Ovary abortion is prevalent in diverse maize inbred lines and is under genetic control.

ABSTRACT: Crop improvement programs focus on characteristics that are important for plant productivity. Typically genes underlying these traits are identified and stacked to create improved cultivars. Hence, identification of valuable traits for plant productivity is critical for plant improvement. Here we describe an important characteristic for maize productivity. Despite the fact mature maize ears are typically covered with kernels, we find that only a fraction of ovaries give rise to mature kernels. Non-developed ovaries degenerate while neighboring fertilized ovaries produce kernels that fill the ear. Abortion occurs throughout the ear, not just at the tip. We show that the fraction of aborted ovaries/kernels is genetically controlled and varies widely among maize lines, and low abortion genoty

SUBMITTER: Gustin JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6115450 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature