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Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding

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A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 July 2022) | Viewed by 33072

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Prof. Dr. Xiquan Gao

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State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Interests: maize; genetic; breeding; disease resistance; genome; innate immunity
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Maize is one of the most important crop species worldwide, which has exceeded rice and wheat regarding both planting area and yield. Along with the rapid progress of third generation sequencing technology in maize genome research, maize functional genomics has been significantly advanced in the last decade. Moreover, the success of whole genome sequencing of multiple maize inbred lines has promoted the cloning and functional validation of a large number of genes related to diverse traits, such as plant height, architecture, yield, quality, flavour, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and many others. More and more functional genes are being applied to breeding program, targeting the improvement of maize yield and quality. Therefore, exploring the function of novel loci and genes associated with economically important traits via genomics, genetics, and molecular biology approaches, which is subsequently applied to breeding elite varieties, is one of the important tasks for maize scientists.

In this Special Issue, we aim to publish high-quality research articles and reviews on all aspects of maize functional genomics, genetics and breeding programs, including but not limited to, genomic characterization, genetic dissection of various traits (growth, development, abiotic stress, maize-pathogen interactions, etc.), gene cloning, and gene function study using genome editing and overexpression. The new theory and technology related to maize genetics and breeding is also within the scope of this issue.

Prof. Dr. Xiquan Gao
Guest Editor

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Keywords

maize
functional genomics
molecular genetics
breeding technology

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 13203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Involvement of Phospholipase C in Photosynthesis and Growth of Maize Seedlings

by Yulei Wei, Xinyu Liu, Shengnan Ge, Haiyang Zhang, Xinyang Che, Shiyuan Liu, Debin Liu, Huixin Li, Xinru Gu, Lin He, Zuotong Li and Jingyu Xu

Genes 2022, 13(6), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13061011 - 3 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2473

Abstract

Phospholipase C is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of glycerophospholipids and can be classified as phosphoinositide-specific PLC (PI-PLC) and non-specific PLC (NPC), depending on its hydrolytic substrate. In maize, the function of phospholipase C has not been well characterized. In this study, the phospholipase C inhibitor neomycin sulfate (NS, 100 mM) was applied to maize seedlings to investigate the function of maize PLC. Under the treatment of neomycin sulfate, the growth and development of maize seedlings were impaired, and the leaves were gradually etiolated and wilted. The analysis of physiological and biochemical parameters revealed that inhibition of phospholipase C affected photosynthesis, photosynthetic pigment accumulation, carbon metabolism and the stability of the cell membrane. High-throughput RNA-seq was conducted, and differentially expressed genes (DEGS) were found significantly enriched in photosynthesis and carbon metabolism pathways. When phospholipase C activity was inhibited, the expression of genes related to photosynthetic pigment accumulation was decreased, which led to lowered chlorophyll. Most of the genes related to PSI, PSII and TCA cycles were down-regulated and the net photosynthesis was decreased. Meanwhile, genes related to starch and sucrose metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway and the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway were up-regulated, which explained the reduction of starch and total soluble sugar content in the leaves of maize seedlings. These findings suggest that phospholipase C plays a key role in photosynthesis and the growth and development of maize seedlings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding)

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17 pages, 2186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of DArTseq Technology to Identify New SNP and SilicoDArT Markers Related to the Yield-Related Traits Components in Maize

by Agnieszka Tomkowiak, Bartosz Nowak, Aleksandra Sobiech, Jan Bocianowski, Łukasz Wolko and Julia Spychała

Genes 2022, 13(5), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13050848 - 10 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2642

Abstract

In the last decade, many scientists have used molecular biology methods in their research to locate the grain-yield-determining loci and yield structure characteristics in maize. Large-scale molecular analyses in maize do not only focus on the identification of new markers and quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions. DNA analysis in the selection of parental components for heterotic crosses is a very important tool for breeders. The aim of this research was to identify and select new markers for maize (SNP and SilicoDArT) linked to genes influencing the size of the yield components in maize. The plant material used for the research was 186 inbred maize lines. The field experiment was established in twolocations. The yield and six yield components were analyzed. For identification of SNP and SilicoDArT markers related to the yield and yield components, next-generation sequencing was used. As a result of the biometric measurements analysis, differentiation in the average elevation of the analyzed traits for the lines in both locations was found. The above-mentioned results indicate the existence of genotype–environment interactions. The analysis of variance for the observed quality between genotypes indicated a statistically significant differentiation between genotypes and a statistically significant differentiation for all the observed properties betweenlocations. A canonical variable analysis was applied to present a multi-trait assessment of the similarity of the tested maize genotypes in a lower number of dimensions with the lowest possible loss of information. No grouping of lines due to the analyzed was observed. As a result of next-generation sequencing, the molecular markers SilicoDArT (53,031) and SNP (28,571) were obtained. The genetic distance between the analyzed lines was estimated on the basis of these markers. Out of 81,602 identified SilicoDArT and SNP markers, 15,409 (1559 SilicoDArT and 13,850 SNPs) significantly related to the analyzed yield components were selected as a result of association mapping. The greatest numbers of molecular markers were associated with cob length (1203), cob diameter (1759), core length (1201) and core diameter (2326). From 15,409 markers significantly related to the analyzed traits of the yield components, 18 DArT markers were selected, which were significant for the same four traits (cob length, cob diameter, core length, core diameter) in both Kobierzyce and Smolice. These markers were used for physical mapping. As a result of the analyses, it was found that 6 out of 18 (1818; 14,506; 2317; 3233; 11,657; 12,812) identified markers are located inside genes. These markers are located on chromosomes 8, 9, 7, 3, 5, and 1, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding)

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20 pages, 2764 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Genome-Wide Association Analysis Reveals Genetic Architecture and Candidate Genes Associated with Grain Yield and Other Traits under Low Soil Nitrogen in Early-Maturing White Quality Protein Maize Inbred Lines

by Olatunde A. Bhadmus, Baffour Badu-Apraku, Oyenike A. Adeyemo, Paterne A. Agre, Offornedo N. Queen and Adebayo L. Ogunkanmi

Genes 2022, 13(5), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13050826 - 5 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2683

Abstract

Maize production in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is constrained by the low nitrogen in the soils. The identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring tolerance to low soil nitrogen (low-N) is crucial for the successful breeding of high-yielding QPM maize genotypes under low-N conditions. The objective of this study was to identify QTLs significantly associated with grain yield and other low-N tolerance-related traits under low-N. The phenotypic data of 140 early-maturing white quality protein maize (QPM) inbred lines were evaluated under low-N. The inbred lines were genotyped using 49,185 DArTseq markers, from which 7599 markers were filtered for population structure analysis and genome-wide association study (GWAS). The inbred lines were grouped into two major clusters based on the population structure analysis. The GWAS identified 24, 3, 10, and 3 significant SNPs respectively associated with grain yield, stay-green characteristic, and plant and ear aspects, under low-N. Sixteen SNP markers were physically located in proximity to 32 putative genes associated with grain yield, stay-green characteristic, and plant and ear aspects. The putative genes GRMZM2G127139, GRMZM5G848945, GRMZM2G031331, GRMZM2G003493, GRMZM2G067964, GRMZM2G180254, on chromosomes 1, 2, 8, and 10 were involved in cellular nitrogen assimilation and biosynthesis, normal plant growth and development, nitrogen assimilation, and disease resistance. Following the validation of the markers, the putative candidate genes and SNPs could be used as genomic markers for marker-assisted selection, to facilitate genetic gains for low-N tolerance in maize production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding)

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17 pages, 2805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Two Contrasting Maize Hybrids’ Responses to Low Nitrogen Stress at the Twelve Leaf Stage and Function Verification of ZmTGA Gene

by Yafei Wang, Nan Wang, Songtao Liu, Anyi Dong, Tinashe Zenda, Xinyue Liu, Jiao Li and Huijun Duan

Genes 2022, 13(4), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13040670 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2438

Abstract

Nitrogen is one of the essential nutrients for plant growth and development. However, large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer not only increase the production costs, but also lead to serious environmental problems. Therefore, it is particularly important to reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizer and develop maize varieties with low nitrogen tolerance. The aim of this study was to determine the phenotypic and proteomic alterations of maize affected by nitrogen deficiency and to elucidate the molecular and physiological mechanisms underpinning maize tolerance to low nitrogen. Two maize hybrids with contrasting low nitrogen tolerance were used as the experimental materials. Maize plants were grown under different nitrogen application levels (N0 and N240) and proteomic analysis performed to analyze leaf differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) under different nitrogen conditions. The results showed that under the nitrogen deficiency condition, the nitrogen content, leaf dry weight, leaf area, and leaf area index of XY335 decreased by 15.58%, 8.83%, 3.44%, and 3.44%, respectively. However, in the variety HN138, the same parameters decreased by 56.94%, 11.97%, 8.79%, and 8.79%, respectively. Through proteomic analysis, we found that the low nitrogen tolerance variety responded to low nitrogen stress through lignin biosynthesis, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, and stress defense proteins. Transmembrane transporters were differentially expressed in both hybrids after low nitrogen treatment, suggesting that this was a common response to low nitrogen stress. Using bioinformatics analysis, we selected the key candidate gene (ZmTGA) that was assumed to respond to low nitrogen stress, and its function was characterized by maize mutants. The results showed that when compared with normal nitrogen treatment, the root length of the mutants under low nitrogen treatment increased by 10.1%, while that of the wild-type increased by 14.8%; the root surface area of the wild type under low nitrogen treatment increased by 9.6%, while that of the mutants decreased by 5.2%; the root surface area of the wild type was higher than that of the mutant at both nitrogen levels; and the activities of glutathione and guaiacol peroxidase enzymes in the mutant were lower than those in the wild-type under low nitrogen treatment. In summary, the mutant was less adaptable to a low nitrogen environment than the wild type. Our results provide maize genetic resources and a new direction for a further understanding of maize response to low nitrogen stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding)

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14 pages, 2209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Population Structure Analysis and Association Mapping for Turcicum Leaf Blight Resistance in Tropical Maize Using SSR Markers

by Bhupender Kumar, Mukesh Choudhary, Pardeep Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Sonu Kumar, Brijesh Kumar Singh, Chayanika Lahkar, Meenakshi, Pushpendra Kumar, Zahoor Ahmed Dar, Rakesh Devlash, Karambir Singh Hooda, Satish Kumar Guleria and Sujay Rakshit

Genes 2022, 13(4), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13040618 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2746

Abstract

Maize is an important cereal crop in the world for feed, food, fodder, and raw materials of industries. Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) is a major foliar disease that can cause more than 50% yield losses in maize. Considering this, the molecular diversity, population structure, and genome-wide association study (GWAS) for TLB resistance were studied in 288 diverse inbred lines genotyped using 89 polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. These lines werescreened for TLB disease at two hot-spot locations under artificially inoculated conditions. The average percent disease incidence (PDI) calculated for each genotype ranged from 17 (UMI 1201) to 78% (IML 12-22) with an overall mean of 40%. The numbers of alleles detected at a locus ranged from twoto nine, with a total of 388 alleles. The polymorphic information content (PIC) of each marker ranged between 0.04 and 0.86. Out of 89 markers, 47 markers were highly polymorphic (PIC ≥ 0.60). This indicated that the SSR markers used were very informative and suitable for genetic diversity, population structure, and marker-trait association studies.The overall observed homozygosity for highly polymorphic markers was 0.98, which indicated that lines used were genetically pure. Neighbor-joining clustering, factorial analysis, and population structure studies clustered the 288 lines into 3–5 groups. The patterns of grouping were in agreement with the origin and pedigree records of the genotypesto a greater extent.A total of 94.10% lines were successfully assigned to one or another group at a membership probability of ≥0.60. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed highly significant differences among populations and within individuals. Linkage disequilibrium for r² and D′ between loci ranged from 0 to 0.77 and 0 to 1, respectively. A marker trait association analysis carried out using a general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM), identified 15 SSRs markers significantly associated with TLB resistance.These 15 markers were located on almost all chromosomes (Chr) except 7, 8, and 9. The phenotypic variation explained by these loci ranged from 6% (umc1367) to 26% (nc130, phi085). Maximum 7 associated markers were located together on Chr 2 and 5. The selected regions identified on Chr 2 and 5 corroborated the previous studies carried out in the Indian maize germplasm. Further, 11 candidate genes were identified to be associated with significant markers. The identified sources for TLB resistance and associated markers may be utilized in molecular breeding for the development of suitable genotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding)

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15 pages, 2251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Architecture of Maize Stalk Diameter and Rind Penetrometer Resistance in a Recombinant Inbred Line Population

by Huanhuan Liu, Huan Wang, Cong Shao, Youle Han, Yonghui He and Zhitong Yin

Genes 2022, 13(4), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13040579 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2293

Abstract

Stalk lodging presents a major constraint on maize (Zea mays L.) quantity and quality and hampers mechanized grain harvesting. Stalk diameter (SD) and rind penetrometer resistance (RPR) are crucial indicators of stalk lodging. To dissect the genetic architecture of these indicators, we constructed a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between maize inbred lines LDC-1 and YS501 to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling SD and RPR. Corresponding phenotypes of basal second, third, and fourth internodes in four environments were determined. By integrating QTL mapping results based on individual environments and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values, we identified 12, 12, and 13 QTLs associated with SD and 17, 14, and 17 associated with RPR. Each QTL accounted for 3.83–21.72% of phenotypic variation. For SD-related QTLs, 30 of 37 were enriched in 12 QTL clusters; similarly, RPR-related QTLs had 38 of 48 enriched in 12 QTL clusters. The stable QTL qSD9-2 for SD on chromosome 9 was validated and delimited within a physical region of 9.97 Mb. Confidence intervals of RPR-related QTLs contained 169 genes involved in lignin and polysaccharide biosynthesis, with 12 of these less than 500 kb from the peak of the corresponding QTL. Our results deepen our understanding of the genetic mechanism of maize stalk strength and provide a basis for breeding lodging resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding)

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15 pages, 2575 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Dissection of Maize Drought Tolerance at the Flowering Stage Using Genome-Wide Association Studies

by Siffat Ullah Khan, Yanxiao Zheng, Zaid Chachar, Xuhuan Zhang, Guyi Zhou, Na Zong, Pengfei Leng and Jun Zhao

Genes 2022, 13(4), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13040564 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3519

Abstract

Drought is one of the most critical environmental factors constraining maize production. When it occurs at the flowering stage, serious yield losses are caused, and often, the damage is irretrievable. In this study, anthesis to silk interval (ASI), plant height (PH), and ear biomass at the silking date (EBM) of 279 inbred lines were studied under both water-stress (WS) and well-water (WW) field conditions, for three consecutive years. Averagely, ASI was extended by 25.96%, EBM was decreased by 17.54%, and the PH was reduced by 12.47% under drought stress. Genome-wide association studies were carried out using phenotypic values under WS, WW, and drought-tolerance index (WS-WW or WS/WW) and applying a mixed linear model that controls both population structure and relative kinship. In total, 71, 159, and 21 SNPs, located in 32, 59, and 12 genes, were significantly (P < 10⁻⁵) associated with ASI, EBM, and PH, respectively. Only a few overlapped candidate genes were found to be associated with the same drought-related traits under different environments, for example, ARABIDILLO 1, glycoprotein, Tic22-like, and zinc-finger family protein for ASI; 26S proteasome non-ATPase and pyridoxal phosphate transferase for EBM; 11-ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, uncharacterised, Leu-rich repeat protein kinase, and SF16 protein for PH. Furthermore, most candidate genes were revealed to be drought-responsive in an association panel. Meanwhile, the favourable alleles/key variations were identified with a haplotype analysis. These candidate genes and their key variations provide insight into the genetic basis of drought tolerance, especially for the female inflorescence, and will facilitate drought-tolerant maize breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding)

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18 pages, 2820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Profiling of Alternative Splicing and Gene Fusion during Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus Stress in Maize (Zea mays L.)

by Yu Zhou, Qing Lu, Jiayue Zhang, Simeng Zhang, Jianfeng Weng, Hong Di, Lin Zhang, Xin Li, Yuhang Liang, Ling Dong, Xing Zeng, Xianjun Liu, Pei Guo, Huilan Zhang, Xinhai Li and Zhenhua Wang

Genes 2022, 13(3), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13030456 - 2 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3352

Abstract

Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) causes maize rough dwarf disease (MRDD), which is a viral disease that significantly affects maize yields worldwide. Plants tolerate stress through transcriptional reprogramming at the alternative splicing (AS), transcriptional, and fusion gene (FG) levels. However, it is unclear whether and how AS and FG interfere with transcriptional reprogramming in MRDD. In this study, we performed global profiling of AS and FG on maize response to RBSDV and compared it with transcriptional changes. There are approximately 1.43 to 2.25 AS events per gene in maize infected with RBSDV. GRMZM2G438622 was only detected in four AS modes (A3SS, A5SS, RI, and SE), whereas GRMZM2G059392 showed downregulated expression and four AS events. A total of 106 and 176 FGs were detected at two time points, respectively, including six differentially expressed genes and five differentially spliced genes. The gene GRMZM2G076798 was the only FG that occurred at two time points and was involved in two FG events. Among these, 104 GOs were enriched, indicating that nodulin-, disease resistance-, and chloroplastic-related genes respond to RBSDV stress in maize. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying post-transcriptional and transcriptional regulation of maize response to RBSDV stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding)

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14 pages, 3049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Maize Necrotic Leaf Mutant Caused by Defect of Coproporphyrinogen III Oxidase in the Porphyrin Pathway

by Yan Zhao, Wei Xu, Lijing Wang, Shuai Han, Yongzhong Zhang, Qingzhi Liu, Baoshen Liu and Xiangyu Zhao

Genes 2022, 13(2), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13020272 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2888

Abstract

Lesion mimic mutants provide ideal genetic materials for elucidating the molecular mechanism of cell death and disease resistance. The maize necrotic leaf mutant (nec-t) is a recessive mutant with necrotic spots and yellow-green leaves. In this study, we found that nec-t was a light and temperature-dependent mutant. Map-based cloning and the allelic test revealed that nec-t was a novel allelic mutant of the Necrotic4 gene. Necrotic4 encodes the coproporphyrinogen III oxidase (CPX1), a key enzyme in the tetrapyrrole pathway, catalyzing coproporphyrinogen III oxidate to protoporphyrinogen IX. Subcellular localization showed that the necrotic4 protein was localized in the chloroplast. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis showed that the Necrotic4 mutation caused the enhanced chlorophyll degradation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) response. The mechanism of plant lesion formation induced by light and temperature is not clear. Our research provides a basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of necrosis initiation in maize. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding)

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14 pages, 2885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dissection of the Complex Transcription and Metabolism Regulation Networks Associated with Maize Resistance to Ustilago maydis

by Xinsen Ruan, Liang Ma, Yingying Zhang, Qing Wang and Xiquan Gao

Genes 2021, 12(11), 1789; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12111789 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3577

Abstract

The biotrophic fungal pathogen Ustilago maydis causes common smut in maize, forming tumors on all aerial organs, especially on reproductive organs, leading to significant reduction in yield and quality defects. Resistance to U. maydis is thought to be a quantitative trait, likely controlled by many minor gene effects. However, the genes and the underlying complex mechanisms for maize resistance to U. maydis remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we conducted comparative transcriptome and metabolome study using a pair of maize lines with contrast resistance to U. maydis post-infection. WGCNA of transcriptome profiling reveals that defense response, photosynthesis, and cell cycle are critical processes in maize response to U. maydis, and metabolism regulation of glycolysis, amino acids, phenylpropanoid, and reactive oxygen species are closely correlated with defense response. Metabolomic analysis supported that phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis was induced upon U. maydis infection, and an obviously higher content of shikimic acid, a key compound in glycolysis and aromatic amino acids biosynthesis pathways, was detected in resistant samples. Thus, we propose that complex gene co-expression and metabolism networks related to amino acids and ROS metabolism might contribute to the resistance to corn smut. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding)

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17 pages, 6995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ectopic Overexpression of Maize Heat Stress Transcription Factor ZmHsf05 Confers Drought Tolerance in Transgenic Rice

by Weina Si, Qizhi Liang, Li Chen, Feiyang Song, You Chen and Haiyang Jiang

Genes 2021, 12(10), 1568; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12101568 - 1 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2659

Abstract

Drought is a key factor affecting plant growth and development. Heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) have been reported to respond to diverse abiotic stresses, including drought stress. In the present study, functional characterization of maize heat shock transcription factor 05 (ZmHsf05) gene was conducted. Homologous analysis showed that ZmHsf05 belongs to Class A2 Hsfs. The mRNA expression level of ZmHsf05 can be affected by drought, high temperature, salt, and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. Ectopic overexpression of ZmHsf05 in rice (Oryza sativa) could significantly enhance the drought tolerance. Faced with drought stress, transgenic rice exhibited better phenotypic performance, higher survival rate, higher proline content, and lower leaf water loss rate, compared with wild-type plant Zhonghua11. Additionally, we assessed the agronomic traits of seven transgenic rice lines overexpressing ZmHsf05 and found that ZmHsf05 altered agronomical traits in the field trials. Moreover, rice overexpressing ZmHsf05 was more sensitive to ABA and had either a lower germination rate or shorter shoot length under ABA treatment. The transcription level of key genes in the ABA synthesis and drought-related pathway were significantly improved in transgenic rice after drought stress. Collectively, our results showed that ZmHsf05 could improve drought tolerance in rice, likely in an ABA-dependent manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maize Functional Genomics, Genetics and Breeding)

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