A Weak Allele of FASCIATED EAR 2 (FEA2) Increases Maize Kernel Row Number (KRN) and Yield in Elite Maize Hybrids

Meristems are central to plant growth and development, yet evidence of directly manipulating this control to improve crop yield is scarce. Kernel row number (KRN) is an important agronomic trait that can directly affect maize (Zea mays L.) yield. However, this trait is difficult to select by phenotyping, since it is highly variable in the mixed genetic backgrounds in early selfing generations. This study sought to improve this trait by marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) of a weak allele of FASCIATED EAR 2 that is known to affect inflorescence meristem size, but the effect of which on yield is unclear. All of the four introgressed tropical elite inbreds of different heterotic groups, which are homozygous for the fea2-1328 allele, had 2–5 more KRNs compared to their respective recurrent parents. Furthermore, one hybrid made from crosses between two introgressed parents also had KRN increases that resulted in up to 28% yield increase compared to the original hybrid across multiple yield trials. The novel negative effects of the pericentromeric fea2 and/or its linkage drag effect on plant height, seed weight, and ear length, which could prevent line improvement, were revealed in several genetic backgrounds. Integration of conventional phenotypic selection to overcome these undesirable effects was discussed. This is the first work to demonstrate the possibility to increase yield of maize varieties using a mutation in a meristem size regulator. The crossing, selection strategies, and recombinant lines in this work can be applied to other elite maize hybrids and provide a potentially straightforward, non-transgenic way to improve the yield of an existing variety by 8–28%.

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF CYTOPLASM ON THE KERNEL ROW NUMBER OF MAIZE INBRED LINES

The aim of the present study was to determine effects of both, different types ofcytoplasm (cms-C, cms-S and fertile) and environmental factors on the kernel rownumber of 12 maize inbreds lines. The trial with inbred lines was set up in twolocations (Zemun Polje-Selection field and Zemun Polje-Školsko dobro) in 2013and 2014. Moreover, the three-replicate trials were set up according to therandomised complete block design within each type of cytoplasm. Each plot withinthe replicate consisted of four rows. Fertile versions of inbred lines were sown intwo border rows and they were pollinators for their sterile counterparts. Statisticbiometricdata processing was based on mean values per replicate and included theanalysis of variance. According to this analysis, significant differences in thekernel row number were established among inbred lines in dependence on the typeof cytoplasm, year and the location. The average kernel row number ranged from10.3 (L9) to 15.8 (L5 and L7). The variation of the kernel row number, related to thesource of cytoplasm, was very significant. Differences (Lsd0.01) in the kernel rownumber were not determined in inbred lines L5, L8, L10 and L12 in regard to the typeof cytoplasm: cms-C, cms-S and fertile. The average kernel row numbersignificantly (P1%) varied in regard to the year of investigation. A higher averagevalue (13.75) was established in 2014 than in 2013 (13.31). The kernel row numberper year very significantly varied (Lsd0.01) in all inbreds, but the differences werenot significant in the inbreds L2, L3, L8, L9 and L12. Gained results point out toeffects of different types of cytoplasm on the kernel row number.