ZmELF3.1 integrates the RA2‐TSH4 module to repress maize tassel branching

• DOI: 10.1111/nph.19329
• Publication Date: 2023-10-20T04:42:17Z
• Authors: Yurong Xie; Yongping Zhao; Lihong Chen; Yanli Wang; Weicong Xue; Dexin Kong; Changyu Li; Linyu Zhou; Huiru Li; Yanfeng Zhao; Baobao Wang; Miaoyun Xu; Binbin Zhao; Anna Bilska‐Kos; Haiyang Wang
• Keywords: Tassel; Branching (polymer chemistry)

Summary Tassel branch number (TBN) is a key agronomic trait for adapting to high‐density planting and grain yield in maize. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying tassel branching are still largely unknown. Here, we used genetic studies together show that ZmELF3.1 plays critical role regulating TBN Previous showed forms evening complex through interacting with ZmELF4 ZmLUX regulate flowering maize RA2 TSH4 ( ZmSBP2 ) suppresses promotes maize, respectively. In this study, loss‐of‐function mutants of exhibit significant increase TBN. We also directly binds promoter represses its expression, thus leading reduced further demonstrate interacts both ZmELF4.2 form tri‐protein complexes enhance binding , suppressed expression consequently decreased Our combined results establish novel functional link between ELF3‐ELF4‐RA2 miR156‐SPL module provide valuable target improvement