ZmL75 is required for colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and for saline-alkali tolerance in maize.

Saline-alkali soil severely reduces the productivity of crops, including maize (Zea mays). Although several genes associated with saline-alkali tolerance have been identified in maize, the underlying regulatory mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report a direct link between colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and saline-alkali tolerance in maize.

Isolation and Functional Characterization of a Constitutive Promoter in Upland Cotton ( L.).

Multiple cis-acting elements are present in promoter sequences that play critical regulatory roles in gene transcription and expression. In this study, we isolated the cotton (Fiddlehead) gene promoter (pGhFDH) using a real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) expression analysis and performed a cis-acting elements prediction analysis. The plant expression vector pGhFDH::GUS was constructed using the Gateway approach and was used for the genetic transformation of and upland cotton plants to obtain transgenic lines.

A novel hybrid seed production technology based on a unilateral cross-incompatibility gene in maize.

Hybrid seed production technology (SPT) using genic recessive male sterility is of great importance in maize breeding. Here, we report a novel SPT based on a maize unilateral cross-incompatibility gene ZmGa1F with an extremely low transgene transmission rate (TTR). Proper pollen-specific ZmGa1F expression severely inhibits pollen tube growth leading to no fertilization.

A pair of non-Mendelian genes at the Ga2 locus confer unilateral cross-incompatibility in maize.

Maize unilateral cross-incompatibility (UCI) that causes non-Mendelian segregation ratios has been documented for more than a century. Ga1, Ga2, and Tcb1 are three major UCI systems, described but not fully understood. Here, we report comprehensive genetic studies on the Ga2 locus and map-based cloning of the tightly linked male determinant ZmGa2P and female determinant ZmGa2F that govern pollen-silk compatibility among different maize genotypes.

EAR APICAL DEGENERATION1 regulates maize ear development by maintaining malate supply for apical inflorescence.

Ear length (EL) is a key trait that contributes greatly to grain yield in maize (Zea mays). While numerous quantitative trait loci for EL have been identified, few causal genes have been studied in detail. Here we report the characterization of ear apical degeneration1 (ead1) exhibiting strikingly shorter ears and the map-based cloning of the casual gene EAD1.

Characterization and Activity Analyses of the Promoter in .

Flowering transition is a crucial development process in cotton ( L.), and the flowering time is closely correlated with the timing of () expression. However, the mechanism underlying the coordination of various -regulatory elements in the promoter of cotton has not been determined.

A PECTIN METHYLESTERASE gene at the maize Ga1 locus confers male function in unilateral cross-incompatibility.

Unilateral cross-incompatibility (UCI) is a unidirectional inter/intra-population reproductive barrier when both parents are self-compatible. Maize Gametophyte factor1 (Ga1) is an intraspecific UCI system and has been utilized in breeding. However, the mechanism underlying maize UCI specificity has remained mysterious for decades.

Identification and characterization of CONSTANS-like (COL) gene family in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

The CONSTANS/FLOWERING LOCUS T (CO/FT) regulon plays a central role in the control of flowering time in photoperiod-sensitive plants. Flowering time in wild cotton (Gossypium spp.) has strict photoperiod sensitivity, but domesticated cotton is day-neutral.