Elite,transformable haploid inducers in maize

The introduction of alleles into commercial crop breeding pipelines is both time consuming and costly.Two technologies that are disrupting traditional breeding processes are doubled haploid(DH)breeding and genome editing(GE).Recently,these techniques were combined into a GE trait delivery system called HI-Edit(Haploid Inducer-Edit).In HI-Edit,the pollen of a haploid inducer line is reprogrammed to deliver GE traits to any variety,obviating recurrent selection.For HI-Edit to operate at scale,an efficient transformable HI line is needed,but most maize varieties are recalcitrant to transformation,and haploid inducers are especially difficult to transform given their aberrant reproductive behaviors.Leveraging marker assisted selection and a three-tiered testing scheme,we report the development of new Iodent and Stiff Stalk maize germplasm that are transformable,have high haploid induction rates,and exhibit a robust,genetically-dominant anthocyanin native trait that may be used for rapid haploid identification.We show that transformation of these elite‘‘HI-Edit”lines is enhanced using the BABYBOOM and WUSCHEL morphogenetic factors.Finally,we evaluate the HI-Edit performance of one of the lines against both Stiff Stalk and non-Stiff Stalk testers.The strategy and results of this study should facilitate the development of commercially scalable HI-Edit systems in diverse crops.

Genetic and Agronomic Parameter Estimates of Growth, Yield and Related Traits of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Different Rates of Nitrogen Fertilization

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−1) 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−1 plots exhibiting the lowest and highest grain yields of 1238 kg∙ha−1 and 2098 kg∙ha−1, respectively. Variety and nitrogen effects on partial factor productivity (PFPN), 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 PFPN (41.3 kg grain kg−1∙N) and AEN (29.4 kg grain kg−1∙N) were obtained in the 30 kg∙N∙ha−1 plots, while the highest VCR (2.8) and MR (SLL 1.8 SLL−1 spent on N) were obtained in the 180 kg∙N∙ha−1. 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.

Seasonal Dynamic of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Maize Crop in the Sub-Sudanese Zone of Côte d’Ivoire

In Côte d’Ivoire, maize (Zea mays L) is the second most cultivated cereal after rice. Since the first report of Spodoptera frugiperda in Côte d’Ivoire, maize production in the northern regions has been affected resulting in maize production losses. This study aims to study the seasonal dynamic of Spodoptera frugiperda in maize fields in the sub-Sudanese zone, main zone of maize cultivation in Côte d’Ivoire. The study was done using pheromone trap lures. The results revealed a variation in the moth population at various growth stages during rainy and dry seasons. Notably, the highest numbers of moths were consistently trapped during the whorl stage with counts ranging from 131 ± 35.7 during the rainy season to 70.6 ± 15.01 in the dry season. The lowest numbers of moths were observed during pod maturation, with counts ranging from 30.3 ± 13.05 during the rainy season to 11.7 ± 3.05 in the dry season. Between the 7th and 21st days after sowing, the count of moths displayed a consistent upward trajectory, reaching 188 moths during the rainy season. The damages were particularly observed at whorl stage. The relationship between the numbers of moths and some climatic variables revealed a negative correlation between moths numbers and rainfall (r= −0.44) and relative humidity (r= −0.684). In contrast, there were positive relationships with temperature (r = 0.16), highlighting the significant impact of temperature changes on moth population dynamics. The research highlights the need for integrated pest management strategies that consider climatic factors and growth stages of maize to mitigate the impact of this insect pest on maize.

Changes in grain-filling characteristics of single-cross maize hybrids released in China from 1964 to 2014

Grain filling is the physiological process for determining the obtainment of yield in cereal crops.The grain-filling characteristics of 50 maize brand hybrids released from 1964 to 2014 in China were assayed across multiple environments.We found that the grain-filling duration(54.46%)and rate(43.40%)at the effective grain-filling phase greatly contributed to the final performance parameter of 100-kernel weight(HKW).Meanwhile,along with the significant increase in HKW,the accumulated growing degree days(GDDs)for the actual grain-filling period duration(AFPD)among the selected brand hybrids released from the 1960s to the 2010s in China had a decadal increase of 23.41℃ d.However,there was a decadal increase of only 19.76℃ d for GDDs of the days from sowing to physiological maturity(DPM),which was also demonstrated by a continuous decrease in the ratio between the days from sowing to silking(DS)and DPM(i.e.,from 53.24%in the 1960s to 49.78%in the 2010s).In contrast,there were no significant changes in grain-filling rate along with the release years of the selected hybrids.Moreover,the stability of grain-filling characteristics across environments also significantly increased along with the hybrid release years.We also found that the exotic hybrids showed a longer grain-filling duration at the effective grain-filling phase and more stability of the grain-filling characteristics than those of the Chinese local hybrids.According to the results of this study,it is expected that the relatively longer grain-filling duration,shorter DS,higher grain-filling rate,and steady grain-filling characteristics would contribute to the yield improvement of maize hybrids in the future.

GA Associated Dwarf 5 encodes an ent-kaurenoic acid oxidase required for maize gibberellin biosynthesis and morphogenesis

Gibberellin(GA)functions in plant growth and development.However,genes involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of GA in crop plants are poorly understood.We isolated the mutant gad5-1(GAAssociated Dwarf 5),characterized by dwarfing,short internodes,and dark green and short leaves.Map-based gene cloning and allelic verification confirmed that ZmGAD5 encodes ent-kaurenoic acid oxidase(KAO),which catalyzes KA(ent-kaurenoic acid)to GA12 conversion during GA biosynthesis in maize.ZmGAD5 is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and is present in multiple maize organs.In gad5-1,the expression of ZmGAD5 is severely reduced,and the levels of the direct substrate of KAO,KA,is increased,leading to a reduction in GA content.The abnormal phenotype of gad5-1 was restored by exogenous application of GA3.The biomass,plant height,and levels of GA12 and GA3 in transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing ZmGAD5 were increased in comparison with the corresponding controls Col-0.These findings deepen our understanding of genes involved in GA biosynthesis,and could lead to the development of maize lines with improved architecture and higher planting-density tolerance.

Responses of photosynthetic characteristics and leaf senescence in summer maize to simultaneous stresses of waterlogging and shading

A field experiment was performed to investigate the physiological mechanism of the simultaneous stresses of waterlogging and shading on leaf photosynthetic and senescence during three growth stages of summer maize.The responses of leaf gas exchange parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities of the summer maize hybrids Denghai 605(DH605)to waterlogging(W),shading(S),and their combination(W+S)for 6 days at the third leaf stage(V3),the sixth leaf stage(V6),and the tasseling stage(VT)were recorded.Shading,waterlogging,and their combination disturbed the activities of protective enzymes and increased the contents of H2O2and O-2,accelerating leaf senescence and disordering photosynthetic characteristics.Under waterlogging,shading and their combination,leaf Pn,the photo-assimilates and grain yield was decreased.The greatest reduction for waterlogging and the combined stresses occurred at V3 and that for shading stress occurred at VT.The individual and combined stresses reduced the activities of protective enzymes and inhibited photosynthesis,reducing the accumulation of photosynthetic compounds and thereby yield.Waterlogging and the combined stresses at the V3 stage showed the greatest effect on leaf photosynthetic and senescence,followed by the V6 and VT stages.The greatest effect for shading stress occurred at VT,followed by the V6 and V3 stages,and the combined influence of shading and waterlogging was greater than that of either single stress.

Maize cryptochromes 1a1 and 1a2 promote seedling photomorphogenesis and shade resistance in Zea mays and Arabidopsis

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.

A peptide chain release factor 2a gene regulates maize kernel development by modulating mitochondrial function

Mitochondrial protein translation that is essential for aerobic energy production includes four essential steps of the mitochondrial ribosome cycle,namely,initiation,elongation,termination of the polypeptide,and ribosome recycling.Translation termination initiates when a stop codon enters the A site of the mitochondrial ribosome where it is recognized by a dedicated peptide release factor(RF).However,RFs and mechanisms involved in translation in plant mitochondria,especially in monocotyledons,remain largely unknown.Here,we identified a crumpled kernel(crk5 allele)mutant,with significantly decreased kernel size,100-kernel weight,and an embryo-lethal phenotype.The Crk5 allele was isolated using map-based cloning and found to encode a mitochondrial localization RF2a.As it is an ortholog of Arabidopsis mitochondrial RF2a,we named the gene ZmmtRF2a.ZmmtRF2a is missing the 5th–7th exons in the crk5 resulting in deletion of domains containing motifs GGQ and SPF that are essential for release activity of RF,mitochondrial ribosome binding,and stop codon recognition.Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses indicate that the crk5 mutation results in abnormal mitochondrion structure and function.Intriguingly,we observed a feedback loop in the crk5 with up-regulated transcript levels detected for several mitochondrial ribosome and mitochondrial-related components,in particular mitochondrial complexes CI,CIV,and a ribosome assembly related PPR.Together,our data support a crucial role for ZmmtRF2a in regulation of mitochondrial structure and function in maize.

Increasing Fusarium verticillioides resistance in maize by genomicsassisted breeding:Methods,progress,and prospects

Maize(Zea mays L.)is an indispensable crop worldwide for food,feed,and bioenergy production.Fusarium verticillioides(F.verticillioides)is a widely distributed phytopathogen and incites multiple destructive diseases in maize:seedling blight,stalk rot,ear rot,and seed rot.As a soil-,seed-,and airborne pathogen,F.verticillioides can survive in soil or plant residue and systemically infect maize via roots,contaminated seed,silks,or external wounds,posing a severe threat to maize production and quality.Infection triggers complex immune responses:induction of defense-response genes,changes in reactive oxygen species,plant hormone levels and oxylipins,and alterations in secondary metabolites such as flavonoids,phenylpropanoids,phenolic compounds,and benzoxazinoid defense compounds.Breeding resistant maize cultivars is the preferred approach to reducing F.verticillioides infection and mycotoxin contamination.Reliable phenotyping systems are prerequisites for elucidating the genetic structure and molecular mechanism of maize resistance to F.verticillioides.Although many F.verticillioides resistance genes have been identified by genome-wide association study,linkage analysis,bulkedsegregant analysis,and various omics technologies,few have been functionally validated and applied in molecular breeding.This review summarizes research progress on the infection cycle of F.verticillioides in maize,phenotyping evaluation systems for F.verticillioides resistance,quantitative trait loci and genes associated with F.verticillioides resistance,and molecular mechanisms underlying maize defense against F.verticillioides,and discusses potential avenues for molecular design breeding to improve maize resistance to F.verticillioides.

Identification and Characterization of ZF-HD Genes in Response to Abscisic Acid and Abiotic Stresses in Maize

The zinc finger homeodomain(ZF-HD)genes belong to the homeobox gene family,playing critical roles in flower development and stress response.Despite their importance,however,to date there has been no genome-wide identification and characterization of the ZF-HD genes that are probably involved in stress responses in maize.In this study,24 ZF-HD genes were identified,and their chromosomal locations,protein properties,duplication patterns,structures,conserved motifs and expression patterns were investigated.The results revealed that the ZF-HD genes are unevenly distributed on nine chromosomes and that most of these genes lack introns.Six and two ZF-HD genes have undergone segmental and tandem duplication,respectively,during genome expansion.These 24 ZF-HD transcription factors were classified into six major groups on the basis of protein molecular evolutionary relationship.The expression profiles of these genes in different tissues were evaluated,resulting in producing two distinct clusters.ZF-HD genes are preferentially expressed in reproductive tissues.Furthermore,expression profiles of the 24 ZF-HD genes in response to different kinds of stresses revealed that ten genes were simultaneously up-regulated under ABA,salt and PEG treatments;meanwhile four genes were simultaneously down-regulated.These findings will pave the way for deciphering the function and mechanism of ZF-HD genes on how to implicate in abiotic stress.

Determination and Quantification of Susceptibility of Heritance Resistance to Root Rot of Eight Commercial Genotypes of Maize (Zea mays L.)

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 (rA = 0.47) with plant length. Broad and narrow heritability for root rot discoloration were, respectively, h2 = 0.81 and h2 = 0.51. Root rot discoloration showed the highest correlated response (CR = 0.14) on plant length.

Use of the Biostimulant Based on the Mycorrhizae Consortium of the Glomeraceae Family in the Field to Improve the Production and Nutritional Status of Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants in Central Benin

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.

血栓心脉宁片通过调控TGF-β_(1)和Runx2表达抑制血管平滑肌细胞钙化的研究

目的探讨血栓心脉宁片是否可通过调控转化生长因子β_(1)(TGF-β_(1))和Runt相关转录因子2(Runx2)表达抑制血管平滑肌细胞的钙化。方法取对数生长期大鼠血管平滑肌细胞,实验分为5组:阴性组细胞加入DMEM培养液培养;钙化组加入β-磷酸甘油(β-GP)作用24 h诱导血管平滑肌细胞钙化;血栓心脉宁低、中、高剂量组先分别加入125 mg/L、250 mg/L、500 mg/L的血栓心脉宁片培养24 h后再给予β-GP作用24 h。采用CCK-8法检测各组细胞活力,酶标仪检测各组细胞中钙含量、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性及TGF-β_(1)含量,Western blot法检测细胞中Runx2蛋白表达情况。结果与阴性组比较,钙化组细胞活力明显下降(P<0.05),细胞中钙含量、ALP活性、TGF-β_(1)含量及Runx2蛋白相对表达量均明显升高(P均<0.05);与钙化组比较,血栓心脉宁各组细胞活力均明显提高(P均<0.05),细胞中钙含量、ALP活性、TGF-β_(1)含量及Runx2蛋白相对表达量均明显降低(P均<0.05),且各指标均呈浓度依赖性变化。结论血栓心脉宁片可能通过调控TGF-β_(1)和Runx2的表达,抑制大鼠血管平滑肌细胞的钙化。

玉米骨干自交系弯孢叶斑病抗性鉴定

玉米弯孢菌叶斑病是我国玉米生产中的主要病害之一,严重危害玉米的叶片、叶鞘和苞叶,影响产量和质量。对80份玉米骨干自交系进行了抗性鉴定,发现大部分常用的自交系易受病害影响,而一些引进的自交系则表现出较高的抗病性。在沈阳鉴定病圃中,25%的供试材料表现为抗病或高度抗病,而41%的供试材料表现为感病或高度感病。27%的供试材料在阜新鉴定病圃中表现为抗病或高度抗病,而49%的供试材料表现为感病或高度感病。L269在两地均表现出高度抗病性,而C167-1、浚9058、自330、黄早四、郑58和A3则在两个地方都表现出高度的感病性。鉴定结果对进一步发掘抗性种质资源、揭示玉米抗弯孢叶斑病的遗传机制和培育优良抗病自交系具有重要意义。

五四时期《资本论》传播力建构的翻译赞助之道

五四时期,《资本论》在中国的传播实现了前所未有的成功,从而进入了中国政治思想文化的中心,有力助推了中国革命的新民主主义转向。五四时期《资本论》传播力建构的成功,得益于五四精英多元互补的翻译赞助策略。通过赞助推出简明的阐释性文本强化《资本论》学理的易解性,在《新青年》等报刊刊文介绍、评论与节译强化传播广度,筹划马克思主义研究会等社团的译介与研究活动、演讲、授课及与进步力量积极互动强化传播深度和力度,五四精英有力赞助了《资本论》的中国传播。五四时期《资本论》传播力建构的翻译赞助之道对当前中国化马克思主义著作的国际传播力建构极具现实启示意义。

从晚清到五四:外国文学翻译走向现代之路

五四时期的外国文学翻译盛况空前,任淑坤《五四时期外国文学翻译的言说与实践》一书研究视角切中该时期多维的翻译言说与实践关系,披沙拣金,突破五四时期翻译史研究以言说为依据、默认翻译实践与言说一致的模式,使言说与实践的多维关系从隐身走向现形。一则见解高卓,从宏观视角对五四时期的译本作系统和整体考察;再则其探骊得珠,以《新青年》为典例,从微观角度探究五四时期大量外国文学作品传入盛况。引而申之,触类而长,其研究对当今中国文学走出去极具借鉴意义。

“两个结合”视域下五四时期阶级斗争思想传播力建构研究

阶级斗争思想是五四时期中国进步知识分子借以确立无产阶级革命信仰并改变中国革命进程的经典理论之一。陈独秀等五四精英将阶级斗争思想作为新民主主义革命的武器进行传播时,并非机械而教条地照本宣科,而是结合农民阶级在中国革命事业中举足轻重、中国反对帝国主义压迫及大同思想等传统文化根深蒂固的实际,对阶级斗争理论进行了顺应性调适。同中国具体阶级状况的实际和大同思想的结合,有力助推了阶级斗争思想在中国空前成功的传播。五四时期阶级斗争思想传播力建构中的两个结合,对当下中国化马克思主义著作的国际传播力建构颇具现实启示意义。

孙犁散文的文学性追求

孙犁曾尝试多种散文文体的写作,努力开拓散文的文学性空间,成为现代散文史上出类拔萃的“散文文体家”。孙犁的文学散文继承了五四散文的自叙传传统,以突出的个性闻名于世,在日常生活的书写中,追求“真情”“真相”,不惧外部纷扰,体现对现实生活的真诚拥抱和对人生丰富而深切的理解。孙犁还是出色的散文理论家,其散文理论和写作实践呈现双向互动关系。他在五四以来散文思潮背景下思考散文写作和发展问题,在中国古代传统和五四文学传统的整合中,为我们勾勒了散文文学性的基本特征。孙犁六十年的散文活动,体现了他接续传统的自觉,文体创新的自觉,理论建设的自觉,成就了他在中国现代散文史中的不朽地位。

干旱条件下玉米转座子插入关联的表观调控分析

【目的】干旱是全球范围影响玉米生产的最主要胁迫因素之一。解析抗旱性的遗传基础与分子机制为玉米的抗旱改良提供依据。【方法】利用代表性玉米自交系,以叶片相对含水量和散粉-吐丝间隔为指标开展田间抗旱性精准鉴定。筛选2个抗旱性极端差异的自交系,开展基因组重测序分析和转座子插入鉴定;利用全基因组重亚硫酸盐测序(WGBS)方法分析不同水分处理下叶片和根系组织的DNA甲基化水平;同时利用转录组测序方法对相同样品的基因表达进行分析;通过比较分析获得2个材料间的转座子插入缺失变异、差异甲基化区域和差异表达基因,并综合分析这三者间的相关关系。针对前期克隆的玉米抗旱基因ZCN7,分析该基因区域转座子插入缺失变异介导的DNA甲基化和基因表达变化情况。【结果】在田间干旱处理下,自交系H082183的叶片相对含水量和散粉-吐丝间隔均与正常处理没有显著差异,而旅28在所有试验材料中表现最低的叶片相对含水量和最大的散粉-吐丝间隔。利用H082183和旅28这两个抗旱性极端差异的玉米自交系开展基因组重测序和转座子插入分析,分别检测到333754和333296个转座子插入,其中,有89954个转座子插入在2个自交系间具有多态性。基因组DNA甲基化分析表明,转座子、内含子和启动子区域较外显子和非编码区呈现较高的CG和CHG甲基化水平,经差异甲基化分析,在2个自交系间共检测到41352个差异甲基化区域,其中60%的差异甲基化区域位于转座子插入缺失变异的上下游5 kb范围内。基因表达水平与基因的CG和CHG甲基化水平负相关,在2个自交系干旱下的叶片和根系中分别鉴定到4196和3500个差异表达基因,其中19.5%和19.7%与差异甲基化区域关联。通过对抗旱相关基因ZCN7的研究,发现该基因34 kb区间内的3个LTR类转座子插入,造成自交系旅28在干旱和正常处理下的CG和CHG甲基化显著高于抗旱自交系H082183,并且H082183中ZCN7表达量也显著高于旅28。【结论】揭示了转座子介导的表观遗传调控在玉米响应干旱胁迫中的重要作用,进一步扩展了转座子变异和DNA甲基化调控抗旱基因ZCN7表达的分子机制。

玉米籽粒发育突变体emp35的表型分析与基因定位

为解析玉米籽粒形成的遗传基础,探究Emp35基因在玉米籽粒发育中的作用,对籽粒缺陷突变体empty pericarp35(emp35)进行表型鉴定、胚乳细胞显微观察、胚乳贮藏物质含量测定及图位克隆。结果显示:突变体籽粒发育缓慢,明显小于同期发育的正常籽粒,成熟籽粒干瘪呈空皮状;胚乳细胞显微观察发现emp35的胚和胚乳发育严重滞后,胚乳细胞中线粒体结构异常;淀粉和蛋白质积累减少;F_(2)代分离果穗上正常籽粒与发育缺陷籽粒呈3∶1分离,表明籽粒缺陷表型由单个隐性核基因突变所致。采用集团分离分析法(bulked segregant analysis,BSA)将Emp35定位于第8染色体127.90~163.36 Mb区间,在该区间内开发了4个InDel标记,连锁作图将Emp35精细定位于139571117~146176858区间。