Reduced expression of selected FASCICLIN-LIKE ARABINOGALACTAN PROTEIN genes associates with the abortion of kernels in field crops of Zea mays (maize) and of Arabidopsis seeds

Ignacio Cagnola, Juan; Dumont de Chassart, Gonzalo Javier; Elizabeth Ibarra, Silvia; Chimenti, Claudio; Maria Ricardi, Martiniano; Delzer, Brent; Ghiglione, Hernan; Zhu, Tong; Elena Otegui, Maria; Manuel Estevez, Jose; Jose Casal, Jorge

Abstract

Abortion of fertilized ovaries at the tip of the ear can generate significant yield losses in maize crops. To investigate the mechanisms involved in this process, 2 maize hybrids were grown in field crops at 2 sowing densities and under 3 irrigation regimes (well-watered control, drought before pollination, and drought during pollination), in all possible combinations. Samples of ear tips were taken 2-6 days after synchronous hand pollination and used for the analysis of gene expression and sugars. Glucose and fructose levels increased in kernels with high abortion risk. Several FASCICLIN-LIKE ARABINOGALACTAN PROTEIN (FLA) genes showed negative correlation with abortion. The expression of ZmFLA7 responded to drought only at the tip of the ear. The abundance of arabinogalactan protein (AGP) glycan epitopes decreased with drought and pharmacological treatments that reduce AGP activity enhanced the abortion of fertilized ovaries. Drought also reduced the expression of AthFLA9 in the siliques of Arabidopsis thaliana. Gain- and loss-of-function mutants of Arabidopsis showed a negative correlation between AthFLA9 and seed abortion. On the basis of gene expression patterns, pharmacological, and genetic evidence, we propose that stress-induced reductions in the expression of selected FLA genes enhance abortion of fertilized ovaries in maize and Arabidopsis.

Más información

Título según WOS: ID WOS:000424841000015 Not found in local WOS DB
Título de la Revista: PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
Volumen: 41
Número: 3
Editorial: Wiley
Fecha de publicación: 2018
Página de inicio: 661
Página final: 674
DOI:

10.1111/pce.13136

Notas: ISI