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Altered expression of maize PLASTOCHRON1 enhances biomass and seed yield by extending cell division duration

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaohuan Sun

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • James Cahill

    (Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University)

  • Tom Van Hautegem

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • Kim Feys

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • Clinton Whipple

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University
    Brigham Young University)

  • Ondrej Novák

    (Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Palacký University
    Institute of Experimental Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic)

  • Sofie Delbare

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • Charlot Versteele

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • Kirin Demuynck

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • Jolien De Block

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • Veronique Storme

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • Hannes Claeys

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • Mieke Van Lijsebettens

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • Griet Coussens

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • Karin Ljung

    (Umeå Plant Science Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)

  • Alex De Vliegher

    (Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO))

  • Michael Muszynski

    (Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University)

  • Dirk Inzé

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

  • Hilde Nelissen

    (Department of Plant Systems Biology
    Ghent University)

Abstract

Maize is the highest yielding cereal crop grown worldwide for grain or silage. Here, we show that modulating the expression of the maize PLASTOCHRON1 (ZmPLA1) gene, encoding a cytochrome P450 (CYP78A1), results in increased organ growth, seedling vigour, stover biomass and seed yield. The engineered trait is robust as it improves yield in an inbred as well as in a panel of hybrids, at several locations and over multiple seasons in the field. Transcriptome studies, hormone measurements and the expression of the auxin responsive DR5rev:mRFPer marker suggest that PLA1 may function through an increase in auxin. Detailed analysis of growth over time demonstrates that PLA1 stimulates the duration of leaf elongation by maintaining dividing cells in a proliferative, undifferentiated state for a longer period of time. The prolonged duration of growth also compensates for growth rate reduction caused by abiotic stresses.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaohuan Sun & James Cahill & Tom Van Hautegem & Kim Feys & Clinton Whipple & Ondrej Novák & Sofie Delbare & Charlot Versteele & Kirin Demuynck & Jolien De Block & Veronique Storme & Hannes Claeys & M, 2017. "Altered expression of maize PLASTOCHRON1 enhances biomass and seed yield by extending cell division duration," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms14752
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14752
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