Modification of nitrogen remobilization, grain fill and leaf senescence in maize (Zea mays) by transposon insertional mutagenesis in a protease gene

IS Donnison, AP Gay, H Thomas, KJ Edwards, D Edwards, CL James, AM Thomas, HJ Ougham

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

46 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

• A maize (Zea mays) senescence-associated legumain gene, See2β, was characterized at the physiological and molecular levels to determine its role in senescence and resource allocation. • A reverse-genetics screen of a maize Mutator (Mu) population identified a Mu insertion in See2β. Maize plants homozygous for the insertion were produced. These See2 mutant and sibling wild-type plants were grown under high or low quantities of nitrogen (N). • The early development of both genotypes was similar; however, tassel tip and collar emergence occurred earlier in the mutant. Senescence of the mutant leaves followed a similar pattern to that of wild-type leaves, but at later sampling points mutant plants contained more chlorophyll than wild-type plants and showed a small extension in photosynthetic activity. Total plant weight was higher in the wild-type than in the mutant, and there was a genotype × N interaction. Mutant plants under low N maintained cob weight, in contrast to wild-type plants under the same treatment. • It is concluded, on the basis of transposon mutagenesis, that See2β has an important role in N-use and resource allocation under N-limited conditions, and a minor but significant function in the later stages of senescence.
Translated title of the contributionModification of nitrogen remobilization, grain fill and leaf senescence in maize (Zea mays) by transposon insertional mutagenesis in a protease gene
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)481 - 494
Number of pages14
JournalNew Phytologist
Volume173 (3)
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2007

Bibliographical note

Publisher: Blackwell

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Modification of nitrogen remobilization, grain fill and leaf senescence in maize (Zea mays) by transposon insertional mutagenesis in a protease gene'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this