Genetic interaction network of quantitative trait genes for heading date in rice.

Several quantitative trait genes (QTGs) related to rice heading date, a key factor for crop development and yield, have been identified, along with complex interactions among genes. However, a comprehensive genetic interaction network for these QTGs has not yet been established. In this study, we use 18K-rice lines to identify QTGs and their epistatic interactions affecting rice heading date.

Phenotypic evolution of appearance quality and cooking and taste quality of hybrid rice over the past 40 years in China.

Since the inception of hybrid rice technology 50 years ago, it has not only substantially increased rice yield per unit area but also expedited the development of high-quality rice varieties. However, the evolutionary characteristics of hybrid rice quality remain unclear. To address this gap, it is imperative to leverage more representative and comprehensive hybrid rice resources to analyze phenotypic variation diversity and its primary genetic basis, thereby offering more efficient guidance for molecular breeding.

Natural variation of ZmLNG1 alters organ shapes in maize.

The development of a series of elite maize hybrids has greatly increased crop yield in the past decades. Parental lines of these hybrids usually come from different heterotic groups and contain many genetic differences. Identifications of important quantitative trait genes in the elite hybrids can extend our understanding of heterosis and also help to guide genetic improvement.

A quantitative genomics map of rice provides genetic insights and guides breeding.

Extensive allelic variation in agronomically important genes serves as the basis of rice breeding. Here, we present a comprehensive map of rice quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) and inferred QTN effects based on eight genome-wide association study cohorts. Population genetic analyses revealed that domestication, local adaptation and heterosis are all associated with QTN allele frequency changes.

Genome-wide identification of agronomically important genes in outcrossing crops using OutcrossSeq.

Many important crops (e.g., tuber, root, and tree crops) are cross-pollinating.

OsMS188 Is a Key Regulator of Tapetum Development and Sporopollenin Synthesis in Rice.

Background: During anther development, the tapetum provides essential nutrients and materials for pollen development. In rice, multiple transcription factors and enzymes essential for tapetum development and pollen wall formation have been cloned from male-sterile lines.

Results: In this study, we obtained several lines in which the MYB transcription factor OsMS188 was knocked out through the CRISPR-Cas9 approach.

The Regulation of Sporopollenin Biosynthesis Genes for Rapid Pollen Wall Formation.

Sporopollenin is the major component of the outer pollen wall (sexine). It is synthesized using a pathway of approximately eight genes in Arabidopsis (). MALE STERILITY188 (MS188) and its direct upstream regulator ABORTED MICROSPORES (AMS) are two transcription factors essential for tapetum development.