[www.isaaa.org]
.jpgResearchers from VIB-UGent have discovered a gene that significantly
increases plant growth and seed yield in maize. The results from laboratory
research were confirmed during a two-year field trials conducted in Belgium
and the U.S. showing that this gene can increase seed yield in maize hybrids
by 10 to 15%. The results of the greenhouse and field trials are published
in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

VIB-UGent scientists, headed by Prof. Dirk Inzé and Dr. Hilde Nelissen, are
conducting research into the molecular mechanisms behind leaf growth in
maize. Leaf development is a blueprint for plant growth processes. Indeed,
knowing how leaves grow provides a great deal of information about the
growth of the plant as a whole. The researchers discovered a gene in maize,
named PLA1, which significantly increases plant growth and size of plant
organs such as leaves and cobs.

Scientific research at the cell level demonstrated that PLA1 extends the
duration of plant growth. "Plants with the PLA1 trait, therefore, grow
longer, meaning they become bigger and produce more seeds, which can be a
benefit farmers", says Dr. Nelissen. Multi-seasonal field experiments, both
in Belgium and the United States, have shown that PLA1 increases biomass and
seed yield in maize inbred lines and hybrids. The field trials in Belgium
were conducted in cooperation with Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries
Research.

In the greenhouse, the researchers discovered that PLA1 plays a role in how
plants cope with drought stress. The growth-enhancing PLA1 trait appeared to
partly compensate for the growth reduction that normally occurs as a result
of long periods of water shortage. These findings also offer a perspective
for developing agricultural crops that guarantee stable yields even when the
weather conditions are less favorable. In this way, new varieties of crops
can help cope with the effects of climate change. Further research is now
focused on finding out the molecular mechanisms that lie at the basis of
increased yield.

[www.nature.com]



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