Scientists from the Chinese mainland have made a groundbreaking advancement in agricultural biotechnology by developing a gene-editing technique that reduces corn plant height. This innovation enables the creation of compact, high-density corn varieties that are more resistant to lodging, according to a study published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal.
Corn is the world's most-produced cereal crop and plays a critical role in global food security. Increasing planting density is a key strategy for boosting yields, but progress in developing shorter, sturdier corn plants has been limited by a lack of genetic resources.
The research was conducted by the Biotechnology Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), in collaboration with Anhui Agricultural University and South China Agricultural University. The team focused on modifying the Br2 gene through targeted gene editing. Researchers designed a knockout vector for the Br2 gene and identified seven transgenic lines with distinct mutations in corn inbred varieties.
Hybridization experiments demonstrated that all 28 hybrid offspring derived from crosses with elite inbred lines produced dwarf progeny. To accelerate the breeding process, the team developed a haploid inducer-mediated genome editing system, enabling the conversion of edited haploid plants into stable double-haploid lines within two generations. Three elite inbred lines treated with the system exhibited significant reductions in plant height.
\"This method allows rapid and precise modification of plant height across different genetic backgrounds,\" said Wang Baobao, corresponding author of the study and a researcher at CAAS. \"It provides critical technical support for breeding corn varieties optimized for dense planting and enhanced lodging resistance.\"
Reference(s):
China develops gene-editing method to reduce corn plant height
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