, Whipple C, Jackson D, Bartlett M. Recruitment of an ancient branching program to suppress carpel development in maize flowers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022. [PMID: 34996873 DOI: 10.1101/2021.09.03.458935] [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: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Carpels in maize undergo programmed cell death in half of the flowers initiated in ears and in all flowers in tassels. The HD-ZIP I transcription factor gene GRASSY TILLERS1 (GT1) is one of only a few genes known to regulate this process. To identify additional regulators of carpel suppression, we performed a gt1 enhancer screen and found a genetic interaction between gt1 and ramosa3 (ra3). RA3 is a classic inflorescence meristem determinacy gene that encodes a trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) phosphatase (TPP). Dissection of floral development revealed that ra3 single mutants have partially derepressed carpels, whereas gt1;ra3 double mutants have completely derepressed carpels. Surprisingly, gt1 suppresses ra3 inflorescence branching, revealing a role for gt1 in meristem determinacy. Supporting these genetic interactions, GT1 and RA3 proteins colocalize to carpel nuclei in developing flowers. Global expression profiling revealed common genes misregulated in single and double mutant flowers, as well as in derepressed gt1 axillary meristems. Indeed, we found that ra3 enhances gt1 vegetative branching, similar to the roles for the trehalose pathway and GT1 homologs in the eudicots. This functional conservation over ∼160 million years of evolution reveals ancient roles for GT1-like genes and the trehalose pathway in regulating axillary meristem suppression, later recruited to mediate carpel suppression. Our findings expose hidden pleiotropy of classic maize genes and show how an ancient developmental program was redeployed to sculpt floral form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Klein
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Joseph Gallagher
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | | | - María Jazmín Abraham-Juárez
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad, Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guanajuato 36821, Mexico
| | - Michelle Heeney
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Regina Feil
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - John E Lunn
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Yuguo Xiao
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84692
| | - George Chuck
- Plant Gene Expression Center, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94710
| | - Clinton Whipple
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84692
| | - David Jackson
- Plant Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | - Madelaine Bartlett
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003;
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35
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Recruitment of an ancient branching program to suppress carpel development in maize flowers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2115871119. [PMID: 34996873 PMCID: PMC8764674 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115871119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Floral morphology is immensely diverse. One developmental process acting to shape this diversity is growth suppression. For example, grass flowers exhibit extreme diversity in floral sexuality, arising through differential suppression of stamens or carpels. The genes regulating this growth suppression and how they have evolved remain largely unknown. We discovered that two classic developmental genes with ancient roles in controlling vegetative branching were recruited to suppress carpel development in maize. Our results highlight the power of forward genetics to reveal unpredictable genetic interactions and hidden pleiotropy of developmental genes. More broadly, our findings illustrate how ancient gene functions are recruited to new developmental contexts in the evolution of plant form. Carpels in maize undergo programmed cell death in half of the flowers initiated in ears and in all flowers in tassels. The HD-ZIP I transcription factor gene GRASSY TILLERS1 (GT1) is one of only a few genes known to regulate this process. To identify additional regulators of carpel suppression, we performed a gt1 enhancer screen and found a genetic interaction between gt1 and ramosa3 (ra3). RA3 is a classic inflorescence meristem determinacy gene that encodes a trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) phosphatase (TPP). Dissection of floral development revealed that ra3 single mutants have partially derepressed carpels, whereas gt1;ra3 double mutants have completely derepressed carpels. Surprisingly, gt1 suppresses ra3 inflorescence branching, revealing a role for gt1 in meristem determinacy. Supporting these genetic interactions, GT1 and RA3 proteins colocalize to carpel nuclei in developing flowers. Global expression profiling revealed common genes misregulated in single and double mutant flowers, as well as in derepressed gt1 axillary meristems. Indeed, we found that ra3 enhances gt1 vegetative branching, similar to the roles for the trehalose pathway and GT1 homologs in the eudicots. This functional conservation over ∼160 million years of evolution reveals ancient roles for GT1-like genes and the trehalose pathway in regulating axillary meristem suppression, later recruited to mediate carpel suppression. Our findings expose hidden pleiotropy of classic maize genes and show how an ancient developmental program was redeployed to sculpt floral form.
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36
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Wasaya A, Rehman I, Mohi Ud Din A, Hayder Bin Khalid M, Ahmad Yasir T, Mansoor Javaid M, El-Hefnawy M, Brestic M, Rahman MA, El Sabagh A. Foliar application of putrescine alleviates terminal drought stress by modulating water status, membrane stability, and yield- related traits in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1000877. [PMID: 37151567 PMCID: PMC10160385 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1000877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Drought stress is one of the major limitations to the growth and yield productivity of cereal crops. It severely impairs the early growing and grain -filling stages of wheat. Therefore, cost- effective and eco-friendly approaches for alleviating drought stress in cereal crops are in high demand. Polyamines, such as putrescine, have a significant effect on improving crop yield under drought- stress conditions. Therefore, the current study was executed with the aim of exploring the significance of putrescine in alleviating drought stress and improving yield- related traits in wheat. Two distinct wheat cultivars (Fakhar-e-Bhakkar and Anaj-2017) were treated with the foliar application of different concentrations (control, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 PPM) of putrescine (put) under two moisture conditions (well- watered and terminal drought stress). The results demonstrate that the imposition of terminal drought stress significantly reduces different physiological and yield- related traits of both wheat cultivars. The reduction of relative water content (RWC%), membrane stability index (MSI), leaf area, tillers per plant, biomass yield, number of spikelets per spike, 100-grain weight, grain yield per plant, and straw yield was greater in Anaj-2017 than in Fakhar-e-Bhakkar cultivar. The results further explain that the foliar application of increased concentrations of putrescine from 0.0 to 1.0 PPM gradually improved physiological and yield traits, whereas these traits declined with the application of putrescine at the highest dose (1.5 PPM). The exogenous application of 1.0 PPM putrescine improved the relative water content (19.76%), specific leaf area (41.47%), and leaf area ratio (35.84%) compared with the controlled treatment. A higher grain yield (28.0 g plant-1) and 100-grain weight (3.8 g) were obtained with the foliar application of 1.0 PPM putrescine compared with controlled treatments. The findings of this study confirm the protective role of putrescine against terminal drought stress. It is therefore recommended to use putrescine at a concentration of 1.0 PPM, which could help alleviate terminal drought stress and attain better wheat yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allah Wasaya
- Department of Agronomy, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan, Pakistan
- College of Agriculture, University of Layyah, Layyah, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Allah Wasaya, ; Marian Brestic, ; Ayman El Sabagh,
| | - Iqra Rehman
- Department of Agronomy, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan, Pakistan
- College of Agriculture, University of Layyah, Layyah, Pakistan
| | - Atta Mohi Ud Din
- National Research Center of Intercropping , The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Mohamed El-Hefnawy
- Department of Chemistry, Rabigh College of Sciences and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marian Brestic
- Department of Plant Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia
- *Correspondence: Allah Wasaya, ; Marian Brestic, ; Ayman El Sabagh,
| | - Md Atikur Rahman
- Grassland and Forage Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ayman El Sabagh
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr al-Sheik, Egypt
- Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Siirt University, Siirt, Türkiye
- *Correspondence: Allah Wasaya, ; Marian Brestic, ; Ayman El Sabagh,
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Thirulogachandar V, Koppolu R, Schnurbusch T. Strategies of grain number determination differentiate barley row types. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:7754-7768. [PMID: 34460900 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Gaining knowledge on fundamental interactions of various yield components is crucial to improve yield potential in small grain cereals. It is well known in barley that increasing grain number greatly improves yield potential; however, the yield components determining grain number and their association in barley row types are less explored. In this study, we assessed different yield components such as potential spikelet number (PSN), spikelet survival (SSL), spikelet number (SN), grain set (GS), and grain survival (GSL), as well as their interactions with grain number by using a selected panel of two- and six-rowed barley types. Also, to analyze the stability of these interactions, we performed the study in the greenhouse and the field. From this study, we found that in two-rowed barley, grain number determination is strongly influenced by PSN rather than SSL and/or GS in both growth conditions. Conversely, in six-rowed barley, grain number is associated with SSL instead of PSN and/or GS. Thus, our study showed that increasing grain number might be possible by augmenting PSN in two-rowed genotypes, while for six-rowed genotypes SSL needs to be improved. We speculate that this disparity of grain number determination in barley row types might be due to the fertility of lateral spikelets. Collectively, this study revealed that grain number in two-rowed barley largely depends on the developmental trait, PSN, while in six-rowed barley, it mainly follows the ability for SSL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatasubbu Thirulogachandar
- Independent HEISENBERG Research Group Plant Architecture, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben,Germany
| | - Ravi Koppolu
- Independent HEISENBERG Research Group Plant Architecture, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben,Germany
| | - Thorsten Schnurbusch
- Independent HEISENBERG Research Group Plant Architecture, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben,Germany
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle,Germany
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Thirulogachandar V, Schnurbusch T. 'Spikelet stop' determines the maximum yield potential stage in barley. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:7743-7753. [PMID: 34291795 PMCID: PMC8643653 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Determining the grain yield potential contributed by grain number is a step towards advancing the yield of cereal crops. To achieve this aim, it is pivotal to recognize the maximum yield potential (MYP) of the crop. In barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), the MYP is defined as the maximum spikelet primordia number of a spike. Many barley studies assumed the awn primordium (AP) stage to be the MYP stage regardless of genotypes and growth conditions. From our spikelet-tracking experiments using the two-rowed cultivar Bowman, we found that the MYP stage can be different from the AP stage. Importantly, we find that the occurrence of inflorescence meristem deformation and its loss of activity coincided with the MYP stage, indicating the end of further spikelet initiation. Thus, we recommend validating the barley MYP stage with the shape of the inflorescence meristem and propose this approach (named 'spikelet stop') for MYP staging. To clarify the relevance of AP and MYP stages, we compared the MYP stage and the MYP in 27 barley accessions (two- and six-rowed accessions) grown in the greenhouse and in the field. Our results reveal that the MYP stage can be reached at various developmental stages, which greatly depend on the genotype and growth conditions. Furthermore, we propose that the MYP stage and the time to reach the MYP stage can be used to determine yield potential in barley. Based on our findings, we suggest key steps for the identification of the MYP stage in barley that may also be applied in a related crop such as wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatasubbu Thirulogachandar
- Independent HEISENBERG Research Group Plant Architecture, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), OT Gatersleben, SeelandGermany
| | - Thorsten Schnurbusch
- Independent HEISENBERG Research Group Plant Architecture, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), OT Gatersleben, SeelandGermany
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, D-Halle, Germany
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Irfan Ullah M, Mahpara S, Bibi R, Ullah Shah R, Ullah R, Abbas S, Ihsan Ullah M, Hassan AM, El-Shehawi AM, Brestic M, Zivcak M, Ifnan Khan M. Grain yield and correlated traits of bread wheat lines: Implications for yield improvement. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:5714-5719. [PMID: 34588882 PMCID: PMC8459068 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Global wheat yields are suffering due to differences in regional climatic conditions and soil fertility. Plant breeders are continuously working to improve the yield per unit area of wheat crop through selecting superior lines as parents. The screening and field evaluation of available lines allow the selection of superior ones and subsequently improved varieties. Therefore, heritable distinctions among 33 bread wheat lines for yield and related attributes were assessed under field conditions. The experiment included thirty lines and three check varieties. Data relating to different plant characteristics was collected at maturity. Significant differences were recorded for yield and related traits of tested wheat lines and check varieties. Wheat lines V6, V12 and V20 proved better with reduced number of days to reach anthesis and other desirable traits compared to check varieties. Days to start heading had strong correlation with spike length and number of spikelets spike-1. Flag leaf area had positive relationship with peduncle length and yield related traits. The 1000-garin weight and grain yield were also correlated with each other. It is concluded that V6, V10 and V20 proved better for all studied traits than the rest of the lines. Therefore, these lines could be used in wheat breeding program as parents to improve yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan Ullah
- Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
| | - Shahzadi Mahpara
- Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
| | - Rehana Bibi
- Department of Plant Protection, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
| | - Rahmat Ullah Shah
- Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Rehmat Ullah
- Soil and Water Testing Laboratory for Research, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
| | - Sibtain Abbas
- Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ihsan Ullah
- Sorghum Research Substation, Department of Agriculture, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Aziza M. Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. El-Shehawi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marian Brestic
- Department of Plant Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Marek Zivcak
- Department of Plant Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Muhamad Ifnan Khan
- Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
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Walker CH, Wheeldon CD, Bennett T. Integrated dominance mechanisms regulate reproductive architecture in Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 186:1985-2002. [PMID: 33914872 PMCID: PMC8331136 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The production of seed in flowering plants is complicated by the need to first invest in reproductive shoots, inflorescences, flowers, and fruit. Furthermore, in many species, it will be months between plants generating flowers and setting seed. How can plants therefore produce an optimal seed-set relative to environmental resources when the "reproductive architecture" that supports seed-set needs to be elaborated so far in advance? Here, we address this question by investigating the spatio-temporal control of reproductive architecture in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and Brassica napus. We show that resource and resource-related signals such as substrate volume play a key role in determining the scale of reproductive effort, and that this is reflected in the earliest events in reproductive development, which broadly predict the subsequent reproductive effort. We show that a series of negative feedbacks both within and between developmental stages prevent plants from over-committing to early stages of development. These feedbacks create a highly plastic, homeostatic system in which additional organs can be produced in the case of reproductive failure elsewhere in the system. We propose that these feedbacks represent an "integrated dominance" mechanism that allows resource use to be correctly sequenced between developmental stages to optimize seed set.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona H Walker
- Faculty of Biological Sciences,School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Cara D Wheeldon
- Faculty of Biological Sciences,School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Tom Bennett
- Faculty of Biological Sciences,School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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Wolde GM, Schreiber M, Trautewig C, Himmelbach A, Sakuma S, Mascher M, Schnurbusch T. Genome-wide identification of loci modifying spike-branching in tetraploid wheat. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2021; 134:1925-1943. [PMID: 33961064 PMCID: PMC8263435 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-020-03743-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Genetic modification of spike architecture is essential for improving wheat yield. Newly identified loci for the 'Miracle wheat' phenotype on chromosomes 1AS and 2BS have significant effects on spike traits. The wheat (Triticum ssp.) inflorescence, also known as a spike, forms an unbranched inflorescence in which the inflorescence meristem generates axillary spikelet meristems (SMs) destined to become sessile spikelets. Previously, we identified the putatively causative mutation in the branched headt (bht) gene (TtBH-A1) of tetraploid wheat (T. turgidum convar. compositum (L.f.) Filat.) responsible for the loss of SM identity, converting the non-branching spike to a branched wheat spike. In the current study, we performed whole-genome quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using 146 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between spike-branching wheat ('Miracle wheat') and an elite durum wheat cultivar showing broad phenotypic variation for spike architecture. Besides the previously found gene at the bht-A1 locus on the short arm of chromosome 2A, we also mapped two new modifier QTL for spike-branching on the short arm of chromosome 1A, termed bht-A2, and 2BS. Using biparental mapping population and GWAS in 302 diverse accessions, the 2BS locus was highly associated with coding sequence variation found at the homoeo-allele of TtBH-B1 (bht-B1). Thus, RILs that combined both bht-A1 and bht-B1 alleles showed additive genetic effects leading to increased penetrance and expressivity of the supernumerary spikelet and/or mini-spike formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizaw M Wolde
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany.
- Department of Plant Sciences One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Mona Schreiber
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Corinna Trautewig
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Axel Himmelbach
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Shun Sakuma
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
- Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-cho Minami, Tottori, 680-8553, Japan
| | - Martin Mascher
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schnurbusch
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466, Seeland, Germany.
- Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle, Germany.
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Thiel J, Koppolu R, Trautewig C, Hertig C, Kale SM, Erbe S, Mascher M, Himmelbach A, Rutten T, Esteban E, Pasha A, Kumlehn J, Provart NJ, Vanderauwera S, Frohberg C, Schnurbusch T. Transcriptional landscapes of floral meristems in barley. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf0832. [PMID: 33910893 PMCID: PMC8081368 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf0832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Organ development in plants predominantly occurs postembryonically through combinatorial activity of meristems; therefore, meristem and organ fate are intimately connected. Inflorescence morphogenesis in grasses (Poaceae) is complex and relies on a specialized floral meristem, called spikelet meristem, that gives rise to all other floral organs and ultimately the grain. The fate of the spikelet determines reproductive success and contributes toward yield-related traits in cereal crops. Here, we examined the transcriptional landscapes of floral meristems in the temperate crop barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using RNA-seq of laser capture microdissected tissues from immature, developing floral structures. Our unbiased, high-resolution approach revealed fundamental regulatory networks, previously unknown pathways, and key regulators of barley floral fate and will equally be indispensable for comparative transcriptional studies of grass meristems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Thiel
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany.
| | - R Koppolu
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany.
| | - C Trautewig
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - C Hertig
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - S M Kale
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - S Erbe
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - M Mascher
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - A Himmelbach
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - T Rutten
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - E Esteban
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology/Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks St., Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - A Pasha
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology/Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks St., Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - J Kumlehn
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany
| | - N J Provart
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology/Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks St., Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - S Vanderauwera
- BASF Belgium Coordination Center CommV, Innovation Center Gent, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 101, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - C Frohberg
- BASF Belgium Coordination Center CommV, Innovation Center Gent, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 101, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - T Schnurbusch
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, OT Gatersleben, 06466 Seeland, Germany.
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, 06120 Halle, Germany
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Wang C, Yang X, Li G. Molecular Insights into Inflorescence Meristem Specification for Yield Potential in Cereal Crops. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3508. [PMID: 33805287 PMCID: PMC8037405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Flowering plants develop new organs throughout their life cycle. The vegetative shoot apical meristem (SAM) generates leaf whorls, branches and stems, whereas the reproductive SAM, called the inflorescence meristem (IM), forms florets arranged on a stem or an axis. In cereal crops, the inflorescence producing grains from fertilized florets makes the major yield contribution, which is determined by the numbers and structures of branches, spikelets and florets within the inflorescence. The developmental progression largely depends on the activity of IM. The proper regulations of IM size, specification and termination are outcomes of complex interactions between promoting and restricting factors/signals. Here, we focus on recent advances in molecular mechanisms underlying potential pathways of IM identification, maintenance and differentiation in cereal crops, including rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and barley (Hordeum vulgare), highlighting the researches that have facilitated grain yield by, for example, modifying the number of inflorescence branches. Combinatorial functions of key regulators and crosstalk in IM determinacy and specification are summarized. This review delivers the knowledge to crop breeding applications aiming to the improvements in yield performance and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China;
| | - Xiujuan Yang
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, Waite Campus, The University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia;
| | - Gang Li
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China;
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, Waite Campus, The University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia;
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Shoesmith JR, Solomon CU, Yang X, Wilkinson LG, Sheldrick S, van Eijden E, Couwenberg S, Pugh LM, Eskan M, Stephens J, Barakate A, Drea S, Houston K, Tucker MR, McKim SM. APETALA2 functions as a temporal factor together with BLADE-ON-PETIOLE2 and MADS29 to control flower and grain development in barley. Development 2021; 148:dev.194894. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.194894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Cereal grain develops from fertilised florets. Alterations in floret and grain development greatly influence grain yield and quality. Despite this, little is known about the underlying genetic control of these processes, especially in key temperate cereals such as barley and wheat. Using a combination of near-isogenic mutant comparisons, gene editing and genetic analyses, we reveal that HvAPETALA2 (HvAP2) controls floret organ identity, floret boundaries, and maternal tissue differentiation and elimination during grain development. These new roles of HvAP2 correlate with changes in grain size and HvAP2-dependent expression of specific HvMADS-box genes, including the B-sister gene, HvMADS29. Consistent with this, gene editing demonstrates that HvMADS29 shares roles with HvAP2 in maternal tissue differentiation. We also discovered that a gain-of-function HvAP2 allele masks changes in floret organ identity and grain size due to loss of barley LAXATUM.A/BLADE-ON-PETIOLE2 (HvBOP2) gene function. Taken together, we reveal novel pleiotropic roles and regulatory interactions for an AP2-like gene controlling floret and grain development in a temperate cereal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Shoesmith
- Division of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA, UK
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Charles Ugochukwu Solomon
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
- Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Abia State University, PMB 2000, Uturu, Nigeria
| | - Xiujuan Yang
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Laura G. Wilkinson
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
- Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Scott Sheldrick
- Division of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Ewan van Eijden
- Division of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Sanne Couwenberg
- Division of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Laura M. Pugh
- Division of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Mhmoud Eskan
- Division of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Jennifer Stephens
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Abdellah Barakate
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Sinéad Drea
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Kelly Houston
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Matthew R. Tucker
- Waite Research Institute, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Sarah M. McKim
- Division of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie DD2 5DA, UK
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45
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Shen C, Li G, Dreni L, Zhang D. Molecular Control of Carpel Development in the Grass Family. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:635500. [PMID: 33664762 PMCID: PMC7921308 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.635500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Carpel is the ovule-bearing female reproductive organ of flowering plants and is required to ensure its protection, an efficient fertilization, and the development of diversified types of fruits, thereby it is a vital element of most food crops. The origin and morphological changes of the carpel are key to the evolution and adaption of angiosperms. Progresses have been made in elucidating the developmental mechanisms of carpel establishment in the model eudicot plant Arabidopsis thaliana, while little and fragmentary information is known in grasses, a family that includes many important crops such as rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and wheat (Triticum aestivum). Here, we highlight recent advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying potential pathways of carpel development in grasses, including carpel identity determination, morphogenesis, and floral meristem determinacy. The known role of transcription factors, hormones, and miRNAs during grass carpel formation is summarized and compared with the extensively studied eudicot model plant Arabidopsis. The genetic and molecular aspects of carpel development that are conserved or diverged between grasses and eudicots are therefore discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Shen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA, Australia
| | - Gang Li
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA, Australia
| | - Ludovico Dreni
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dabing Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA, Australia
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46
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Brassac J, Muqaddasi QH, Plieske J, Ganal MW, Röder MS. Linkage mapping identifies a non-synonymous mutation in FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT-B1) increasing spikelet number per spike. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1585. [PMID: 33452357 PMCID: PMC7811022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80473-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Total spikelet number per spike (TSN) is a major component of spike architecture in wheat (Triticumaestivum L.). A major and consistent quantitative trait locus (QTL) was discovered for TSN in a doubled haploid spring wheat population grown in the field over 4 years. The QTL on chromosome 7B explained up to 20.5% of phenotypic variance. In its physical interval (7B: 6.37–21.67 Mb), the gene FLOWERINGLOCUST (FT-B1) emerged as candidate for the observed effect. In one of the parental lines, FT-B1 carried a non-synonymous substitution on position 19 of the coding sequence. This mutation modifying an aspartic acid (D) into a histidine (H) occurred in a highly conserved position. The mutation was observed with a frequency of ca. 68% in a set of 135 hexaploid wheat varieties and landraces, while it was not found in other plant species. FT-B1 only showed a minor effect on heading and flowering time (FT) which were dominated by a major QTL on chromosome 5A caused by segregation of the vernalization gene VRN-A1. Individuals carrying the FT-B1 allele with amino acid histidine had, on average, a higher number of spikelets (15.1) than individuals with the aspartic acid allele (14.3) independent of their VRN-A1 allele. We show that the effect of TSN is not mainly related to flowering time; however, the duration of pre-anthesis phases may play a major role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Brassac
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr 3, 06466, Stadt Seeland OT Gatersleben, Germany.
| | - Quddoos H Muqaddasi
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr 3, 06466, Stadt Seeland OT Gatersleben, Germany.,European Wheat Breeding Center, BASF Agricultural Solutions GmbH, Am Schwabeplan 8, 06466, Stadt Seeland OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Jörg Plieske
- TraitGenetics GmbH, Am Schwabeplan 1b, 06466, Stadt Seeland OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Martin W Ganal
- TraitGenetics GmbH, Am Schwabeplan 1b, 06466, Stadt Seeland OT Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Marion S Röder
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstr 3, 06466, Stadt Seeland OT Gatersleben, Germany
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Abbai R, Singh VK, Snowdon RJ, Kumar A, Schnurbusch T. Seeking Crops with Balanced Parts for the Ideal Whole. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 25:1189-1193. [PMID: 32958388 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Crop domestication and breeding considerably increased productivity over centuries but unconsciously lowered 'selfish plant behavior' or individual plant fitness. Paradoxically, enhancing individual plant fitness is mistakenly equated with crop improvement. Because agriculture relies on community performance, embracing an agroecological genetics and genomics viewpoint might maximize communal yield by matching crop genotypes to target environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragavendran Abbai
- Independent HEISENBERG Research Group Plant Architecture, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany.
| | - Vikas K Singh
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), South Asia Hub, Hyderabad, India
| | - Rod J Snowdon
- Department of Plant Breeding, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Arvind Kumar
- IRRI-South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi, India
| | - Thorsten Schnurbusch
- Independent HEISENBERG Research Group Plant Architecture, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany; Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
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48
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Deveshwar P, Prusty A, Sharma S, Tyagi AK. Phytohormone-Mediated Molecular Mechanisms Involving Multiple Genes and QTL Govern Grain Number in Rice. Front Genet 2020; 11:586462. [PMID: 33281879 PMCID: PMC7689023 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.586462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing the grain number is the most direct route toward enhancing the grain yield in cereals. In rice, grain number can be amplified through increasing the shoot branching (tillering), panicle branching, panicle length, and seed set percentage. Phytohormones have been conclusively shown to control the above characteristics by regulating molecular factors and their cross-interactions. The dynamic equilibrium of cytokinin levels in both shoot and inflorescence meristems, maintained by the regulation of its biosynthesis, activation, and degradation, determines the tillering and panicle branching, respectively. Auxins and gibberellins are known broadly to repress the axillary meristems, while jasmonic acid is implicated in the determination of reproductive meristem formation. The balance of auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin determines meristematic activities in the inflorescence. Strigolactones have been shown to repress the shoot branching but seem to regulate panicle branching positively. Ethylene, brassinosteroids, and gibberellins regulate spikelet abortion and grain filling. Further studies on the optimization of endogenous hormonal levels can help in the expansion of the grain yield potential of rice. This review focuses on the molecular machinery, involving several genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL), operational in the plant that governs hormonal control and, in turn, gets governed by the hormones to regulate grain number and yield in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Deveshwar
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Plant Genomics and Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Ankita Prusty
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Plant Genomics and Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Shivam Sharma
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Plant Genomics and Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Akhilesh K Tyagi
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Plant Genomics and Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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Molecular and genetic pathways for optimizing spikelet development and grain yield. ABIOTECH 2020; 1:276-292. [PMID: 36304128 PMCID: PMC9590455 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-020-00026-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The spikelet is a unique structure of inflorescence in grasses that generates one to many flowers depending on its determinate or indeterminate meristem activity. The growth patterns and number of spikelets, furthermore, define inflorescence architecture and yield. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying spikelet development and evolution are attractive to both biologists and breeders. Based on the progress in rice and maize, along with increasing numbers of genetic mutants and genome sequences from other grass families, the regulatory networks underpinning spikelet development are becoming clearer. This is particularly evident for domesticated traits in agriculture. This review focuses on recent progress on spikelet initiation, and spikelet and floret fertility, by comparing results from Arabidopsis with that of rice, sorghum, maize, barley, wheat, Brachypodium distachyon, and Setaria viridis. This progress may benefit genetic engineering and molecular breeding to enhance grain yield.
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Arriagada O, Marcotuli I, Gadaleta A, Schwember AR. Molecular Mapping and Genomics of Grain Yield in Durum Wheat: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197021. [PMID: 32987666 PMCID: PMC7582296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Durum wheat is the most relevant cereal for the whole of Mediterranean agriculture, due to its intrinsic adaptation to dryland and semi-arid environments and to its strong historical cultivation tradition. It is not only relevant for the primary production sector, but also for the food industry chains associated with it. In Mediterranean environments, wheat is mostly grown under rainfed conditions and the crop is frequently exposed to environmental stresses, with high temperatures and water scarcity especially during the grain filling period. For these reasons, and due to recurrent disease epidemics, Mediterranean wheat productivity often remains under potential levels. Many studies, using both linkage analysis (LA) and a genome-wide association study (GWAS), have identified the genomic regions controlling the grain yield and the associated markers that can be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs. Here, we have summarized all the current studies identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and/or candidate genes involved in the main traits linked to grain yield: kernel weight, number of kernels per spike and number of spikes per unit area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvin Arriagada
- Departamento de Ciencias Vegetales, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 306-22 Santiago, Chile;
| | - Ilaria Marcotuli
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy; (I.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Agata Gadaleta
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy; (I.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrés R. Schwember
- Departamento de Ciencias Vegetales, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 306-22 Santiago, Chile;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-223544123
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