By Andi Anderson
A discovery by Iowa State University scientists has unveiled a gene that plays a vital role in the growth and resilience of corn. The gene, named ZmPILS6, is crucial for transporting a hormone that controls the plant's size, both above and below ground.
The research, led by Dior Kelley, assistant professor of genetics, development, and cell biology, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Kelley emphasized the importance of this era in science, stating, “We have all this high-quality genome data, and now we have the task of figuring out what the genes actually do.”
The team's approach involved reverse genetic screening, a method that took them seven years to fully understand ZmPILS6's role in plant development. This rigorous process, though time-consuming, proved vital in understanding how the gene affects plant architecture.
The absence of this gene in modified plants led to a significant reduction in root lateral formation and plant height, suggesting its potential for developing 'dwarf' or 'pixie' corn varieties.
These shorter plants would not only use fewer resources but also better withstand challenging environmental conditions like high winds.
Kelley's team's research also highlighted the unique behavior of plant proteins, which can differ significantly even among similar genes in different species.
She remarked on the unexpected findings, stating, "It illustrates that plant proteins, which have evolved in different contexts, can behave differently."
The project was a collaborative effort, with significant contributions from Craig Cowling, a doctoral student who played a key role in confirming the gene's functions.
Cowling shared his personal journey from a high school student with no college ambitions to a leading researcher, expressing his surprise and gratitude for his role in this significant scientific contribution.
The research was supported by competitive grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, among other sources.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Corn