Genomic introgressions from African rice (Oryza glaberrima) in Asian rice (O. sativa) lead to the identification of key QTLs for panicle architecture.

Background: Developing high yielding varieties is a major challenge for breeders tackling the challenges of climate change in agriculture. The panicle (inflorescence) architecture of rice is one of the key components of yield potential and displays high inter- and intra-specific variability. The genus Oryza features two different crop species: Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.

Micro-RNA-Regulated () Gene Expression and Cytokinin Accumulation Distinguish Early-Developing Male and Female Inflorescences in Oil Palm ().

Sexual differentiation of inflorescences and flowers is important for reproduction and affects crop plant productivity. We report here on a molecular study of the process of sexual differentiation in the immature inflorescence of oil palm (). This species is monoecious and exhibits gender diphasy, producing male and female inflorescences separately on the same plant in alternation.

Functional Diversification of Genes in Panicle Architecture Determination.

Grain yield, which is one of the most important traits in rice breeding, is controlled in part by panicle branching patterns. Numerous genes involved in the control of panicle architecture have been identified through mutant and QTL characterization. Previous studies suggested the importance of several AP2/ERF transcription factor-encoding genes in the control of panicle development, including the () genes.

Redox-related gene expression and sugar accumulation patterns are altered in the edible inflorescence produced by the cultivated form of pacaya palm (Chamaedorea tepejilote).

Background And Aims: The pacaya palm is a dioecious neotropical palm species that is exploited in Latin America for its male inflorescence, which is edible when immature. It is cultivated, in a non-intensive manner, in Guatemala, where a morphotype occurs that produces much larger, more highly branched inflorescences compared with wild palms. We sought to identify molecular factors underlying this phenotypic divergence, which is likely to be a product of domestication.

Palm seed and fruit lipid composition: phylogenetic and ecological perspectives.

Background And Aims: Palms are vital to worldwide human nutrition, in particular as major sources of vegetable oils. However, our knowledge of seed and fruit lipid diversity in the family Arecaceae is limited. We therefore aimed to explore relationships between seed and fruit lipid content, fatty acid composition in the respective tissues, phylogenetic factors and biogeographical parameters.