Natural polymorphisms in ZmIRX15A affect water-use efficiency by modulating stomatal density in maize.

ABSTRACT: Stomatal density (SD) is closely related to crop drought resistance. Understanding the genetic basis for natural variation in SD may facilitate efforts to improve water-use efficiency. Here, we report a genome-wide association study for SD in maize seedlings, which identified 18 genetic variants that could be resolved to seven candidate genes. A 3-bp insertion variant (InDel1089) in the last exon of Zea mays (Zm) IRX15A (Irregular xylem 15A) had the most significant association with SD and modulated the translation of ZmIRX15A mRNA by affecting its secondary structure. Dysfunction of ZmIRX15A increased SD, leading to an increase in the transpiration rate and CO₂ assimilation efficiency. ZmIRX15A encodes a xylan deposition enzyme and its disruption significantly decreased xylan a

SUBMITTER: Zhang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10651153 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature