文章基本信息

标题：Ovary abortion is prevalent in diverse maize inbred lines and is under genetic control
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作者：Jeffery L. Gustin ; Susan K. Boehlein ; Janine R. Shaw 等
期刊名称：Scientific Reports
电子版ISSN：2045-2322
出版年度：2018
卷号：8
期号：1
页码：13032
DOI：10.1038/s41598-018-31216-9
语种：English
出版社：Springer Nature
摘要：Crop improvement programs focus on characteristics that are important for plant productivity. Typically genes underlying these traits are identified and stacked to create improved cultivars. Hence, identification of valuable traits for plant productivity is critical for plant improvement. Here we describe an important characteristic for maize productivity. Despite the fact mature maize ears are typically covered with kernels, we find that only a fraction of ovaries give rise to mature kernels. Non-developed ovaries degenerate while neighboring fertilized ovaries produce kernels that fill the ear. Abortion occurs throughout the ear, not just at the tip. We show that the fraction of aborted ovaries/kernels is genetically controlled and varies widely among maize lines, and low abortion genotypes are rare. Reducing or eliminating ovary abortion could substantially increase yield, making this characteristic a new target for selection in maize improvement programs.