DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulatory mechanism,it regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor(s)to DNA.In this stu...DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulatory mechanism,it regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor(s)to DNA.In this study,a novel methyltransferase 2a gene(Zmet2a)was cloned in maize and identified by polymerase chain reaction-base(PCR-base)using a bioinformatics strategy.The Zmet2a cDNA sequence is 2739 bp long and translates to 912 amino acid peptides.The Zmet2a protein revealed that it contains BAH and CHROMO structural domains,is a non-transmembrane protein that is hydrophilically unstable,and has no signal peptide structure.Meanwhile,we verified the biological roles of Zmet2a using transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing Zmet2a and Zmet2a-knockout maize.Transgenic Zmet2a Arabidopsis thaliana showed highly significant advancement inflowering time,and Zmet2a-knockout maize showed advancement inflowering time,with significant changes in several traits.Altogether,these report the role of Zmet2a in the regulation offlowering time,which will lay a foundation for revealing the biological function and epigenetic regulation mechanism of Zmet2a in the growth,development andflowering of maize.展开更多
This study evaluated the genetic and agronomic parameter estimates of maize under different nitrogen rates. The trial was established at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre experimental site during 2021 and 2022 in...This study evaluated the genetic and agronomic parameter estimates of maize under different nitrogen rates. The trial was established at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre experimental site during 2021 and 2022 in a split block design with three maize varieties (IWCD2, 2009EVDT, and DMR-ESR-Yellow) and seven nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) rates. Findings showed that cob diameter and anthesis silking time (ASI) had intermediate heritability, ASI had high genetic advance, ASI and grain yield had high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), while traits with high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were plant height, ASI, grain yield, number of kernel per cob, number of kernel rows, ear length, and ear height. The PCV values were higher than GCV, indicating the influence of the environment in the studied traits. Nitrogen rates and variety significantly (p < 0.05) influenced grain yield production. Mean grain yields and economic parameter estimates increased with increasing nitrogen rates, with the 30 and 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> plots exhibiting the lowest and highest grain yields of 1238 kg∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> and 2098 kg∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>, respectively. Variety and nitrogen effects on partial factor productivity (PFP<sub>N</sub>), agronomic efficiency (AEN), net returns (NR), value cost ratio (VCR) and marginal return (MR) indicated that these parameters were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by these factors. The highest PFP<sub>N</sub> (41.3 kg grain kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>∙N) and AEN (29.4 kg grain kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>∙N) were obtained in the 30 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> plots, while the highest VCR (2.8) and MR (SLL 1.8 SLL<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> spent on N) were obtained in the 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>. The significant influence of variety and nitrogen on traits suggests that increasing yields and maximizing profits require use of appropriate nitrogen fertilization and improved farming practices that could be exploited for increased productivity of maize.展开更多
Maize growth and development are regulated by light quality,intensity and photoperiod.Cryptochromes are blue/ultraviolet-A light receptors involved in stem elongation,shade avoidance,and photoperiodic flowering.To inv...Maize growth and development are regulated by light quality,intensity and photoperiod.Cryptochromes are blue/ultraviolet-A light receptors involved in stem elongation,shade avoidance,and photoperiodic flowering.To investigate the function of cryptochrome 1(CRY1) in maize,where it is encoded by Zm CRY1,we obtained two Zm CRY1a genes(Zm CRY1a1 and Zm CRY1a2),both of which share the highest similarity with other gramineous plants,in particular rice CRY1a by phylogenetic analysis.In Arabidopsis,overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes promoted seedling de-etiolation under blue and white light,resulting in dwarfing of mature plants.In seedlings of the maize inbred line Zong 31(Zm CRY1aOE),overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes caused a reduction in the mesocotyl and first leaf sheath lengths due to down-regulation of genes influencing cell elongation.In mature transgenic maize plants,plant height,ear height,and internode length decreased in response to overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes.Expression of Zm CRY1a were insensitive to low blue light(LBL)-induced shade avoidance syndrome(SAS) in Arabidopsis and maize.This prompted us to investigate the regulatory role of the gibberellin and auxin metabolic pathways in the response of Zm CRY1a genes to LBL treatment.We confirmed a link between Zm CRY1a expression and hormonal influence on the growth and development of maize under LBL-induced SAS.These results reveal that Zm CRY1a has a relatively conservative function in regulating maize photomorphogenesis and may guide new strategies for breeding high density-tolerant maize cultivars.展开更多
Maize is susceptible to a number of diseases that can infect all plant organs and serve as a constraint on cereal production. The reduction in cereal production caused by disease is estimated at an average of 9.4%. Co...Maize is susceptible to a number of diseases that can infect all plant organs and serve as a constraint on cereal production. The reduction in cereal production caused by disease is estimated at an average of 9.4%. Corn root rot contributes greatly to the reduction in grain production and quality. The main objective of this work was to review the research on root rot in maize to determine the susceptibility of genotypes to root rot and to quantify the inheritance of resistance to root rot in maize. The methodology used was a complete 8 × 8 diallel design planted during the year 1999/2000. Root discoloration, plant length, root volume, effective volume and yield were the evaluated parameters. To analyze the data and determine the combinatorial abilities, genetic correlations, heritability and correlated response, diallel analysis was used. Eight parental lines;P28, I137TN, MP706, E739, MO17, B37, B73, and B14 were planted. The lines were crossed into each other, all combinations according to the complete diallel model (Model 1). The F1 was harvested after maturation. For statistical analysis, the version of the Agrobase program (2016) was used. Results show that F1 hybrids showed significant differences in root rot discoloration, plant height, root volume, effective root volume and yield. The P28 line and the B73XE739 cross had, respectively, the highest general and specific combinations. Root discoloration had the highest genetic correlation (r<sub>A</sub> = 0.47) with plant length. Broad and narrow heritability for root rot discoloration were, respectively, h<sup>2</sup> = 0.81 and h<sub>2</sub><sub> </sub>= 0.51. Root rot discoloration showed the highest correlated response (C<sub>R</sub> = 0.14) on plant length.展开更多
Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae ...Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the production and uptake of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium of maize (Zea mays L.) plants in central Benin. The trials were set up in a farming environment with thirty-four producers. The experimental design was composed of three treatments installed at 34 producers. Three growth parameters were evaluated on 60 ème days after sowing. Grain yield, nutritional status of maize plants and mycorrhization parameters were determined at harvest. The results showed that the Glomeraceae + 50% NPK (NPK: azote-phosphore-potassium)_Urea treatment improved the height, the crown diameter and the leaf area by 17.85%, 21.79% and 28.32% compared to the absolute control and by 0.41%, 1.11% and 1.46% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment, respectively. Similarly, grain yield improved by 45.87% with the use of Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea compared to the absolute control and by 3.96% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment. The Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea significantly improved the phosphorus and potassium uptake of maize plants. With respect to nitrogen uptake, no statistical difference was observed between treatments. The mycorrhizae strains used improved root infection in the maize plants. We recorded 66% frequency and 40.5% intensity of mycorrhization. The biostimulant based on indigenous Glomeraceae combined with 50% NPK_Urea can be used as a strategy to restore soil health and improve maize productivity in Benin.展开更多
A series of new cognitions on the morphogenesis of maize ( Zea mays L.) embryo have been obtained with scanning electron microscopy and semi-thin section techniques. 1. The proembryo. The proembryo from zygotic cell d...A series of new cognitions on the morphogenesis of maize ( Zea mays L.) embryo have been obtained with scanning electron microscopy and semi-thin section techniques. 1. The proembryo. The proembryo from zygotic cell divisions may be divided into three parts: proper, hypoblast and suspensor. The suspensor is short and small, and only exists transiently. As to the hypoblast there is a growth belt, which promotes elongation of the hypoblast. Eventually the upper portion of the hypoblast contributes to the formation of the coleorhiza and the remainder dries up, sticking to the end of the coleorhiza. 2. The maize embryo possesses dorsiventrality and cotyledon dimorphism. During early proembryo stage, the dorsiventrality appears in the proper of the embryo. On the ventral side, the cells are small with dense cytoplasm and few vacuoles. On the dorsal side, the cells are larger with lower cytoplasmic density and have more vacuoles. During later proembryo stage, the proper develops into two parts: the ventrum and the dorsurn. The ventrum rises up from the center of the ventral side. The dorsurn is composed of the marginal area of the ventral side and the whole dorsal side of the proper. During young embryo development, the ventrum differentiates into the coleoptile, apical meristem, hypocotyl, radicle and the main part of the coleorhiza. What is more important, the emergence of coleoptile primordium and radicular initials occur at the axis of the proper, then the coleoptile primordium expands from its two ends toward left and right to form a ring, and the endogenous radicular initials expand in all directions to form a conical radicular tip. All these morphogenetic activities of the ventrum follow a bilateral symmetrical pattern. The dorsurn forms the scutellum. primordium. Then the scutellum primordium, expands rapidly toward the left, right, front and back, while thickening itself, so as to make all components originating from the ventrum become hidden in the longitudinal groove of the scutellum. Lastly, the left and right lateral scales emerge from the edges of the longitudinal groove and expand toward the central line of the axis. As a consequence, morphologically, the bilateral symmetry of the ventral side of the embryo is revealed entirely. Morphogenetically, the coleoptile primordium and apical meristem in maize are similar to the coleoptile (apical cotyledon) and apex formation of the nice embryo, so the coleoptile of the maize embryo can also be considered as an apical cotyledon. The scutellum is a lateral cotyledon. These dimorphic cotyledons of the maize embryo originate from the dorsiventrality of the proper. 3. The true morphological structure of the maize embryo is recognized and its developmental stages are established. A maize embryo is a hypocotyl, in which the apical part is the shoot apex (or plumule) with the coleoptile, the central part consists mainly of the hypocotyl with a lateral cotyledon (scutellum), and the basal part is the radicle with coleorhiza. The left and right lateral scales derived from the scutellum overlap at the ventral side, leaving only two little pores at both ends of the seam from which the coleoptile and coleorhiza can be seen. The four sequential stages of maize embryonic development are as follows: (1) proembryo, stage. This stage covers a period from zygotic cell division to the appearance of the dorsum and ventrum. (2) ventrum rapid differentiation stage. (3) scutellum rapid expansion stage. (4) lateral scale development stage (or embryonic envelope formation stage). 4. To obtain a median longitudinal section perpendicular to the ventral surface is crucial for recognizing the genuine morphological structure of the maize embryo.展开更多
With light and electron microscopy the substructural change and the ATPase activity of corn (Zea mays L.) root cap cells after short-term osmotic stress were studied. Some spoke-like fine strands originating from the ...With light and electron microscopy the substructural change and the ATPase activity of corn (Zea mays L.) root cap cells after short-term osmotic stress were studied. Some spoke-like fine strands originating from the departed periplasm and stretching towards cell wall could be observed even after plasmolysis. By observing the precipitation of ATPase activity product (lead phosphate) at plasma membrane and plasmodesmata, it was found that the fine strands were plasma membrane-lined channels surrounding the cytoplasm and that they still firmly connected to the plasmodesmata during plasmolysis. Compared with the control (unstressed), a sharp decrease of ATPase activity in the plasmodesmata of the stressed cells was observed. Inhibition of energy metabolism in these limited locales would affect the physiological activity, maybe including the regulation of permeability and the change of size exclusion limit (SEL) of plasmodesmata.展开更多
基金supported by Jilin Province Science and Technology Development Program(20220202014NC)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(#31471565 and#31170259).
文摘DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulatory mechanism,it regulates gene expression by recruiting proteins involved in gene repression or by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor(s)to DNA.In this study,a novel methyltransferase 2a gene(Zmet2a)was cloned in maize and identified by polymerase chain reaction-base(PCR-base)using a bioinformatics strategy.The Zmet2a cDNA sequence is 2739 bp long and translates to 912 amino acid peptides.The Zmet2a protein revealed that it contains BAH and CHROMO structural domains,is a non-transmembrane protein that is hydrophilically unstable,and has no signal peptide structure.Meanwhile,we verified the biological roles of Zmet2a using transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing Zmet2a and Zmet2a-knockout maize.Transgenic Zmet2a Arabidopsis thaliana showed highly significant advancement inflowering time,and Zmet2a-knockout maize showed advancement inflowering time,with significant changes in several traits.Altogether,these report the role of Zmet2a in the regulation offlowering time,which will lay a foundation for revealing the biological function and epigenetic regulation mechanism of Zmet2a in the growth,development andflowering of maize.
文摘This study evaluated the genetic and agronomic parameter estimates of maize under different nitrogen rates. The trial was established at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre experimental site during 2021 and 2022 in a split block design with three maize varieties (IWCD2, 2009EVDT, and DMR-ESR-Yellow) and seven nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) rates. Findings showed that cob diameter and anthesis silking time (ASI) had intermediate heritability, ASI had high genetic advance, ASI and grain yield had high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), while traits with high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were plant height, ASI, grain yield, number of kernel per cob, number of kernel rows, ear length, and ear height. The PCV values were higher than GCV, indicating the influence of the environment in the studied traits. Nitrogen rates and variety significantly (p < 0.05) influenced grain yield production. Mean grain yields and economic parameter estimates increased with increasing nitrogen rates, with the 30 and 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> plots exhibiting the lowest and highest grain yields of 1238 kg∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> and 2098 kg∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>, respectively. Variety and nitrogen effects on partial factor productivity (PFP<sub>N</sub>), agronomic efficiency (AEN), net returns (NR), value cost ratio (VCR) and marginal return (MR) indicated that these parameters were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by these factors. The highest PFP<sub>N</sub> (41.3 kg grain kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>∙N) and AEN (29.4 kg grain kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>∙N) were obtained in the 30 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> plots, while the highest VCR (2.8) and MR (SLL 1.8 SLL<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> spent on N) were obtained in the 180 kg∙N∙ha<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>. The significant influence of variety and nitrogen on traits suggests that increasing yields and maximizing profits require use of appropriate nitrogen fertilization and improved farming practices that could be exploited for increased productivity of maize.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31871709)the Construction of Support System for National Agricultural Green Development Advance Region of Qushui County,Tibet,China (QYXTZX-LS2022-01)+1 种基金the Key Project of Beijing Natural Science Foundation (6151002)the Startup Grants of Henan Agricultural University (30501038,30500823)。
文摘Maize growth and development are regulated by light quality,intensity and photoperiod.Cryptochromes are blue/ultraviolet-A light receptors involved in stem elongation,shade avoidance,and photoperiodic flowering.To investigate the function of cryptochrome 1(CRY1) in maize,where it is encoded by Zm CRY1,we obtained two Zm CRY1a genes(Zm CRY1a1 and Zm CRY1a2),both of which share the highest similarity with other gramineous plants,in particular rice CRY1a by phylogenetic analysis.In Arabidopsis,overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes promoted seedling de-etiolation under blue and white light,resulting in dwarfing of mature plants.In seedlings of the maize inbred line Zong 31(Zm CRY1aOE),overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes caused a reduction in the mesocotyl and first leaf sheath lengths due to down-regulation of genes influencing cell elongation.In mature transgenic maize plants,plant height,ear height,and internode length decreased in response to overexpression of Zm CRY1a genes.Expression of Zm CRY1a were insensitive to low blue light(LBL)-induced shade avoidance syndrome(SAS) in Arabidopsis and maize.This prompted us to investigate the regulatory role of the gibberellin and auxin metabolic pathways in the response of Zm CRY1a genes to LBL treatment.We confirmed a link between Zm CRY1a expression and hormonal influence on the growth and development of maize under LBL-induced SAS.These results reveal that Zm CRY1a has a relatively conservative function in regulating maize photomorphogenesis and may guide new strategies for breeding high density-tolerant maize cultivars.
文摘Maize is susceptible to a number of diseases that can infect all plant organs and serve as a constraint on cereal production. The reduction in cereal production caused by disease is estimated at an average of 9.4%. Corn root rot contributes greatly to the reduction in grain production and quality. The main objective of this work was to review the research on root rot in maize to determine the susceptibility of genotypes to root rot and to quantify the inheritance of resistance to root rot in maize. The methodology used was a complete 8 × 8 diallel design planted during the year 1999/2000. Root discoloration, plant length, root volume, effective volume and yield were the evaluated parameters. To analyze the data and determine the combinatorial abilities, genetic correlations, heritability and correlated response, diallel analysis was used. Eight parental lines;P28, I137TN, MP706, E739, MO17, B37, B73, and B14 were planted. The lines were crossed into each other, all combinations according to the complete diallel model (Model 1). The F1 was harvested after maturation. For statistical analysis, the version of the Agrobase program (2016) was used. Results show that F1 hybrids showed significant differences in root rot discoloration, plant height, root volume, effective root volume and yield. The P28 line and the B73XE739 cross had, respectively, the highest general and specific combinations. Root discoloration had the highest genetic correlation (r<sub>A</sub> = 0.47) with plant length. Broad and narrow heritability for root rot discoloration were, respectively, h<sup>2</sup> = 0.81 and h<sub>2</sub><sub> </sub>= 0.51. Root rot discoloration showed the highest correlated response (C<sub>R</sub> = 0.14) on plant length.
文摘Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the production and uptake of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium of maize (Zea mays L.) plants in central Benin. The trials were set up in a farming environment with thirty-four producers. The experimental design was composed of three treatments installed at 34 producers. Three growth parameters were evaluated on 60 ème days after sowing. Grain yield, nutritional status of maize plants and mycorrhization parameters were determined at harvest. The results showed that the Glomeraceae + 50% NPK (NPK: azote-phosphore-potassium)_Urea treatment improved the height, the crown diameter and the leaf area by 17.85%, 21.79% and 28.32% compared to the absolute control and by 0.41%, 1.11% and 1.46% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment, respectively. Similarly, grain yield improved by 45.87% with the use of Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea compared to the absolute control and by 3.96% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment. The Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea significantly improved the phosphorus and potassium uptake of maize plants. With respect to nitrogen uptake, no statistical difference was observed between treatments. The mycorrhizae strains used improved root infection in the maize plants. We recorded 66% frequency and 40.5% intensity of mycorrhization. The biostimulant based on indigenous Glomeraceae combined with 50% NPK_Urea can be used as a strategy to restore soil health and improve maize productivity in Benin.
文摘A series of new cognitions on the morphogenesis of maize ( Zea mays L.) embryo have been obtained with scanning electron microscopy and semi-thin section techniques. 1. The proembryo. The proembryo from zygotic cell divisions may be divided into three parts: proper, hypoblast and suspensor. The suspensor is short and small, and only exists transiently. As to the hypoblast there is a growth belt, which promotes elongation of the hypoblast. Eventually the upper portion of the hypoblast contributes to the formation of the coleorhiza and the remainder dries up, sticking to the end of the coleorhiza. 2. The maize embryo possesses dorsiventrality and cotyledon dimorphism. During early proembryo stage, the dorsiventrality appears in the proper of the embryo. On the ventral side, the cells are small with dense cytoplasm and few vacuoles. On the dorsal side, the cells are larger with lower cytoplasmic density and have more vacuoles. During later proembryo stage, the proper develops into two parts: the ventrum and the dorsurn. The ventrum rises up from the center of the ventral side. The dorsurn is composed of the marginal area of the ventral side and the whole dorsal side of the proper. During young embryo development, the ventrum differentiates into the coleoptile, apical meristem, hypocotyl, radicle and the main part of the coleorhiza. What is more important, the emergence of coleoptile primordium and radicular initials occur at the axis of the proper, then the coleoptile primordium expands from its two ends toward left and right to form a ring, and the endogenous radicular initials expand in all directions to form a conical radicular tip. All these morphogenetic activities of the ventrum follow a bilateral symmetrical pattern. The dorsurn forms the scutellum. primordium. Then the scutellum primordium, expands rapidly toward the left, right, front and back, while thickening itself, so as to make all components originating from the ventrum become hidden in the longitudinal groove of the scutellum. Lastly, the left and right lateral scales emerge from the edges of the longitudinal groove and expand toward the central line of the axis. As a consequence, morphologically, the bilateral symmetry of the ventral side of the embryo is revealed entirely. Morphogenetically, the coleoptile primordium and apical meristem in maize are similar to the coleoptile (apical cotyledon) and apex formation of the nice embryo, so the coleoptile of the maize embryo can also be considered as an apical cotyledon. The scutellum is a lateral cotyledon. These dimorphic cotyledons of the maize embryo originate from the dorsiventrality of the proper. 3. The true morphological structure of the maize embryo is recognized and its developmental stages are established. A maize embryo is a hypocotyl, in which the apical part is the shoot apex (or plumule) with the coleoptile, the central part consists mainly of the hypocotyl with a lateral cotyledon (scutellum), and the basal part is the radicle with coleorhiza. The left and right lateral scales derived from the scutellum overlap at the ventral side, leaving only two little pores at both ends of the seam from which the coleoptile and coleorhiza can be seen. The four sequential stages of maize embryonic development are as follows: (1) proembryo, stage. This stage covers a period from zygotic cell division to the appearance of the dorsum and ventrum. (2) ventrum rapid differentiation stage. (3) scutellum rapid expansion stage. (4) lateral scale development stage (or embryonic envelope formation stage). 4. To obtain a median longitudinal section perpendicular to the ventral surface is crucial for recognizing the genuine morphological structure of the maize embryo.
基金Supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘With light and electron microscopy the substructural change and the ATPase activity of corn (Zea mays L.) root cap cells after short-term osmotic stress were studied. Some spoke-like fine strands originating from the departed periplasm and stretching towards cell wall could be observed even after plasmolysis. By observing the precipitation of ATPase activity product (lead phosphate) at plasma membrane and plasmodesmata, it was found that the fine strands were plasma membrane-lined channels surrounding the cytoplasm and that they still firmly connected to the plasmodesmata during plasmolysis. Compared with the control (unstressed), a sharp decrease of ATPase activity in the plasmodesmata of the stressed cells was observed. Inhibition of energy metabolism in these limited locales would affect the physiological activity, maybe including the regulation of permeability and the change of size exclusion limit (SEL) of plasmodesmata.