Population genomic analysis reveals key genetic variations and the driving force for embryonic callus induction capability in maize

Genetic transformation has been an effective technology for improving the agronomic traits of maize.However,it is highly reliant on the use of embryonic callus(EC)and shows a serious genotype dependence.In this study,we performed genomic sequencing for 80 core maize germplasms and constructed a high-density genomic variation map using our newly developed pipeline(MQ2Gpipe).Based on the induction rate of EC(REC),these inbred lines were categorized into three subpopulations.The low-REC germplasms displayed more abundant genetic diversity than the high-REC germplasms.By integrating a genome-wide selective signature screen and region-based association analysis,we revealed 95.23 Mb of selective regions and 43 REC-associated variants.These variants had phenotypic variance explained values ranging between 21.46 and 49.46%.In total,103 candidate genes were identified within the linkage disequilibrium regions of these REC-associated loci.These genes mainly participate in regulation of the cell cycle,regulation of cytokinesis,and other functions,among which MYB15 and EMB2745 were located within the previously reported QTL for EC induction.Numerous leaf area-associated variants with large effects were closely linked to several REC-related loci,implying a potential synergistic selection of REC and leaf size during modern maize breeding.

Genomics-assisted breeding——A revolutionary strategy for crop improvement

Food shortages arise more frequently owing to unpredictable crop yield losses caused by biotic and abiotic stresses. With advances in molecular biology and marker technology, a new era of molecular breeding has emerged that has greatly accelerated the pace of plant breeding. High-throughput genotyping technology and phenotyping platforms have enabled large-scale marker-trait association analysis, such as genome-wide association studies, to precisely dissect the genetic architecture of plant traits. Large-scale mapping of agronomically important quantitative trait loci, gene cloning and characterization, mining of elite alleles/haplotypes, exploitation of natural variations, and genomic selection have paved the way towards genomics-assisted breeding（GAB）. With the availability of more and more informative genomic datasets, GAB would become a promising technique to expedite the breeding cycle for crop improvement.

Association mapping for root system architecture traits under two nitrogen conditions in germplasm enhancement of maize doubled haploid lines

Root system architecture(RSA)contributes to nitrogen(N)uptake and utilization in maize.In this study,a germplasm enhancement of maize double haploid population of 226 lines genotyped with 61,634 SNPs was used to investigate the genetic basis of RSA under two N levels using a genome-wide association study(GWAS).GLM+PCA,FarmCPU,and MLM models were utilized to balance false positives and false negatives.In total,33 and 51 significant SNP-trait associations were detected under high and low N conditions,respectively.Under high N,SNP S9_2483543 was detected by all models.Linkage disequilibrium(LD)regions of some SNPs overlapped with the intervals of QTL for RSA and N response that were detected in previous studies.In particular,several known genes,Rtcs,Rtcl,Rtcl,and Ms44,were located in the LD regions of S1_9992325,S9_151726472,S9_154381179,and S4_197073985,respectively.Among the candidate genes identified by this study,GRMZM2G139811,GRMZM2G314898,GRMZM2G054050,GRMZM2G173682,GRMZM2G470914,GRMZM2G462325,GRMZM2G416184,and GRMZM2G064302 were involved in seedling,seed,and root system development or N metabolism in Arabidopsis or rice.The markers identified in this study can be used for marker-assisted selection of RSA traits to improve nitrogen use efficiency in maize breeding,and the candidate genes will contribute to further understanding of the genetic basis of RSA under diverse N conditions.

Molecular mechanisms controlling seed set in cereal crop species under stress and non-stress conditions

Maximizing seed yield is the ultimate breeding goal in important cereal crop species. Seed set is a key developmental stage in the process of seed formation, which determines grain number, seed mass, and realized yield potential, and can be severely affected by abiotic and biotic stresses. However, seed set can also be substantially reduced by genetic factors even under optimal fertilization conditions. The underlying molecular genetic mechanisms are still obscure. In this review, we elucidate the process of seed set of cereal crop species in detail, including development of floral structures, formation of viable gametes, double fertilization, seed development, and abortion. We discuss how genetic and non-genetic factors affect seed set in different development stages. Finally, we will propose novel strategies to study genetic mechanisms controlling seed set and exploit genetic resources to improve seed set in cereal crop species.

玉米单倍体育种技术研究进展与展望

从实际应用角度出发,综述了玉米单倍体育种技术的研究进展,特别是近15年来取得的成就;为继续突破技术瓶颈、不断完善提高该技术、促进玉米育种产业发展提供参考。依据目前取得的成就和技术发展趋势,对单倍体技术的未来发展前景进行了展望。

黑麦草漆酶编码基因片段的克隆与序列分析

黑麦草中木质素的结构、含量是决定其饲用品质的主要因素。漆酶是木质素生物合成中的关键酶之一,属于多铜氧化酶基因家族。根据报道的植物漆酶编码基因的氨基酸序列中铜离子结合域及N-端糖基化位点两个保守区设计4对引物,以黑麦草总DNA为模板,经PCR扩增、克隆、测序后得到3个有效序列,分别命名为Lac10-1、Lac8-1和Lac11-1。序列分析表明,3个基因片段的编码蛋白不仅含有保守的蓝铜氧化酶结合区域HAH和N-末端糖基化位点,而且分别与黄杨、黑麦草中分离的漆酶编码蛋白的氨基酸序列具有较高的同源性。因而,推断克隆到的3个基因片段是黑麦草漆酶基因家族的成员。