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

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, Mieke Van Lijsebettens, Griet Coussens, Karin Ljung, Alex De Vliegher, Michael Muszynski, Dirk Inzé () and Hilde Nelissen
Additional contact information
Xiaohuan Sun: Department of Plant Systems Biology
James Cahill: Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University
Tom Van Hautegem: Department of Plant Systems Biology
Kim Feys: Department of Plant Systems Biology
Clinton Whipple: Department of Plant Systems Biology
Ondrej Novák: Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Palacký University
Sofie Delbare: Department of Plant Systems Biology
Charlot Versteele: Department of Plant Systems Biology
Kirin Demuynck: Department of Plant Systems Biology
Jolien De Block: Department of Plant Systems Biology
Veronique Storme: Department of Plant Systems Biology
Hannes Claeys: Department of Plant Systems Biology
Mieke Van Lijsebettens: Department of Plant Systems Biology
Griet Coussens: Department of Plant Systems Biology
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
Hilde Nelissen: Department of Plant Systems Biology

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14752

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