Switchgrass SPL Genes Affect Tiller Initiation and Biomass Yield
May 18, 2016http://biotechnologyforbiofuels.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13068-016-0516-z
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The SQUAMOSA PROMOTER-BINDING PROTEIN (SBP-box)-LIKE transcription factors (SPLs) change plant architecture and vegetative-to-reproductive phase transition significantly, making them promising candidates for genetic improvement of biomass yield. However, the SPL genes have not yet been investigated in herbaceous energy crops.
Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers identified 35 SPL genes (PvSPL) in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). The team then focused on two PvSPLs and explored the function of PvSPL1 and PvSPL2. Analysis showed that PvSPL1 and PvSPL2 act redundantly to control tiller initiation and stem elongation. Additionally, suppression of both genes in switchgrass can increase tiller numbers and reduce lignin accumulation, which consequently result in elevated biomass yield and cell wall saccharification efficiency.
Results suggest that PvSPL2 and its paralogs can be used as targets in molecular breeding of energy crops for developing germplasms with high biofuel production.
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