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Recent Advances in Maize Stress Biology
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Recent Advances in Maize Stress Biology

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 July 2024) | Viewed by 9331

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Haidong Lu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
Interests: maize; plastic film coverage; stress tolerance; plant nutrition; soil temperature; adversity physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the main staple crops, and has the highest grain yield per unit area in the world. However, during the growth and development of maize, it often suffers from biotic and abiotic stress, which affects the yield and quality of maize and seriously affects food security. This Special Issue mainly focuses on the biological basis for the formation of important traits of maize and the mechanism of environmental adaptability, the mining of maize stress resistance genes and their function identification, etc., in order to provide basic scientific support for the analysis of maize stress resistance mechanisms and genetic improvement, and to help the breeding of excellent maize varieties. Original research articles about these topics will be accepted.

Dr. Haidong Lu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • maize
  • crop stress resistance
  • molecular biology
  • stress resistance genes
  • yield

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 3707 KiB  
Article
Identification of SNP and SilicoDArT Markers and Characterization of Their Linked Candidate Genes Associated with Maize Smut Resistance
by Agnieszka Tomkowiak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11358; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111358 - 22 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1226
Abstract
The implementation of biological advancements in agricultural production is the response to the needs of the agricultural sector in the 21st century, enabling increased production and improved food quality. Biological progress in the maize breeding and seed industries is unique in terms of [...] Read more.
The implementation of biological advancements in agricultural production is the response to the needs of the agricultural sector in the 21st century, enabling increased production and improved food quality. Biological progress in the maize breeding and seed industries is unique in terms of their social and ecological innovation aspects. It affects agricultural productivity and the adaptation of cultivated maize varieties to market demands and changing climate conditions without compromising the environment. Modern maize resistance breeding relies on a wide range of molecular genetic research techniques. These technologies enable the identification of genomic regions associated with maize smut resistance, which is crucial for characterizing and manipulating these regions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify molecular markers (SilicoDArT and SNP) linked to candidate genes responsible for maize smut resistance, utilizing next-generation sequencing, as well as association and physical mapping. By using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and statistical tools, the analyzed maize genotypes were divided into heterotic groups, which enabled the prediction of the hybrid formula in heterosis crosses. In addition, Illumina sequencing identified 60,436 SilicoDArT markers and 32,178 SNP markers (92,614 in total). For association mapping, 32,900 markers (26,234 SilicoDArT and 6666 SNP) meeting the criteria (MAF > 0.25 and the number of missing observations < 10%) were used. Among the selected markers, 61 were highly statistically significant (LOD > 2.3). Among the selected 61 highly statistically significant markers (LOD > 2.3), 10 were significantly associated with plant resistance to maize smut in two locations (Smolice and Kobierzyce). Of the 10 selected markers, 3 SilicoDArT (24016548, 2504588, 4578578) and 3 SNP (4779579, 2467511, 4584208) markers were located within genes. According to literature reports, of these six genes, three (ATAD3, EDM2, and CYP97A3) are characterized proteins that may play a role in the immune response that develops in response to corn smut infection. In the case of genotypes belonging to the same origin groups, markers linked to these genes can be used to select varieties resistant to corn smut. These markers will also be tested on genotypes belonging to other maize origin groups to demonstrate their universality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Maize Stress Biology)
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18 pages, 5695 KiB  
Article
Benzoxazinoids Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Identification and Expression Analysis in Maize under Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
by Xiaoqiang Zhao, Zhenzhen Shi, Fuqiang He, Yining Niu, Guoxiang Qi, Siqi Sun, Xin Li and Xiquan Gao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7460; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137460 - 7 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1526
Abstract
Benzoxazinoids (BXs) are unique bioactive metabolites with protective and allelopathic properties in maize in response to diverse stresses. The production of BXs involves the fine regulations of BXs biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). However, little is known about whether and how the expression pattern [...] Read more.
Benzoxazinoids (BXs) are unique bioactive metabolites with protective and allelopathic properties in maize in response to diverse stresses. The production of BXs involves the fine regulations of BXs biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). However, little is known about whether and how the expression pattern of BGC members is impacted by biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, maize BGC was systemically investigated and 26 BGC gene members were identified on seven chromosomes, for which Bin 4.00–4.01/4.03–4.04/7.02 were the most enriched regions. All BX proteins were clearly divided into three classes and seven subclasses, and ten conserved motifs were further identified among these proteins. These proteins were localized in the subcellular compartments of chloroplast, endoplasmic reticulum, or cytoplasmic, where their catalytic activities were specifically executed. Three independent RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) analyses revealed that the expression profiles of the majority of BGC gene members were distinctly affected by multiple treatments, including light spectral quality, low-temperature, 24-epibrassinolide induction, and Asian corn borer infestation. Thirteen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with high and specific expression levels were commonly detected among three RNA-Seq, as core conserved BGC members for regulating BXs biosynthesis under multiple abiotic/biotic stimulates. Moreover, the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) verified that six core conserved genes in BGC were significantly differentially expressed in leaves of seedlings upon four treatments, which caused significant increases in 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) content under darkness and wound treatments, whereas a clear decrease in DIMBOA content was observed under low-temperature treatment. In conclusion, the changes in BX metabolites in maize were regulated by BGC gene members in multiple stress presences. Therefore, the identification of key genes associated with BX accumulation under biotic/abiotic stresses will provide valuable gene resources for breeding maize varieties with enhanced capability to adapt to environmental stresses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Maize Stress Biology)
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Review

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25 pages, 409 KiB  
Review
Advances in Research on Southern Corn Rust, a Devasting Fungal Disease
by Yanyong Cao, Zeqiang Cheng, Juan Ma, Wenbo Yang, Xueman Liu, Xuan Zhang, Jinghua Zhang, Xiaolin Wu and Canxing Duan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(24), 13644; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252413644 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1296
Abstract
Southern corn rust (SCR), caused by the obligate biotrophic fungus Puccinia polysora Underw., represents one of the most devastating threats to maize production, potentially resulting in yield losses exceeding 50%. Due to global climate change and cropping practices, epiphytotics of SCR have been [...] Read more.
Southern corn rust (SCR), caused by the obligate biotrophic fungus Puccinia polysora Underw., represents one of the most devastating threats to maize production, potentially resulting in yield losses exceeding 50%. Due to global climate change and cropping practices, epiphytotics of SCR have been increasingly reported, and are progressively spreading from tropical and subtropical maize growing areas to higher latitude areas. Over the past decade, researchers worldwide have undertaken extensive investigations into SCR, encompassing its occurrence and transmission pathways, the causative pathogen, the identification of resistant/tolerant germplasms along with associated genes/QTL, as well as potential control strategies. Nevertheless, information pertaining to this disease remains fragmented; thus far, standardized preventive and control measures have yet to be established. In response to this situation, this review seeks to comprehensively synthesize research findings on SCR while providing valuable insights into its occurrence, prevention, and control strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse impact and losses caused by SCR on global maize production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Maize Stress Biology)
27 pages, 1572 KiB  
Review
A Critical Review of Recent Advances in Maize Stress Molecular Biology
by Lingbo Meng, Jian Zhang and Nicholas Clarke
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 12383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212383 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1922
Abstract
With the intensification of global climate change and environmental stress, research on abiotic and biotic stress resistance in maize is particularly important. High temperatures and drought, low temperatures, heavy metals, salinization, and diseases are widespread stress factors that can reduce maize yields and [...] Read more.
With the intensification of global climate change and environmental stress, research on abiotic and biotic stress resistance in maize is particularly important. High temperatures and drought, low temperatures, heavy metals, salinization, and diseases are widespread stress factors that can reduce maize yields and are a focus of maize-breeding research. Molecular biology provides new opportunities for the study of maize and other plants. This article reviews the physiological and biochemical responses of maize to high temperatures and drought, low temperatures, heavy metals, salinization, and diseases, as well as the molecular mechanisms associated with them. Special attention is given to key transcription factors in signal transduction pathways and their roles in regulating maize stress adaptability. In addition, the application of transcriptomics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and QTL technology provides new strategies for the identification of molecular markers and genes for maize-stress-resistance traits. Crop genetic improvements through gene editing technologies such as the CRISPR/Cas system provide a new avenue for the development of new stress-resistant varieties. These studies not only help to understand the molecular basis of maize stress responses but also provide important scientific evidence for improving crop tolerance through molecular biological methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Maize Stress Biology)
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15 pages, 663 KiB  
Review
Molecular Mechanisms for Regulating Stomatal Formation across Diverse Plant Species
by Wenqi Zhou, Jieshan Liu, Wenjin Wang, Yongsheng Li, Zixu Ma, Haijun He, Xiaojuan Wang, Xiaorong Lian, Xiaoyun Dong, Xiaoqiang Zhao and Yuqian Zhou
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10403; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910403 - 27 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2425
Abstract
Plant stomata play a crucial role in photosynthesis by regulating transpiration and gas exchange. Meanwhile, environmental cues can also affect the formation of stomata. Stomatal formation, therefore, is optimized for the survival and growth of the plant despite variable environmental conditions. To adapt [...] Read more.
Plant stomata play a crucial role in photosynthesis by regulating transpiration and gas exchange. Meanwhile, environmental cues can also affect the formation of stomata. Stomatal formation, therefore, is optimized for the survival and growth of the plant despite variable environmental conditions. To adapt to environmental conditions, plants open and close stomatal pores and even regulate the number of stomata that develop on the epidermis. There are great differences in the leaf structure and developmental origin of the cell in the leaf between Arabidopsis and grass plants. These differences affect the fine regulation of stomatal formation due to different plant species. In this paper, a comprehensive overview of stomatal formation and the molecular networks and genetic mechanisms regulating the polar division and cell fate of stomatal progenitor cells in dicotyledonous plants such as Arabidopsis and Poaceae plants such as Oryza sativa and Zea mays is provided. The processes of stomatal formation mediated by plant hormones and environmental factors are summarized, and a model of stomatal formation in plants based on the regulation of multiple signaling pathways is outlined. These results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of stomatal formation and epidermal morphogenesis in plants and provide a valuable theoretical basis and gene resources for improving crop resilience and yield traits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Maize Stress Biology)
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