Natural variation in ZmNRT2.5 modulates husk leaf width and promotes seed protein content in maize.

The husk leaf of maize (Zea mays) encases the ear as a modified leaf and plays pivotal roles in protecting the ear from pathogen infection, translocating nutrition for grains and warranting grain yield. However, the natural genetic basis for variation in husk leaf width remains largely unexplored. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study for maize husk leaf width and identified a 3-bp InDel (insertion/deletion) in the coding region of the nitrate transporter gene ZmNRT2.

Genome-wide association study reveals the genetic architecture of root hair length in maize.

Background: Root hair, a special type of tubular-shaped cell, outgrows from root epidermal cell and plays important roles in the acquisition of nutrients and water, as well as interactions with biotic and abiotic stress. Although many genes involved in root hair development have been identified, genetic basis of natural variation in root hair growth has never been explored.

Results: Here, we utilized a maize association panel including 281 inbred lines with tropical, subtropical, and temperate origins to decipher the phenotypic diversity and genetic basis of root hair length.

Decrease in DNA methylation 1 (DDM1) is required for the formation of CHH islands in maize.

DNA methylation plays a crucial role in suppressing mobilization of transposable elements and regulation of gene expression. A number of studies have indicated that DNA methylation pathways and patterns exhibit distinct properties in different species, including Arabidopsis, rice, and maize. Here, we characterized the function of DDM1 in regulating genome-wide DNA methylation in maize.