Molecular mechanisms controlling grain size and weight and their biotechnological breeding applications in maize and other cereal crops.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cereal crops are a primary energy source for humans. Grain size and weight affect both evolutionary fitness and grain yield of cereals. Although studies on gene mining and molecular mechanisms controlling grain size and weight are constantly emerging in cereal crops, only a few systematic reviews on the underlying molecular mechanisms and their breeding applications are available so far.

Aim of review

This review provides a general state-of-the-art overview of molecular mechanisms and targeted strategies for improving grain size and weight of cereals as well as insights for future yield-improving biotechnology-assisted breeding.

Key scientific concepts of review

In this review, the evolution of research on grain size and weight over the last 20 years is tra

SUBMITTER: Long Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11331183 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature