Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Photoperiod and Thermo-sensitive Genic Male Sterility in Plants.

Photo-thermosensitive genic male sterile (P/TGMS) lines display male sterility under high temperature/long-day light conditions, and male fertility under low temperature/short-day light conditions. P/TGMS lines are the fundamental basis for the two-line hybrid breeding, which has notably increased the yield potential and grain quality of rice cultivars. In this review, we focus on the research progress on photoperiod and thermosensitive genic male sterility in plants. The essence for P/TGMS line is their ability to produce viable pollen under varying conditions. We have provided an overview of the process involved in anther and pollen development, as well as the molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms underlying P/TGMS in Arabidopsis, rice and other crops. Slow development has been identified as a common mechanism in both Arabidopsis and rice P/TGMS fertility restoration, while ROS homeostasis has been implicated in rice P/TGMS. Furthermore, we have discussed the prospective applications of P/TGMS and potential solutions to challenges in this field. This review deepens our understanding of the mechanisms underlying P/TGMS and its utilization in two-line hybrid breeding across diverse crops.