A deficient CP24 allele defines variation for dynamic nonphotochemical quenching and photosystem II efficiency in maize

• DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koaf063
• Publication Date: 2025-04-24T07:31:27Z
• Authors: John N Ferguson; Leonardo Caproni; Julia Walter; Katie Shaw; Lucia Arce-Cubas; Alice Baines; Min Soe Thein; Svenja Mager; Georgia Taylor; Lee Cackett; Jyotirmaya Mathan; Richard L Vath; Leo Martin; Bernard Genty; Mario Enrico Pè; Tracy Lawson; Matteo Dell’Acqua; Johannes Kromdijk
• Keywords: Variation (astronomy)

Abstract Maize (Zea mays L.) is a global crop species in which CO2 assimilation occurs via the C4 pathway. photosynthesis typically more efficient than C3 under warm and dry conditions; however, despite this inherent advantage, considerable variation remains photosynthetic efficiency for that could be leveraged to benefit performance. Here, we investigate genetic architecture of nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) photosystem II (PSII) using combination high-throughput phenotyping quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping field-grown Multi-parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) population. QTL was followed by identification putative candidate genes genomics, transcriptomics, protein biochemistry, targeted physiological phenotyping. We identified four with causal role observed effects. The highest confidence gene found large effect on chromosome 10, underpinned allelic expression minor PSII antenna light harvesting complex subunit (LHCB6 or CP24), mainly driven poor associated haplotype F7 founder line. historical line breeding early flowering time may suggest presence deficient allele enriched temperate maize germplasm. These findings advance our understanding basis NPQ plants highlight potential strategies aimed at optimizing maize.