zma-miR159 targets ZmMYB74 and ZmMYB138 transcription factors to regulate grain size and weight in maize.

Endosperm cell number is critical in determining grain size in maize (Zea mays). Here, zma-miR159 overexpression led to enlarged grains in independent transgenic lines, suggesting that zma-miR159 contributes positively to maize grain size. Targeting of ZmMYB74 and ZmMYB138 transcription factor genes by zma-miR159 was validated using 5' RACE and dual-luciferase assay.

Dynamic patterns of gene expression and regulatory variation in the maize seed coat.

Background: Seed size is an important factor contributing to maize yield, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. The seed coat, which serves as one of the three components of the maize grain, determines seed size to a certain extent. The seed coat also shares the maternal genotype and is an ideal material for studying heterosis.

Comparative transcriptomics analysis at the key stage of maize ear development dissect heterosis.

Important traits related to maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield, such as kernel row number, ear length, kernel number per row, are determined during the development of female inflorescence. There is a significant positive correlation between yield component and the activity of inflorescence meristem (IM).

Suppression of microRNA168 enhances salt tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Background: Rice is a salt-sensitive crop. Complex gene regulatory cascades are likely involved in salinity stress in rice roots. microRNA168 (miR168) is a conserved miRNA among different plant species.

Gene expression variation explains maize seed germination heterosis.

Background: Heterosis has been extensively utilized in plant breeding, however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely elusive. Maize (Zea mays), which exhibits strong heterosis, is an ideal material for studying heterosis.

Results: In this study, there is faster imbibition and development in reciprocal crossing Zhengdan958 hybrids than in their parent lines during seed germination.

Fine-tuning shoot meristem size to feed the world.

In order to maintain food security for the world's growing population, crop yields need to be significantly improved. Domestication and crop improvement involve modification of traits such as fruit size and seed number to optimize productivity. Although these traits are selected at the mature stage, they are determined during the development of shoot meristem, a tissue that forms successive meristems and reproductive organs that make edible fruits or seeds.

Mechanism of phosphate adsorption on superparamagnetic microparticles modified with transitional elements: Experimental observation and computational modelling.

Microparticle sorbents (MPSs) containing nano-FeO core, nano-layered double hydroxides shell modified with different transitional elements (TE-MPSs) are effective for capturing phosphate from wastewater. In present article, different TE-MPSs loaded with Ce, La, Zr and Hf were synthesized and the phosphorous removal performances were compared. The molecular-level mechanism of phosphate adsorption was successfully simulated by pseudo-atom model based on virtual crystal approximation method, which was in line with the spectroscopic data.

Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci and Candidate Genes for Maize Starch Granule Size through Association Mapping.

Starch is an important nutrient component of maize kernels, and starch granule size largely determines kernel waxiness, viscosity, and other physiochemical and processing properties. To explore the genetic basis of maize starch granule size, 266 tropical, subtropical, and temperate inbred lines were subjected to genome-wide association analyses with an array of 56,110 random single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In the present panel, the kernel starch granule size ranged from 7-15.