Natural variation in MORE GRAINS 1 regulates grain number and grain weight in rice

• DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13674
• Publication Date: 2024-05-23T11:59:21Z
• Authors: Yingchun Han; Qianfeng Hu; Nuo Gong; Huimin Yan; Najeeb Ullah Khan; Yanxiu Du; Hongzheng Sun; Quanzhi Zhao; Wanxi Peng; Zichao Li; Zhanying Zhang; Junzhou Li
• Keywords: Panicle; Expansin; Genetically modified rice

ABSTRACT Grain yield is determined mainly by grain number and weight. In this study, we identified characterized MORE GRAINS1 ( MOG1 ), a gene associated with weight in rice Oryza sativa L.), through map‐based cloning. Overexpression of increased 18.6%–22.3% under field conditions. We that MOG1, bHLH transcription factor, interacts OsbHLH107 directly activates the expression LONELY GUY LOG which encodes cytokinin‐activating enzyme cell expansion EXPANSIN‐LIKE1 EXPLA1 positively regulating per panicle Natural variations promoter coding regions between Hap‐LNW Hap‐HNW alleles resulted changes level transcriptional activation, leading to functional differences. Haplotype analysis revealed Hap‐HNW, results greater heavier grains, has undergone strong selection but been poorly utilized modern lowland breeding. summary, MOG1–OsbHLH107 complex promote division young panicles cytokinin pathway, thereby increasing These findings suggest could be used strategies breed high‐yielding temperate japonica rice.